4. Alternatives to the STL file format

To overcome the various disadvantages of the STL format, several alternatives can be implemented.

Faced with the loss of metadata, other file formats enriched with properties attached to facets or vertices (colors, texture, transparency, materials...) have been developed (PLY, OBJ, VRML).

In addition, an evolution of the STL format dedicated to additive manufacturing called Additive Manufacturing File Format (AMF) (standard ISO-ASTM 52915 ), supporting metadata such as colors, materials, textures and gradients. What's more, this latest format includes the notion of a curved triangle, thus reducing chord error.

Finally, solutions that do not break the digital chain, such as the CIRTES solution