CADfix removes barriers that prevent the reuse of solid models by providing an extensive set of geometry manipulation tools for importing CAD/CAM/CAE data, repairing it, and exporting the data in the most suitable form for reuse in the downstream system.

Through a user-friendly Wizard interface, the geometry repair and preparation process ensures that the model is correctly defined and suitably flavored for the downstream application by detecting and repairing a range of CAD geometry issues. CADfix also offers model de-featuring utilities which are very popular with CAE analysis users who require automated de-featuring operations (i.e. joining or collapsing of short edges and small faces, removing fillets and rounds, removing holes, etc.).

CADfix is packaged as a desktop or server solution with extensible modular functionality dependent upon the source and target systems of the end user. The application may be integrated into PLM or workflow automation tools. CADfix also serves as a pre-processor for custom geometric translation, repair, de-featuring and meshing tools for proprietary, CAE-centric OEM applications.

CAD Interop is a CAD Interoperability Solutions distributor. We offer a full range of products or services that can effectively meet your CAD interoperability issues. The distribution of these products is supplemented, if necessary, by audits, advice and program implementation solutions to ensure seamless integration into your environment.

DraftView for Personal Designer view, print or export Personal Designer drawings. Reading PD drawings directly has many advantages. For viewing purposes, it eliminates the overhead of storing PD drawings as duplicate image files. Direct viewing also provides greater functionality, such as layer and view control. These capabilities are not possible with duplicate non-CAD files, such as CGM, HPGL or raster images. With DraftView you always view the actual Personal Designer drawing, eliminating the potential for viewing "stale" image files.

DraftView for CADDS view, print or export CADDS designs. Reading CADDS designs directly has many advantages. For viewing purposes, it eliminates the overhead of storing CADDS drawings as duplicate image files. Direct viewing also provides greater functionality, such as layer and view control. These capabilities are not possible with duplicate non-CAD files, such as CGM, HPGL or raster images. With DraftView you always view the actual CADDS design, eliminating the potential for viewing "stale" image files.

CADIQ identifies problems and differences in CAD models that can impact downstream applications such as analysis and manufacturing. CADIQ's advanced comparison capability allows users to accurately compare 3D CAD models - validating CAD data exchange, migration and legacy data re-mastering processes, as well as facilitating automatic, documented change control and validation as part of a certified data delivery process.

DrawtoPMI is an automatic tool for converting a 3D CAD model and its' associative 2D Drawing to a single 3D part file containing Product Manufacturing Information (PMI), including views, cross sections, functional tolerances and annotations.

The DEXcenter enterprise solution is a web based application automating and managing the exchange of CAD data in a multi-CAD environment between customers, suppliers and partners. Highly configurable to fit with any PLM environment, it automates the running of CAD systems, batch processing and translation with the secure transmission of data to the recipients.

DEXcenter offers OEMs and suppliers a secure, SOA-compliant, vendor-neutral platform for automating CAD/CAM/CAE/PLM interoperability workflows, including:

• Supplier-OEM collaboration
• Legacy data conversion
• Model usability and validation
• Long-term data retention and archival

DEXcenter consists of a Global Collaboration Portal providing web access and a Process Automation Engine that automates CAD and other processing workflows. The Global Collaboration Portal can be used with the Process Automation Engine as a completely stand-alone server solution providing interactive "Push Button" data translation and exchange. Alternatively the Process Automation Engine can be integrated with existing PLM or other business applications to provide robust batch processing. Modular components can be included to support direct integrations for PLM systems, archival systems, third-party translators, intellectual property security and model-based validation.

The DEXcenter web interface provides easy accessibility to all users with standard web browsers. The user interface is designed to provide very easy use for occasional and casual users yet provide advanced functionality for expert users who need greater control and flexibility.

I-deas Master-Series is a CAD system developed by SDRC and Siemens PLM.

