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Convert Your 3D Mesh/Model 3MF Files to STEP

Our free and fast tool will convert most 3D mesh or 3MF (3D Manufacturing Format) model files to a standard STEP (STEP-File) file that can then be edited further in most popular 3D editing packages such as Blender or 3D printed without any further processing. Our conversion tool can also batch convert multiple 3MF files; up to 25 files at a time can be converted.

To convert your 3MF file, click the Upload button above and select the file to convert. Once selected, the file will be converted to a STEP file and will be ready for download shortly afterwards. For more information about the 3MF to STEP conversion process, see the conversion information section below.

Upload a 3MF

Click the "Upload a 3MF File" button and select a 3MF to upload. The maximum file size is 100MB.

Download your STEP

Click the download link once completed to receive your STEP file.

File Format Information for 3MF to STEP

Extension3MF
Full Name3D Manufacturing Format
Type3D Model
Mime Typeapplication/vnd.ms-package.3dmanufacturing-3dmodel+xml
FormatBinary
Tools3MF Converters, 3D Model Voxelizer, Create 3MF Animation, Compress 3MF, 3MF Asset Extractor, Text to 3MF, 3MF Viewer

Description

3MF files are a modern 3D file format designed specifically for use with 3D printable models (additive manufacturing). It was designed to be the successor to the popular legacy STL format (also a common format in 3D printing) to overcome the limitations of that format.

The format of 3MF files is XML-based and compressed with standard Zip file compression, resulting in small, easily transferable files. The format supports 3D meshes along with associated materials and textures, all contained within the Zip file.

3MF Notes

If your 3MF file contains textures, these will be included in the conversion process. If a material contains color information, this will be translated where possible.

Supported Features

  • Mesh geometry
  • Face and vertex colors
  • Textures
ExtensionSTEP
Full NameSTEP-File
Type3D Model
Mime Typeapplication/octet-stream
FormatBinary
ToolsSTEP Converters, 3D Model Voxelizer, Create STEP Animation, Text to STEP, STEP Viewer
Open WithCAD Assistant

Description

The STEP file format is a 3D format defined in 1994 and used to store 3D objects for use in computer-aided design (CAD) applications. STEP files are text-based, formatted files containing one instance per line.

Although STEP files are widely supported by most CAD applications, the format does have its limitations, such as the necessity to read the complete file into memory in order to parse the contents, and due to the textual storage of information, the files can be quite large.

Comparing 3MF and STEP Features

 

  • Mesh Geometry (Vertices and Faces)
  • Vertex Normals
  • Face Normals
  • Vertex Colors
  • Face Materials (Excluding textures)
  • Textures
  • Point Cloud
  • Multiple Objects Per File
  • Object Transforms (Translation, Rotation, and Scale)
  • Bones/Joints
  • Animations
  • Suitable for 3D Printing
  • Mesh Geometry (Vertices and Faces)
  • Vertex Normals
  • Face Normals
  • Vertex Colors
  • Face Materials (Excluding textures)
  • Textures
  • Point Cloud
  • Multiple Objects Per File
  • Object Transforms (Translation, Rotation, and Scale)
  • Bones/Joints
  • Animations
  • Suitable for 3D Printing

How does it work?

Converting from the 3MF file format to STEP can be a complex process and any tool used for this conversion process needs to be able to handle a variety of data conversion tasks as well as identify any defects within the 3D model and fix them. Here we will explain the conversion process used by our tool to accurately convert your 3MF file to a valid STEP 3D model suitable for 3D printing. Lets start with the conversion process, which involves the following steps:

Step 1: Read the Source 3MF File

Step 1: Read the Source 3MF File

A 3MF file is a collection of 3D model data files including mesh and texture data compressed into a single file aimed at the 3D printing arena. The file is basically a ZIP file containing the relevant 3D files with the 3MF extension. The internal mesh structure is stored within various XML files making this easy to read in using a standard XML parser.

Our tool can read the compressed 3MF file and parse the 3D model contents taking into account all vertex, face and material information. As the 3MF format supports nested models within the 3D scene our tool will check for these and perform any world space transforms that are needed.

When our tool reads this 3D data, all we are interested in are the vertices, faces, and normals, as this is the only data that can be accurately converted into the final STEP file.

The 3MF file can contain other data, such as material definitions and textures, that describe how a particular set of 3D geometry should be rendered. As we are creating an STEP file, which does not support materials and textures, we will be ignoring this data if it is present in the 3MF file.

For more information regarding the 3MF file format, please see this great article that goes into a lot of detail explaining the 3MF format.

Step 2: Process File Data

With the 3MF file data read, our tool generates an internal representation of the full 3D model and will attempt to fix any geometry issues encountered. Along with repairing any issues with the 3D model, the tool will remove any duplicated vertices and prepare the model for exporting to the STEP format.

Step 3: Saving to the STEP Format

With the conversion process entering its final stages, our tool now needs to take the in-memory 3D model we have created in step 2 and convert it to the STEP format.

How can I convert my 3MF file to STEP?

First click the "Upload..." button, select your 3MF file to upload. Select any configuration options. When the 3MF to STEP conversion has completed, you can download your STEP file straight away.

How long does it take to convert my 3MF to STEP?

We aim to process all 3MF to STEP conversions as quickly as possible, this usually takes around 5 seconds but can be more for larger more complex files so please be patient.

How accurate is the 3MF to STEP conversion?

We aim to create the most accurate conversions with our tools. Our tools are under constant development with new features and improvements being added every week.

Is it safe to convert my 3MF to STEP on ImageToStl.com?

Yes, of course! We do not store the 3MF file you submit to us. The resulting STEP file, once created is deleted 15 minutes after upload and the download link will expire after this time.

Do I need a high-spec. computer to use the 3MF to STEP converter?

No. All our conversion tools process your 3MF file on our dedicated conversion servers, meaning you can use our tools on low-spec computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices and receive your converted STEP file quickly.

Can I convert my 3MF to STEP on Windows, Linux, Android, iOS or Mac OS?

Yes! Our 3MF to STEP tool will run on any system with a modern web browser. No specialist software is needed to run any of our conversion tools.

What if I am using an Ad Blocker, will that affect things?

Yes. Although you can use an Ad Blocker, if you like our 3MF conversion tool please consider white-listing our site. When an Ad Blocker is enabled there are some conversion limits on some of our tools and processing/conversion times will be longer.

Can I get support with converting my 3MF to STEP?

Yes. When you have converted your 3MF to STEP, there is a "Feedback" option that you can use to let us know of any issues you encountered when converting your file.

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