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Manifold

An STL file is a bunch of triangles that define the surface of the model. The slicer takes those triangles, builds a 3D image, and slices it.

There can be problems with the STL file that prevent the slicer from building a nice 3D image. When that happens strange things can happen. You might get an error that the model is not manifold. You could end up with extra strange parts when you slice. The slicer could crash. The ever popular more.

The model must be manifold.

If you want to know what manifold is search for manifold 3D printing.