I-DEAS file extensions are
.mf1, .mf2 (model file)
.prt (Part)
.asm (Assembly)
.drw, .asc (Drawing)
.pkg (package file)
.arc, .unv, .prg (I-deas Archive, Manufacturing Universal & Program files)
.lis (Model solution results file)

I-DEAS supported native or neutral formats are STL, JT, IGES, DXF, DWG, STEP, Parasolid, NX (PKG).

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view, translate and validate I-DEAS files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with I-DEAS:

Solid Edge is a CAD software developed by Siemens PLM.

Solid Edge file extensions are
.par (Part)
.asm (Assembly)
.dft (Drawing)
.dtf (document)
.cmp_xml (XML design)

Solid Edge supported native or neutral formats are STL, IGES, DXF, DWG, STEP, Microstation, Parasolid, ACIS, PLMXML, NX.

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view, translate and validate Solid Edge files. We offer custom solution to meet every unique need:

AutoCAD is a CAD software developed by Autodesk.

AutoCAD file extensions are
.dwg (3D & 2D)
.dwf (3D & 2D)

AutoCAD supported native or neutral formats are IGES, DXF, DWG, ACIS.

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view, translate and validate AutoCAD files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with AutoCAD:

Personal Designer is a CAD software developed by ComputerVision.

Personal Designer file extension is .drw
Several variants are also called : Personal Machinist, Microdraft, microCADDS, 4Design

Personal Designer supported native or neutral formats are IGES, DXF.

CAD Interop distributes softwares to view and migrate Personal Designer files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with Personal designer:

SolidWorks is a CAD software developed by Dassault Systèmes.

SolidWorks file extensions are
.sldprt (part)
.sldasm (assembly)
.slddrw (drawing)
.slddrt (template)

SolidWorks supported native or neutral formats are IGES, DXF, DWG, STEP, ACIS, STL, Parasolid, PDF, VDA.

CAD Interop distributes several Softwares to view, translate and validate SolidWorks files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with SolidWorks:

Inventor is a CAD software developed by Autodesk.

Inventor file extensions are

Part (.ipt)
Assembly (.iam)
Presentation (.ipn)
Drawing (.idw, .dwg)

AutoCAD supported native or neutral formats are IGES, DXF, DWG, ACIS.

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view, translate and validate Inventor files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with Inventor:

What are the recommended formats for exchanges between CAD software and 3D software?

Computer-aided design (CAD) is an essential technology for engineers and designers to create 3D models for a variety of projects. However, there are many proprietary 3D software programs, each with their own file format. This can pose a major challenge for interoperability between different software and can lead to compatibility issues between different file formats in the most common scenarios, including:

• Conversion or migration between native CAD formats
• Conversion or archiving with neutral formats
• Conversion to mesh formats for visualization or simulation
• Utilization of point clouds resulting from scanning

A little bit of definition: What is a data format?

In computer science, the data format refers to how data is organized and represented in an information carrier, using a standardized convention to encode data types as a sequence of bits. This data format allows data to be placed in specific locations in a template so that computer tools can easily find it. Data formats can include information representing text, pages, images, sounds, executable files, etc., and they enable data exchange between various computer programs and software. When this data is stored in a file, it is referred to as a file format. The ability to exchange data between different software programs is known as interoperability.

Data format facilitates interoperability between different software programs and allows users to share data without encountering compatibility issues.

Proprietary formats used for CAD

There are many proprietary formats for CAD, but some of the most common ones are:

• CATIA: is a proprietary CAD software developed by Dassault Systèmes and used in the aerospace, automotive, and other industries for the design of complex products.
• Creo: formerly known as Pro/ENGINEER, is another proprietary CAD software developed by PTC and used in various industries for product design.
• NX: is a proprietary CAD software developed by Siemens and used in the aerospace, automotive, and other industries for the design of complex products.
• SolidWorks: is a proprietary CAD software developed by Dassault Systèmes and used in various industries for product design.
• AutoCAD: is a proprietary CAD software developed by Autodesk and used in architecture, construction, and engineering.

