Workflow
Use STL for compatibility without making it the design master
STL is widely accepted by slicers, but it contains triangles rather than editable design intent. PurCad keeps the versioned CAD project upstream so dimension changes can regenerate a clean STL.
Choose STL when the next tool expects a mesh
STL is appropriate for common slicing and mesh inspection workflows. Confirm that millimeter units are expected because STL itself does not carry a reliable unit declaration. Keep STEP or the PurCad project when future mechanical edits are likely.
Export only after selecting the right version
Review the model, resolve blocking checks and prepare the STL from Download. Artifacts are tied to the selected version. If dimensions change later, create a new export instead of renaming an older file.
Inspect the STL in the actual slicer
Confirm overall dimensions, orientation, manifold status and intended wall count in the target slicer. Compare the slicer bounds with PurCad's built geometry report and verify that holes or thin features survived tessellation.
A valid STL is not a validated print
The mesh does not encode material, load direction, tolerances or process settings. Calibrate clearance for the printer and material, then test critical interfaces. Preserve the parametric version as the source of truth.