3D printing is on its way to a more commercial market with Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft investing in developing 3D technology. Last week at3D打印周在纽约市，惠普（Hewlett-Packard 3D）印刷的全球业务总监J Scott Schiller暗示，大型技术公司之间正在建立一个财团来简化3D打印过程。最近，有关微软参与该财团的未来计划的更多详细信息。
Microsoft was ahead of the game, when they added 3D printing support into Windows 8.1 in 2013. They wanted to treat the process of printing 3D files the same as one would print out a word document. But, in retrospect Microsoft realized that their software was a little too simplified to capture more complex and attribute-rich 3D files. Microsoft is addressing the challenge that is plain as day: the .STL file format can no longer keep up with the complex capabilities of modeling software and 3D printers.
This Thursday, April 30th， 在Build 2015，Microsoft设置要宣布一种用于3D打印的新文件格式，该格式将在Windows 10中内置，该格式最早将于2015年7月发布。Microsoft的高级计划经理Gavin Gear最近说，最近说，“to empower people, maximize productivity, and unlock the full capabilities of this technology, a new file format is needed.”
He continued to describe the ideal 3D printing file, and it sounds pretty good:
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.
This new file will allow extra information that .STL files have difficulty processing, like color, surface texture, etc. This is a big step for Microsoft and 3D printing in general, as it seems Microsoft has found a way to significantly enrich one’s ability to 3D print complex objects, while significantly simplifying the process for users. We will let you know more of the details of this exciting new file format and anything else Microsoft announces about 3D printing development as soon as more details emerge after Thursday’s presentation at Microsoft’sBuild Development Conference.
