A 3MF for such a print would simply consist of a single file. This is why a dual material print, for example, currently requires two separate STL files to be loaded – one for each material. An STL, on the other hand, contains only the simple mesh that is to be printed. The 3MF standard has been designed to have the complete model information contained within a single archive: mesh, textures, materials, colors and print ticket. Watch the video What is so good about 3MF? This was the starting point for the 3MF Consortium who developed the specification further.

So Microsoft and its partners created the initial version of code and donated its work-in-progress 3D file format. After conferring with others in the industry, they soon realised there wasn’t anything that existed that met their needs. An important consideration was how applications should pass model data to 3D printers. “We’re pleased to welcome Ultimaker and know that its award-winning innovation and experience serving both professionals and novices will help strengthen the 3MF specification and its global adoption.” The beginning of 3MFģMF came about when Microsoft and its partners wanted to implement 3D printing support that would solve their customers’ existing problems and address future needs.

“Ultimaker’s vision - to make 3D printing accessible to all - is one we share at the 3MF Consortium,” says Adrian Lannin, 3MF Consortium executive director. We needed a more modern, future-proof and free format that's still easy to implement. Ultimaker is a member and contributor, because we believe makers shouldn’t be limited by current file formats and that 3MF will make 3D printing even easier with a broader spectrum of possibilities. This XML-based data format is being developed by the 3MF Consortium, an industry association which was initially started by Microsoft and now includes names such as Shapeways and Autodesk.

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