The 3MF Consortium has introduced an extension to its 3D model format that opens up new possibilities for the visualisation of voxel-based data. This innovation could have a significant impact on the development of advanced 3D printing technologies.
3MF was developed as a successor to the widely used but limited STL format. In contrast to STL, which only describes the surface of an object using triangles, 3MF can contain additional information such as colour, materials and property rights.
The new volumetric extension now makes it possible to integrate voxel-based information into 3MF files. This allows objects with variable material properties such as opacity, colour and strength to be represented throughout the volume.
This development is particularly relevant for emerging voxel-based 3D printing processes. It enables standardised data exchange between different systems and prevents the emergence of incompatible, proprietary formats.
For designers, this means that in future they will be able to create 3MF models that are correctly interpreted and implemented by different technologies. This promotes interoperability and flexibility in the 3D printing workflow.
Although the impact of this enhancement may be limited at present, its importance will grow as advanced voxel-based 3D printing technologies become more widespread.
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