STEP to 3MF Conversion
This list contains valuable resources, complete with detailed guides and expert advice for converting STEP files to 3MF format using our converters. Check them out now for a smooth conversion of your STEP files later.
- Convert 3D Mesh Files in the Batch Mode
- Enhance BricsCAD V24 with Automesher and Automapki Applications
- Upgrade to Modern 3MF for Full-Color 3D Printing
- Automesher Desktop Application for Windows to Convert 3D File Formats
STEP vs 3MF Comparison
| Property | STEP | 3MF |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .stp, .step | .3mf |
| Name | STandardized Exchange of Product | 3D Manufacturing Format |
| Versions |
|
|
| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components |
STandardized Exchange of Product File
A file format used for the exchange of 3D data across various computer systems, including CAD, CAM, and CAE, in a standardized format. Some of the benefits and features of STEP files are:
- Compatibility: STEP is widely supported by many software applications and platforms, making it easy to share and collaborate on 3D models across different domains and industries.
- Accuracy: STEP preserves the exact shape and dimensions of 3D models, unlike some other mesh formats (SKP, OBJ, or STL) that may introduce errors or distortions during conversion.
- Materials: STEP file format supports colors per assembly. However, it lacks an alpha component. This means that any transparency effects applied to 3D models will not be visible or preserved in the STEP files.
STEP Files Converter: STEP files can be very large, especially when they contain complex or high-resolution 3D models. One way to reduce the file size is to use Autoconverter software, which can utilize the faceted BREP representation, potentially saving up to one-third of the file size. It uses the Open Cascade framework, ensuring compatibility with the latest STEP standards.
3D Manufacturing File
An open-source XML file format that was created by the 3MF Consortium, a group of companies and organizations involved in the 3D printing industry. Unlike the older STL format, which only stores the geometry of 3D models, 3MF can also store additional information, such as:
- Color: 3MF can define the color of each triangle in a 3D model, allowing for more realistic and detailed prints.
- Transparency: 3MF can specify the opacity of each triangle or vertex in a 3D model, enabling the creation of transparent or translucent objects.
- Texture: 3MF can associate a 2D image with a 3D model, and map the image coordinates to the model coordinates, resulting in textured prints.
- Metadata: 3MF can include custom data such as author, title, description, or license for each 3D model, facilitating the sharing and management of 3D files.
3MF File Converters: Our products, Autoconverter and Automesher Application, are compatible with 3MF. To import and export 3MF files they utilize the official lib3mf library. However, there is one limitation that you should be aware of: 3MF does not support group hierarchies, which are used to organize 3D models into hierarchical subgroups. Therefore, if you have a 3D model that contains group hierarchies, you will lose them when you convert it to 3MF.