Anyhow, step/iges support. STL's are like programming is assembly. You want to modify something? Break out s mesh editor and start moving vertices, cutting, etc. I don't know why 3D printing settled on stl. Step/iges would be better. Sldprt, ipt, would be awesome. Sketch up and openscad wouldn't be bad either.
Further, beyond modification of parts, this allows for settings on a per feature basis much like cnc machining does where in for example, hsmworks, you select the faces, select the tool, select the operation, select settings for the operation. I personally just suspect that there are strength gains for parts to be had, material savings for areas that dive need strength, and any number of other benefits that could be realized by per feature settings. Of course with stls all you have are triangles so it's pointless to try. I'm seriously considering spending a good deal of time at a local maker space to make an inventor add in for slicing that is like hsmworks for 3D printing (if a good one doesn't exist somewhere already). But to be honest, I'd rather spend my time making stuff than software. I make software enough hours a day already!
