AutoCAD to 3MF Conversion
We’ve compiled a list of valuable resources, brimming with step-by-step guides and expert tips for converting AutoCAD drawings to 3MF format using our converters. Go through them now to simplify your AutoCAD drawings conversion later.
- Convert 3D Mesh Files in the Batch Mode
- Upgrade to Modern 3MF for Full-Color 3D Printing
- Automesher Desktop Application for Windows to Convert 3D File Formats
- Enhance BricsCAD V24 with Automesher and Automapki Applications
- Import and Export STL, OBJ, 3DS, PLY, 3DM, SKP, IGES, and STEP Files
AutoCAD vs. 3MF Comparison
| Property | AutoCAD | 3MF |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .dwg | .3mf |
| Name | AutoCAD Drawing | 3D Manufacturing Format |
| Versions |
|
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| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components |
AutoCAD Drawing
Autodesk's AutoCAD is a leading software program in the field of Computer Aided Design (CAD). It is renowned for its support of the native DWG drawing format. It has the following features:
- DWG Format: The native file format of AutoCAD, which can store both 2D and 3D geometry data, as well as project metadata, such as layers, blocks, dimensions, etc. DWG files are compatible with many other CAD applications and can be easily shared and edited.
- AutoCAD Add-ons: Our Automesher Application and Automapki Application are add-ons for AutoCAD that allow you to import and export 3D and GIS data from various external file formats, such as STL, SKP, OBJ, SHP, KML, etc. These add-ons enable you to integrate geospatial data with your CAD designs and create complex 3D models from different sources.
- ObjectARX Technology: The customization technology for AutoCAD provided by Autodesk, which we use to develop our AutoCAD add-ons. ObjectARX allows us to access and manipulate the AutoCAD objects and data, as well as the user interface and commands. ObjectARX ensures that our add-ons are fully compatible and integrated with the AutoCAD environment.
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.