Neutral formats used for CAD interoperability

To solve interoperability problems, neutral file formats have been developed to allow different CAD software to communicate with each other. The most common neutral file formats are:

• STEP: is a standard file format for exchanging data between different CAD software. It supports geometry, topology, and material property information.
• IGES: is a neutral file format that supports exchanging data between different CAD software, including geometry, topology, and material property information.
• JT: is a neutral file format developed by Siemens PLM Software for the visualization and exchange of 3D product data.

Mesh formats used for CAD interoperability to simulation or visualization

Mesh formats are used to store 3D models as a grid of points that are connected to form a surface. The most common mesh formats are:

• FBX: is a mesh file format developed by Autodesk for 3D models, animation, and textures.
• GlTF: is a mesh file format for 3D models primarily used for virtual and augmented reality applications.
• OBJ: is a standard mesh file format used to store 3D models, including geometry, texture, and color information.

Point cloud formats used for visualization and scanning

Point cloud formats are used to store sets of three-dimensional points, which can be used to represent physical objects. The most common point cloud formats are:

• E57: is a point cloud file format developed to store 3D scanning data from various types of laser scanners.
• LAS: is a point cloud file format developed to store 3D scanning data from airborne laser scanners.
• PCD: is a point cloud file format developed to store point cloud data from 3D scanners, 3D cameras, and CAD software.
• PLY: is a point cloud file format developed to store 3D scanning data and meshes.

In conclusion, interoperability between different 3D software is essential to allow designers and engineers to work with 3D models from different sources. Neutral file formats, conversion software or interfaces, file conversion plugins, and interoperability tools are all means to achieve interoperability between 3D software.

Catia V5 is a CAD system developed by Dassault Systèmes in 1998, currently widely used in the automotive, aerospace  and others industries.

Main Catia V5 file extensions are:

• .CATPart (part)
• .CATProduct (Assembly)
• .CATDrawing (drawing)
• .cgr (faceted representation)
• .3dxml (Lightened representation)

The native or neutral formats supported by Catia V5 are Catia V4, IGES, DXF, DWG, STEP, STL. Catia V5 Downgrade compatibility tool alow to convert Catia V5 models to a lower release but with some limitation : assembly not supported, multisolid not supported, some special entities not supported, parametric information lost.

Pro-Engineer is a CAD system developed by PTC (Parametric Technology Corp.). Successive versions are Pro-Engineer, Wildfire and Creo.

Pro-Engineer file extensions are
.prt (Part)
.asm (Assembly)
.drw (Drawing)
.frm (drawing format file)
.mfg (manufacturing)
.lay (layouts)
.sec (sketch)
.dgm (diagram)
.rep (report)
.mrk (markup)
.cem (schema)
.int (geometry interface previous R13)
.g (granite interface)
.neu (neutral interface)
.ol, .ed, .edz, .pvs, .pvz (Creo View)

Pro-Engineer supported native or neutral formats are STL, IGES, DXF, DWG, STEP, MEDUSA, Parasolid, ECAD, Rhino, Inventor, ACIS, VDA, ICEM.

CAD Interop distributes several Softwares to view, translate and validate Pro-Engineer or Creo files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with Pro-Engineer or Creo:

NX is a CAD system developed by Unigraphics/Siemens PLM.

NX file extensions are
.prt (Part, Assembly, Drawing)
.fem (Finit Element)
.sim (simulation)
.afm (FEM Assembly)
.udf (user defined feature)

NX supported native or neutral formats are JT, IGES, DXF, DWG, STEP, Solid Edge, Parasolid, PLMXML.

CAD Interop distributes several Softwares to view, translate and validate NX files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with NX:

Catia V4 is a CAD system developed by Dassault Systèmes on 1993. Catia V4 support has ended on 2011.

