🛠️ Convert COB to 3MF: Caligari File to 3D Manufacturing Format Converter

How to Convert COB to 3MF?

Need to convert COB to 3MF? This straightforward step-by-step guide walks you through the full process using our robust conversion tool:

  1. 📥 Download and Install

    Download and install Autoconverter on your system. This application will let you to convert your COB files to 3MF format - no additional CAD software required.

  2. 📂 Open Your COB File

    Go to File > Open… to load your COB file (*.cob, *.scn), or drag and drop it directly into the application window. The model loads into the 3D viewport for inspection before converting.

  3. 💾 Save As 3MF Format

    Go to File > Save As…, select 3MF (*.3mf) as the output format, choose your destination folder and filename, then click Save to complete the COB to 3MF conversion.

COB Caligari TrueSpace COB File Format

The COB file format was developed by Caligari Corporation for its 3D modeling and animation software, TrueSpace. COB files store complete 3D scene data including geometry, materials, textures, lights, and animation. Though TrueSpace is now discontinued, COB remains an essential format for preserving and converting legacy 3D content.

Key Features of COB Files

  • Full 3D Scene Storage: COB files encapsulate entire scenes with objects, lighting, cameras, and animation data.
  • Two Format Variants:
    • ASCII COB: Human-readable format ideal for manual inspection and debugging.
    • Binary COB: Compact format optimized for performance and faster loading times.
  • Material & Texture Support: Includes surface colors, image textures, and basic shading information.
  • Geometry Types: Supports both NURBS-based and polygon mesh 3D models for greater flexibility.

COB File Conversion Tools

Use Autoconverter and Automesher Application to import and convert COB files into modern 3D formats such as FBX, OBJ, SKP, STEP, and SAT. Our converters retain crucial data including UV mapping, materials, and mesh topology by utilizing the Open Asset Import Library (Assimp) for accurate and reliable file processing.

Note: COB files can only be imported - exporting to COB format is not supported.

3MF 3MF (3D Manufacturing Format) File

The 3MF (3D Manufacturing Format) is an open-source XML-based file format developed by the 3MF Consortium - an industry group composed of leading companies in the 3D printing sector. 3MF was specifically designed to address the limitations of older formats like STL, offering a richer, more extensible framework for modern additive manufacturing workflows. With 3MF, you can store not just the model geometry, but also color, textures, material properties, and metadata within a single compressed file.

Key Advantages of 3MF Over STL

Unlike traditional STL files that store only basic 3D geometry, the 3MF format provides a wide range of enhanced capabilities:

  • Color Support: Enables full-color 3D printing by defining colors per triangle or per object, enhancing model realism.
  • Texture Mapping: Associates 2D image textures with 3D surfaces, producing highly detailed and visually realistic prints.
  • Embedded Metadata: Includes detailed information such as author, copyright, licensing, description, and more - improving project management and file documentation.
  • ZIP Compression: Uses ZIP-based packaging to efficiently compress and bundle model data, reducing file size while maintaining structure and content.

3MF File Conversion and Workflow

Our Autoconverter and Automesher Application offer full support for importing, exporting, and converting 3MF files. Powered by the official lib3mf library, our software ensures high compatibility and reliable file processing across various 3D printing and CAD workflows.

Note: A current limitation of the 3MF format is its lack of support for nested group hierarchies. When converting complex 3D models with subgroup structures, the hierarchy will be flattened during export. Nevertheless, 3MF remains a highly advanced and preferred format for professional 3D printing, providing significant advantages over older standards like STL.

Streamline Your 3D Printing Projects

Upgrade your additive manufacturing workflows with powerful 3MF file conversion capabilities. Try Autoconverter and Automesher Application today to experience seamless 3MF file handling, enhanced model fidelity, and smoother 3D printing preparation!

COB vs 3MF - Comparison

The table below outlines the main differences between COB and 3MF file formats for 3D modeling, CAD, and GIS workflows.

Feature COB 3MF
Extensions .cob, .scn .3mf
Name Caligari TrueSpace Object 3D Manufacturing Format
Textures ❌ ✅
Colors ✅ ✅
Geometry Components ❌ ✅
User Attributes ❌ ✅
Quads ❌ ❌
Importers
Exporters 🚫

More COB and 3MF Conversion Guides

Looking for help with COB to 3MF conversion? Our expert guides below cover COB files conversion from start to finish:

👉 Stop wasting time on manual COB and 3MF conversion. Let our COB to 3MF converter handle it with speed and accuracy you can rely on.