Can You Transfer Cad Files to Student Version Then Back Again
Recommended Formats For Sharing CAD Files
Whether you're looking to get a office produced, quoted, modified, 3D printed, etc., it's important you understand the different types of CAD file formats and which one you lot should use. CAD files are extremely important starting at pattern conception all the manner to production and quality inspection.
Unfortunately, because of the diverseness of unlike CAD Softwares available today, file compatibility has become a major issue. Because of this, you'll demand to learn the difference betwixt native and neutral CAD file formats.
For Skimmers:
- Quick Post Preview: In this post, nosotros comprehend the different CAD file formats & extensions, their Pros & Cons, and which format you lot should choose.
- Who This Post Is For: Engineers, Purchasers (who typically deal with quoting projects), Programme Managers, Architects, Designers, Students, and anyone else who uses CAD software.
- Approximate Post Read Fourth dimension: v Minutes
Native File Formats
Native file formats are based on the particular CAD software you're using, giving you access to the most information possible virtually your CAD file. Native files requite you the ability to have full advantage of all the features of a specific plan (like SolidWorks), instead of skipping over aspects similar what you'll see later with the neutral file format. Because of this, if your customer or vendor has the same CAD software every bit yous, we recommend sticking with the native format.
I'grand not going to get into total detail nigh these, just I wanted to at the very least list out the most common native CAD file formats you lot'll run across:
| Format | Extensions |
| AutoCAD | .dwg |
| CATIA V4 | .model |
| CATIA V5, V6 | CATPart, CATProduct, CGR |
| Creo | .prt, .asm |
| NX, Unigraphics | .prt, .jt, .j_t |
| Pro/East | .prt, .asm |
| Inventor | ipt, iam |
| MicroStation | dgn |
| SolidWorks | .sldprt, .sldasm |
| Solid Edge | .par, .asm, .psm |
Neutral File Formats
Neutral file formats were developed to make it easier to exchange files with someone that is using different CAD software. These types of file formats are extremely beneficial when you lot don't want to pay for another CAD software yous may merely use once or twice. The major drawback of choosing a neutral format is typically data quality degradation.
The most common neutral file formats we'll be going in-depth on include:
| Format | Extensions |
| STEP | .stp, .step |
| STL | .stl |
| IGES | .igs, .iges |
| 3D PDF | |
| Parasolid | .x_t, .x_b |
| VRML | .vrml |
| X3D | .x3d |
| COLLADA | .dae |
| DXF | .dxf |
Step (.stp, .step)
STEP is the well-nigh pop neutral CAD format in the world today as information technology was standardized past ISO committee in 1994 under the official name "ISO 10303-21", and was designed to be the international standard. Stride stands for STandard for the Due eastxchange of Product model data.
Pros
- Stores information using a mathematical representation of curves (referred to as NURBS) to give a perfect surface definition
- Most widely used and accustomed neutral format today (standard across many industries)
- Developed by ISO
- Skillful file compression (making it more ideal for sharing over the internet)
- No loss of quality with the source files in terms of details
- Allows downward compatibility (Example: A file created in Autodesk Inventor 2016 tin still exist used in Autodesk Inventor 2015)
Cons
- No materials or textures as STEP focuses on shape and course
- Slow to release new updates quickly
- No lighting or camera data
- Tin't be direct rendered as it needs to be processed by a software algorithm that converts the mathematical surface representation into a series of triangles
- Cannot incorporate parametric intelligence and characteristic history
STL (.stl)
STL, which stands for Sterolighography, was designed back in the eighty's when file size was a BIG deal. Similarly, information technology is only been within the last decade that the "model is primary" has been adopted by the industry. The STL file was built in a time where things similar texture, small details, and EVERYTHING you lot ever wanted to know most a part was captured in the cartoon, not the CAD file. The CAD file, up until recently, was supplementary. But now, you lot can store measurements, material information, texture, and loads of other information well-nigh the part.
So why practice we apply stuff similar STLs today? Well, it's easy. The lawmaking is written. It'southward inexpensive to continue to utilise something that'due south been around for so long. And it nonetheless has its value today. Again, slap-up for rapid prototyping and small file size.