Catia V4 file extensions are 
.model (Part, Assembly or Drawing)
.exp (export)
.dlv3 (export)
.dlv4 (export)
.session (assembly/overlay of different model files)

Catia V4 supported native or neutral formats are IGES, DXF, STEP, STL.

Dassault Systèmes provides utilities to convert CATIA V4 data files so they are accessible to CATIA V5 and CATIA V6. Still, cases show that there can be issues in the data conversion from CATIA V4 to V5 from either differences in the geometric kernel between CATIA V4 and CATIA V5 or by the modelling methods employed by end users. The percentage loss can be minimized by using the appropriate pre-conversion clean-up, choosing the appropriate conversion options, and clean-up activities after conversion.

For exemple, conversion from CATIA Version 4 to Version 5 created construction problems for the Airbus A380 aircraft. These problems resulted in $6.1B of additional costs due to years of project delays when aircraft wiring was too short to make connections.

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view, translate and validate Catia V4 files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with Catia V4:

CADDS is a CAD system developed by Computer Vision next PTC. CADDS 5 is the last version.

There is no file extension in CADDS. Part, assembly and drawing file are located in a unique diretory per model : 

camu (Concurrent Assembly Mock-Up)
pl01 (drawing)
pl02 (drawing)
pl03 (drawing)
pl04 (drawing)
_fd (parametric)
_pd (3D geometry)
_db (Assembly)

CADDS supported native or neutral formats are IGES, DXF

CAD Interop distributes several solutions to view, translate or validate CADDS files. Find below the list of our products compatible with CADDS:

3D XML is a 3D data format created in 2005 by Dassault Systèmes, containing meshes, textures, lighting effects, and other 3D object properties. 3D XML is a zip container that can contain XML data and proprietary data.

The extension of 3DXML files is .3Dxml

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to visualize, translate and compare 3DXML files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with Catia V6 3DXML:

DXF (Drawing eXchange Format) is a file format developed by Autodesk for 2D geometry interoperability between CAD systems. DXF get some limitations on blocks or unit and DWG file format is perfered when possible.

DWG (from DraWinG) is a binary file format for 2D and 3D geometry storage. The DWG format is probably the most widely used format for CAD drawings. Autodesk designs, defines, and iterates the DWG format as the native format for their CAD applications but many others CAD systems use DWG format as a native format (DraftSight, AutoCAD, IntelliCAD,...) or as an interoperability format.

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view, translate and validate DXF and DWG files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with DXF and DWG formats:

Parasolid is a geometric modeling kernel. Parsolid is mainly used in all PLM Software (NX, SolidEdge...) but many others CAD systems  use Parasolid as a geometry kernel or interoperability format. Parasolid has commonly  .x_t and .x_b file extensions. Most Parasolid files includes only 3D solids and/or surface data - 2D data such as lines and arcs are nor currently supported.

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view, translate and compare Parasolid files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with Parasolid format:

STL (STereoLithography) is a Tessellation format supported by many CAD systems. It is widely used for rapid prototyping and computer-aided manufacturing. STL describes only the surface geometry of a three-dimensional object (facets based on triangle) without any representation of color, texture or other common CAD model attributes. The STL format get both ASCII and binary representations.

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view and translate STL files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with STL format:

JT is an open data format to view and share 3D product information.

JT was originally developed by Engineering Animation, Inc. and Hewlett Packard as the DirectModel toolkit (initially Jupiter). After several acquisitions, JT became a part of UGS Corp.'s suite of products. Early in 2007 UGS announced the publication of the JT data format as a master 3D format. Also in 2007, UGS was acquired by Siemens AG and became Siemens PLM Software, JT is now the common interoperability format and has been adopted as the long term data archival format across all of Siemens.

On 2009 September 18 the ISO stated officially that the JT specification has been accepted for publication as an ISO Publicly Available Specification (PAS). On 2012 December, JT has been officially published as ISO 14306:2012.

