New file format available for rapid prototyping

The Custom-Fit programme, funded under Framework Programme 6 has released a specially designed file format, Neutral Scan Format (NSF), for storing both geometrical and non-geometrical data for use with Rapid Manufacturing technologies.

Custom-Fit aims to create a fully integrated system for the design, production and supply of custom-made products using Rapid Manufacturing. This involves the direct manufacturing of parts layer-by-layer using digital data. The Custom-Fit programme is targeting the manufacture of consumer goods and medical devices.

These different types of products will use different scan technologies, generating different scan formats. The NSF file format has been designed not only to store different types of 3D scan formats, but also information that is derived from the 3D scans (geometrical properties), information that was acquired by user input or other means of data acquisition (non-geometrical properties) and customer information (identity information).

NSF is based on the XML format specification and is open, portable and extendable.

A user interface, the NSF viewer, has been developed to support the editing and loading of NSF files. It is able to display 3D scans stored in a file, or load the file via the internet if the file is stored as a URL in the NSF file. By using the viewer, users will be able to add geometrical and non-geometrical properties to the file as well as personal customer information.

Custom-Fit involves 30 partners from around Europe. The aim is to create a fully integrated system for the design, production and supply of customised products.