<p>I've done <em>some</em> research on this matter however I cannot find any clear answers.   </p>

<p>How does a SolidWorks CAD file get 'converted' into a file format suitable for 3D printing, in detail?</p>

When you convert it to, let's say, a .stl (3d object file) file, I believe it converts the geometry of the parts into binary and saves the sets. These matrices can be used by the software of 3d printer in order to give the appropriate Trajectory for the extruder. And then the motion of the extruder is 'divided' amongst the available stepper motors and it generates equations of motion for the motors in electrical signals. 
That's what I've learned so far by using a 3d printer.