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view, translate and compare JT files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with JT format:

IGES, the Initial Graphics Exchange Specification, is designed to exchange geometry between CAD systems. The standard is developed and maintained by the ANSI-accredited IGES/PDES Organization. The first version of IGES was adopted as American National Standard ANS Y14.26M-1981. Versions 3, 4 and the most recent version 5.2 were approved by ANSI as well.

IGES support 2D and 3D geometry but STEP has replaced IGES as a standard for CAD interoperability, especially to exchange solid, PMI and assembly structure.

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view, translate and compare IGES files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with IGES format:

U3D and PRC are both 3D file formats that can be used to embed 3D models and assemblies in a PDF container file. A 3D PDF file can contain precise geometry representation (B-Rep), Tessellated (triangulated) presentation of B-Rep geometry, Assembly structure and PMI (3D annotations).

PRC (Product Representation Compact) have been created in 2002 by TTF (acquired by adobe in 2011). PRC format is now published as an ISO standard (14739-1:2014).

U3D (Universal 3D) was defined by "3D Industry Forum" consortium including diverse group of companies and organizations (Intel, Boeing, HP, Adobe Systems, Bentley Systems,Right Hemisphere and others).

PRC is generally prefered due to the following benefits:

• Shape definitions for NURBS
• Triangle mesh compression
• Annotations, PMI, Markup (missing on U3D)
• Complex Assemblies
• ISO Standard

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view, translate and compare 3D PDF files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with 3D PDF format:

ACIS is a geometric modeling kernel developed by Spatial Technology, part of Dassault Systemes. ACIS is used by many CAD systems as a geometry kernel (AutoCAD, Inventor,...) or as an interoperability format..). ACIS integrates wireframe model, surface, and solid modeling functionality with both manifold and non-manifold topology, and a rich set of geometric operations.

ACIS extension is .sat (ascii format) or .sab (binary format).

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view, exchange and compare ACIS files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with ACIS format:

VDA-FS (Verband der Automobilindustrie - FlächenschnittStelle) is a CAD data exchange format defined by the VDA German organization. VDA-FS was mainly used for surface models interoperability between CAD systems. VDA-FS has been superseded by STEP.

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view and translate VDA-FS files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with VDA-FS format:

STEP is the most popular neutral format used to exchange data between CAD systems. STEP (STandard for the Exchange of Product model data) is an ISO standard (iso 10303) to represent 3D objects and related information. The development of STEP started in 1984 as a successor of IGES, SET and VDA-FS. The initial plan was to get a single edition but because of the complexity, the standard had to be broken into separate parts (APxxx). Today AP203 is still one of the most important parts of STEP and is supported by many CAD systems for import and export.

In a second phase the capabilities of STEP got widely extended, primarily for the design of products in the aerospace, automotive, electrical, electronic, and other industries. This phase ended in 2002 with the second major release, including the STEP parts AP 202, AP 209, AP 210, AP 212, AP 214, AP 224, AP 225, AP 227, AP 232.

In mid 2010 the development of the new major AP 242 was initiated. This edition will replace the most successful STEP AP203, AP214 and other APs in the mechanical design area. In particular it will contain major updates in the area of Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, Kinematics, and Tessellation.

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view, translate and compare STEP files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with STEP format:

OBJ is a file format, defined by Wavefront, containing the description of 3D geometry in a tessellation form (triangles). Originally developed for Advanced Visualizer 3D animation software, this file format is open and has been adopted by other 3D software such as Maya, Blender, MeshLab, 3D Studio Max, etc. for import or export of 3d models.

OBJ files are in ASCII format (a binary version has the MOD extension). Materials can be referenced by importing .mtl (Material Template Library) files.

