The 3D printing world is abuzz about a big reveal coming this Thursday at Build 2015, about Microsoft's supposedly new type of 3D printing file format. According to Microsoft, the .STL file is out of date and is limiting the output of today's machines. Microsoft added capability to handle .STL files back in 2013 for Windows 8.1.
This past week, Senior Program Manager at Microsoft Gavin Gear wrote a description of what the new file should be capable of:
"To empower people, maximize productivity, and unlock the full capabilities of this technology, a new file format is needed. It should align CAD software, 3D printing hardware and software on a more information-rich file format, specifically designed to support the needs of modern 3D printing. The file format must support information interchange throughout the entire 3D printing process, from CAD application to printer. The file format must contain a complete definition of the printed model, in a way that allows unambiguous and accurate processing of the model. Finally, the file format must be practical, simple to understand and easy to implement."
It's true, the .STL was created in 1989. And an .STL file is designed to relay a specified and designed geometry layer by layer to a printer which lays them down in sequence. Surface finishing generally requires post-processing away from the printer in order to achieve certain qualities. STL files only contain data which describe surface geometry without color or texture, and herein lies the problem. A whole range of today's 3D printers from low-cost to high-end are capable of printing objects that simply can't be described correctly due to these limitations of an .STL file.
At the Inside 3D Printing conference last week, HP also announced their commitment to upgrading and standardizing 3D printing files and 3D printing techniques with their multi-jet fusion 3D printers due out in 2016. So it seems that more giant tech companies like HP (partnered with Autodesk in December to bring Spark to its multi-jet fusion printers) and Microsoft are now committed to taking 3D printing into a new mode of "software centric" standardization. This is good news for designers who will be able to 3D print a more robust and attribute diverse version of the STL file.
I'll follow up and see what is announced in the session "Developing 3D Printing Applications and Services in Windows 10" on the afternoon of Thursday April 30th. Microsoft will explain how to learn more about the consortium of companies working together to update and standardize 3D printing. After the session, I'll have more details about the new upgraded format.
Hopefully at Build, Microsoft will not only reveal the next generation of 3D printing formats but also how Windows 10 will support the file format natively. Sharing 3D files can be difficult because different companies use different CAD packages but a common file format which operates upon an open standard and interfaces with Windows would go a long way to simplify the process. This new format could also mark the end of 3D printed parts being easy to identify from typical injection molded plastic parts because of the differences in surface finish. While 3D printing hardware continues to evolve it is only natural that new and more sophisticated file formats follow along.