Convert 3MF Files to U3D

3MF to U3D

3MF to U3D Conversion

The list below provides valuable resources, packed with detailed instructions and expert tips for converting 3MF files to U3D format using our converters. Review them now to simplify your 3MF files conversion later.


3MF vs. U3D Comparison

Property 3MF U3D
Extensions .3mf .u3d, .idtf
Name 3D Manufacturing Format Universal 3D
Versions
Textures
Colors
Geometry components

3MF 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.


U3D Universal 3D File

An open-source compressed file format that was initiated by the 3D Industry Forum. U3D is designed to store three-dimensional triangular meshes along with additional properties such as color, transparency, or texture coordinates. Here are some of the key features and advantages of U3D:

  • 3D PDF Integration: U3D enables the generation of PDF documents that contain interactive 3D data. This means that you can view, rotate, zoom, and manipulate 3D models within a PDF document. 3D PDF is a widely used and supported format that can be easily shared and distributed.
  • U3D File Converters: Autoconverter and Automesher Application are capable of reading and writing to and from the U3D file format. This allows you to convert your 3D models from various formats, such as STL, OBJ, SKP, DAE, STEP, and others, to U3D and vice versa.
  • IFX Conversion Library: Our U3D file converters use the publicly available open-source IFX conversion library provided by Intel. This library is a powerful and reliable tool that enables the conversion of 3D data to and from U3D.