Pros
- Great for prototyping or gathering estimated volumes and measurements from
- Nearly universal and very commonly used
- File size
Cons
- Not something you'll desire to apply if you were going to need super-precise measurements. Information technology is not a precise representation of a part
- Geometry resolution can cause issues in manufacturing (a circle will never be a truthful circle)
- Only describes the surface geometry of a 3D object
- Does not represent Color, Texture, or other mutual CAD Attributes
IGES (.IGS, .IGES)
IGES, which stands for Initial Graphics Exchange Specification, was the first neutral CAD file format invented towards the late 1970s, early 1980s. This format is mainly used for surface geometry and design work. While IGES is widely supported, it has a hard time computing complex parts' faces, then it will judge and intermission models into surfaces, resulting in the user having to repair to get to solid body in some instances. Its limitations and the variety of better alternative neutral formats are resulting in engineers moving away from this file type.
Cons
- Files are imported as solid models, not surface geometry
- Oftentimes gets translated with gaps between the surfaces, missing faces, and occasionally surfaces with faces in the wrong orientation
- Cannot bear MBD (Model-Based Definition) information, nor can it carry PMI (Production and Manufacturing Data) data
- IGES files often have to be repaired resulting in engineers having to spend several hours a week fixing design data
3D PDF (.pdf)
3D PDF format is considered equally more of a universal choice for sharing and exchaging CAD prints as anyone with Adobe Reader can open and view information technology.
Pros
- Hands viewable on computers, smartphones, and tablets
- Great for sharing with those who don't have CAD software or viewers, as PDFs only crave Adobe Reader to view files
- Can exist used to aid reduce file size in order to send via e-mail
Cons
- Slow performance
- Very express capabilities
Parasolid (.x_t, .x_b)
Parasolid is a geometric modeling kernel that tin be licensed by other companies for employ in their CAD software. This format's capabilities include model creation and editing utilities, advanced surfacing, thickening & hollowing, blending & filleting, and sheet modeling.
Pros
- Not bad CAD consign pick for engineers using SolidWorks or NX
Cons
- Non a standard format
- Cannot communicate and migrate 2nd data such equally lines and arcs
- Has to be licensed
VRML (.vrml)
VRML, which stands for Virtual Reality Modeling Language, is a standard format used to correspond 3D interactive vector graphics. VRML files are in patently text and are useful for transferring over the net more apace. This format uses a polygonal mesh to encode surface geometry & tin store appearance-related information (such as color and texture).
Pros
- Compress well using gzip, making it more than useful for transferring via the cyberspace
Cons
- Failed to gain traction due to capabilities remaining stagnant while 3D graphics improved quickly
X3D (.x3d)
X3D was the successor of the VRML format. X3D is an XML based 3D file format that supports all features of the XRML format, along with some additions. For example, on superlative of being able to store appearance related information (like what y'all tin can dow with VRML), X3D adds NURBS encoding of the surface geometry, the capability of storing scene related information, and support for animation.
Pros
- Designed to integrate seamlessly with HTML5 pages (wants to become the standard 3D file format for the spider web).
Cons
- Has non received wide acceptance
COLLADA (.dae)
Collada is a 3D file format used more heavily within the video game and picture manufacture. This format supports geometry, appearance-related backdrop, materials, textures, and animations. In 2013, information technology was adopted by ISO equally a publicly available specification, ISO/PAS 17506, which resulted in lots of 3D modeling software supporting the format
Pros
- Supports kinematics and physics
- Supported by lots of 3D modeling software
Cons
- Hasn't stayed up to date, resulting in some shifting more towards other formats
DXF (.dxf)
DXF, whicch stands for Cartoon commutation Format, is the neutral format from AutoCAD that tin cross platforms (unlike the DWG format). DXF is a vector file that stores 2D drawings, pregnant that you can edit private elements that make up an epitome. DXF files are widely used as DWG since information technology is supported by most CAD programs.
Pros
- Open-sourced and almost every CAD software supports information technology
Cons
- DXF files are ordinarily larger in size
- Only retains information such as line piece of work, dimensions, and text
- Does non support application-specific data
What Format Should I Use?
All of this information well-nigh CAD file formats for sharing applied science design is all fine and dandy, merely for those of you looking for quick answers to common questions, bank check out what we recommend beneath:
Best Results and Information Quality
Use a Native CAD format every bit long as both you and your client or vendor accept the same CAD software that y'all're using.
Best Neutral CAD Format Pick
At Echo, our preference goes to Footstep format equally information technology is the almost pop neutral CAD format in the world. With that said, it may come down to the projection yous're working on. If your file contains texture or material, the Step file may non be your all-time option.
3D Printed Parts / Rapid Prototypes
STL format is an splendid choice for this option.
You May Also Like...
hootonwastabory1945.blogspot.com
Source: https://www.echosupply.com/blog/top-file-formats-for-sharing-cad-designs