A new file format for 3D printing

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Through ASTM a new universal 3D printing file format to replace the defacto standard STL. The effort was headed up by Hod Lipson. The new file format offers much more options and control to specify attributes for 3D printing of 3D models. It is an XML-based file format and is AMF (Additive Manufacturing File Format).

“This new format will mark the beginning of a new era of 3D printing capability,” Lipson said. “It’s a bit like when the world of printers took off once postscript was invented, because all printers became mutually compatible.”

For more information see the ASTM AMF page or the corresponding wikipedia article.

It remains to be seen how the 3D printer manufacturers and software developers pick this up Meanwhile I hope this XKCD cartoon is far from the truth…

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