3D printers typically use STL (Stereolithography) files, which represent models as faceted geometries—surfaces made up of many small triangles. These files allow the printer to build the model layer by layer. Similarly, 3D scanners often generate faceted mesh data when capturing real-world objects, though the resulting files may contain noise, gaps, or unwanted geometry. This two-part tutorial introduces the tools in Discovery for preparing and editing the STL files models for additive manufacturing.

Note: These video tutorials have Chinese (simplified), Japanese and English subtitles embedded in them, please activate them by navigating to the gear icon (⚙) and choose the language from captions. / 注意：这些视频教程嵌入了中文（简体）、日文和英文字幕，请通过导航到齿轮图标 （） ⚙ 并从字幕中选择语言来激活它们。/ 注意: これらのビデオチュートリアルには、中国語（簡体字）、日本語、英語の字幕が埋め込まれています。ギアアイコン（⚙）に移動して、キャプションから言語を選択することで、字幕を有効にしてください。

3D Printing Preparation in Ansys Discovery — Part 1:

In the following tutorial, you will learn how to work with faceted STL files for 3D printing—how to separate or merge parts of a model, close open geometries, and ensure the mesh is ready for export.

3D Printing Preparation in Ansys Discovery — Part 2:

The following tutorial focuses on cleaning up and preparing data from 3D scans. You’ll learn how to isolate usable geometry, remove noise or excess mesh, and make necessary edits to create a printable and accurate model.