ASTM Additive Manufacturing File Format (AMF)

[Batteau62]

Very interested in how this is going to progress. Just thought I would share for those who haven't heard
http://amf.wikispaces.com/

[Eaglezsoar]

Very interested in how this is going to progress. Just thought I would share for those who haven't heard
http://amf.wikispaces.com/

This makes for some interesting reading. I think these are going to be exciting times for the future of 3D printing. I just hope
that we can adapt all the changes in software without investing in all new equipment.

[Batteau62]

This seems like a "no brainer" to me. Everything I read about this standard is a positive for us. It's a shame it's been so slow in adoption. I actually thought it might have died but then I found this article: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/cimatrone ... ZJUDMyMF8x
I also downloaded and played with the editor: http://amf.wikispaces.com/Amf+Editor It's a little clunky, as you would expect for software in its infancy. The real shame is, it looks like nothing has been done on it in two years.
I would be really interested to hear what others on our forum think? Especially all you software guru's

edit: This is a good article, albeit from last year- http://www.develop3d.com/features/alpha ... rot-to-stl

[Eaglezsoar]

This seems like a "no brainer" to me. Everything I read about this standard is a positive for us. It's a shame it's been so slow in adoption. I actually thought it might have died but then I found this article: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/cimatrone ... ZJUDMyMF8x
I also downloaded and played with the editor: http://amf.wikispaces.com/Amf+Editor It's a little clunky, as you would expect for software in its infancy. The real shame is, it looks like nothing has been done on it in two years.
I would be really interested to hear what others on our forum think? Especially all you software guru's

As with any new technology it is slow to get started because the hardware manufacturers and software manufacturers are terrified of anything new and hate to be the first to
implement, it's the don't rock the boat logic.

[Batteau62]

You can export an AMF file from Netfab...who knew? So I think you are correct, there's going to be a tipping point. Either AMF will emerge with a "can't live without" use, or STL will get renovated for this century.

[lordbinky]

This seems like a "no brainer" to me. Everything I read about this standard is a positive for us. It's a shame it's been so slow in adoption. I actually thought it might have died but then I found this article: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/cimatrone ... ZJUDMyMF8x
I also downloaded and played with the editor: http://amf.wikispaces.com/Amf+Editor It's a little clunky, as you would expect for software in its infancy. The real shame is, it looks like nothing has been done on it in two years.
I would be really interested to hear what others on our forum think? Especially all you software guru's

As with any new technology it is slow to get started because the hardware manufacturers and software manufacturers are terrified of anything new and hate to be the first to
implement, it's the don't rock the boat logic.

Companies typically suffer from 'Everyone else is profiting from MY work!' syndrome. So even if they take a risk and it works out, they still see it as a loss

As for open source projects, they usually are hurting for money then manpower. So if there isn't something like a licensing fee driving adoption of uncommon (free) standards, they'd welcome it if someone would do the work.

Still, looking at AMF, it has some neat features. I'm not sure if variable infill is part of the 'substructure' information or not, but I hope it is part of the standard somehow. I've seen where the base of an object was printed with a near solid infill and then the higher parts with a low infill for balance. There's lots of 'Duh' (or 'Why didn't I think of that sooner!') features that can be added to 3D printing still.