Using metadata effectively

When exporting objects, CAD applications can write files containing machine-readable metadata that includes object properties, such as the material. dentalcam can use this metadata for the import, provided the data has been created correctly.

Special metadata for prefabricated abutments

Prefabricated abutments require special metadata files. Without them, an import is not possible. Importing this metadata is always activated.

CAD applications supported for importing metadata for prefabricated abutments

CAD application

File type for metadata

3Shape

xml

DWOS (Dental Wings) – partially

xml

exocad

constructioninfo

inLab (Sirona)

sci

General metadata

dentalcam can automatically extract the following object attributes from general metadata files, thereby speeding up the import process:

  • Material

  • Material color

  • Indication

  • Preparation margin

  • Drill holes

  • Interior surfaces

These metadata are optional.

The import of general metadata must be enabled in the settings. See Program settings of dentalcam.

Supported CAD applications for importing general metadata

CAD application

File type for metadata

Circle One

constructioninfo

DentalTwin

constructioninfo

exocad

constructioninfo

Itero

constructioninfo

Medit

constructioninfo

Rules for handling metadata files

Metadata files reference the corresponding STL files, so that dentalcam can correctly assign the metadata to the objects. To ensure that the assignment is successful, handle metadata files according to the following rules.

Rule

Description

Example

Keep STL files and .constructionInfo files together in one folder

dentalcam searches for the .constructionInfo file only in the folder that contains the STL files, and not in any subfolders or parent folders.

Incorrect:

Correct:

Do not rename STL files after an export

The STL file name must match the name in the .constructionInfo file exactly:

  • Consistent spelling

  • Consistent upper/lower case

  • File extension: .stl

Even Krone_11.STL instead of Krone_11.stl, or an addition such as Copy or (1), prevents the assignment.

File name in the .constructionInfo file:

Copy 
<Filename>2023-10-01_99999-056-26-coping_cad.stl</Filename>

The file name must be:

2023-10-01_99999-056-26-coping_cad.stl

Incorrect:

2023-10-01_99999-056-26-coping_cad.STL

2023-10-01_99999-056-26-coping_cad(1).stl

Do not use & in names of a patient, job, or file

Many CAD applications store the & character in the .constructionInfo file in a converted form. For this reason, an STL file with & in its name cannot be assigned to dentalcam.

Incorrect:

Johnson&Partner_crown_A1_844.stl

Correct:

Johnson-Partner_crown_A1_844.stl

Use a separate folder for each export and delete old exports

If the same patient application is exported multiple times, multiple .constructionInfo files in the folder may refer to the same STL file. In that case, dentalcam uses the first .constructionInfo file it finds, but that file is from an earlier export and therefore contains outdated data.

Incorrect:

Correct:

Automatic object import: Copy the .constructionInfo file before or along with the STL files

If STL files are copied to the import folder without a .constructionInfo file, dentalcam imports them after a few seconds without taking the metadata into account.

 

Do not edit the .constructionInfo file

Do not open or save the file in a text editor. Otherwise, dentalcam may display an error message due to invalid XML structures.