3MF is formally an ISO normal | VoxelMatters

Based a decade in the past, the 3MF Consortium got down to set up a full-fidelity file format for 3D printing that solved points associated to different generally used file codecs like STL. Now, this modern file format—an  XML-based knowledge format referred to as 3D Manufacturing Format or 3MF—has formally turn into an ISO normal: ISO/IEC 25422:2025.

The 3MF Consortium has grown considerably over time, starting with founding members 3D Techniques, Autodesk, Dassault Systèmes, FIT, GE International Analysis, HP, Materialise, Microsoft, Shapeways, Siemens PLM Software program, SLM Options Group AG, Stratasys and Ultimaker. Now, the group counts over 35 members, together with its latest members Aibuild and AMIS.

The consortium’s total aim has been to create a brand new standardized file format that customers throughout varied additive manufacturing applied sciences can depend on. This file format gives an a variety of benefits in comparison with STL, which has been among the many commonest file codecs used for 3D printing. For instance, 3MF can help way more properties and options than STL, together with knowledge associated to paint, materials and texture. Because of extensions just like the Beam Lattice Extension and Volumetric Extension, much more complicated manufacturing knowledge may also be processed.

Along with the larger data-scope of the file format, 3MF recordsdata additionally are typically extra environment friendly and smaller in measurement in comparison with STL, permitting for simpler processing. In comparison with some extra area of interest file codecs, 3MF has the broadest help throughout the trade, which gives the distinct benefit of being broadly suitable with 3D printing software program applications and {hardware}. As of final September, 3MF was reportedly supported by over 100 software program purposes.

The latest improvement of 3MF turning into an official ISO certification is vastly vital and brings the consortium an enormous step nearer to establishing 3MF as a key file format for all additive manufacturing applied sciences. “The publication of the 3MF specification as an ISO/IEC normal is a serious milestone—not only for additive manufacturing, however for a way an open and extensible normal might be developed to future proof interoperability in a quickly evolving sector,” stated Duann Scott, Govt Director of the 3MF Consortium. Now, with ISO recognition, we’ve set the stage for even broader adoption and long-term sustainability.”

Alexander Oster, Director of Additive Manufacturing at Autodesk, additionally commented on the achievement, saying: “For a decade, the members of the 3MF consortium have devoted vital assets to standardizing open supply additive knowledge pipelines with the suitable technical craftsmanship. And its scope has expanded from a easy STL substitute to an actual novel platform that serves many applied sciences, and contains beam lattices in addition to interoperable implicit geometry. It’s unbelievable that 3MF is now the usual backend format for the whole lot from hundreds of thousands of desktop FDM printers to multi-million-dollar aerospace tools.”