Understanding the format
General information about implementing attributes in 3MF files:
- 3MF Structure: 3MF files are essentially ZIP archives containing XML files and other assets. The main file is typically named “3D/3dmodel.model”.
- XML Format: The core 3MF information is stored in XML format, which allows for easy addition of custom attributes.
- Custom Metadata: You can often add custom metadata to the
<metadata>section of the 3MF XML file. This could be used for general information about the bioprinting process. - Material Properties: Material properties are usually defined in the
<resources>section, under<material>tags. You might be able to add custom properties here for bioink specifications. - Print Parameters: Print settings might be added as custom properties to object groups or to individual objects in the
<build>section. - Extensions: 3MF supports extensions for specific use cases. You might consider defining a bioprinting extension to standardize how these attributes are stored.
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<model unit="millimeter" xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/3dmanufacturing/core/2015/02"
xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/3dmanufacturing/material/2015/02"
xmlns:b="http://3mfbio.com/documentation">
<resources>
<m:compositematerials id="1" matid="5">
<m:composite values="0.7 0.3">
<b:printparameters pressure="30" temperature="37" speed="10" nozzlediameter="0.25"/>
</m:composite>
</m:compositematerials>
<basematerials id="5">
<base name="Alginate" displaycolor="#87CEEB"/>
<base name="Gelatin" displaycolor="#FAFAD2"/>
</basematerials>
</resources>
<!-- Rest of the 3MF structure -->
</model>