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view and translate OBJ files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with OBJ format:

The IFC format (for Industry Foundation Classes) is an open interoperability format for exchanging and sharing information between software in the architecture, building and construction industry, BIM (Building Information Modeling). This standard (ISO 16739) was born from the initiative of the IAI (International Alliance for Interoperability), since renamed buildingSMART, associating companies in the construction sector and software publishers

The most common extensions are .ifc, but also .ifcXML, .ifczip

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view, translate and compare IFC files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with IFC format:

GlTF (GL Transmission Format) is a royalty-free file format, developed from 2015 by KHRONOS, for the exchange of scenes and 3D models between tessellated geometric engine or applications for visualization in virtual reality or augmented reality. The strengths of this format are the compactness and speed of loading.

The file extensions for the GlTF format are .gltf and .glb. The binary form .glb notably includes textures rather than referencing them.

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view and translate GlTF files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with GlTF format:

The Virtual Reality Modeling Language (abbreviated in VRML) or Virtual Reality Markup Language is a description language of Virtual 3D universes defined according to the ISO standard (ISO / CEI 14772-2)

VRML files usually have the extensions .wrl, .wrz, or .vrml. VRML programs describe simple (points, lines, polygons) or complex shapes (spheres, cubes, cones, cylinders, etc.), text, images, animations, lighting, sounds, hyperlinks, as well as their layout in space, their texture, their color, their material...

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view and translate VRML files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with VRML format:

FBX is a proprietary file format (.fbx) developed by Kaydara and Autodesk. It is used to provide interoperability between tessellated geometric engine or applications for visualization in virtual reality or augmented reality. Filmbox software was later renamed MotionBuilder in 2002 but the FBX format has remained a standard for handling motion, 3D, audio and video.

The file extension for the FBX format is .fbx

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view and translate FBX files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with FBX format:

The XGL file format is designed to represent 3D information for the purpose of visualization. It attempts to capture all of the 3D information in a tessellated representation. The primary creators of XGL format (Megabitz graphics language) are the CAD packages Solid Edge By Siemens and Inventor by Autodesk.

XGL files have the extensions .xgl or .zgl for its compressed equivalent

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view and translate XGL files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with XGL format:

COLLADA (short for COLLAborative Design Activity) defines an XML interchange file format standard for 3D applications. Originally developed by Sony, it is managed by the Khronos consortium and has been adopted by the ISO standard under the ISO / PAS 17506 specification.

The file extension of the COLLADA format is .dae (digital asset exchange).

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view and translate COLLADA files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with COLLADA format:

LightWave is a 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software developed by NewTek. It is used in the film, television, advertising, and video game industry to create characters, sets, and visual effects.

The LightWave files are saved with the extensions *.lwo and *.lw for models and animations respectively. These files can be imported and exported to other 3D applications such as Maya, 3ds Max, and Blender.

CAD Interop distributes several softwares to view and translate LightWave files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with LightWave format:

OpenSceneGraph(OSG) is open source software for creating real-time 3D applications. It is used to display complex 3D scenes, such as 3D models of simulation (flight, marine, vehicle, space simulator), virtual reality or augmented reality, medical and scientific visualization, education and games .

The *.osg file extension is used to store scenes created with OSG. These files contain information about 3D models, textures, lights and cameras, and scene setup.

OSG supports import and export of many file formats, including COLLADA, OpenFlight, 3D Studio, and VRML. This allows users to work with 3D models created in other software such as SketchUp, Maya and Blender, and use them in their own OSG application.

CAD Interop distributes several software for preparing, viewing and converting OpenSceneGraph files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with the OpenSceneGraph format:

USDZ is a 3D and augmented reality (AR) file format based on Pixar technology and designed for Apple. It aims to facilitate the sharing of 3D resources for AR.

According to Pixar, USDZ is an uncompressed and unencrypted archive containing USD files and their associated graphic resources. USD, or Universal Scene Description, was designed for Pixar's animation system.

USD solves specific operational problems for animation films made by hundreds of people, allowing different artists to work on different layers of the same file, which contains the history of all modifications and manages potential conflicts.

Most importantly, the USD format allows for the grouping of all data necessary for creating a 3D scene. Pixar sees four advantages in using the USD format:

• Standardization of schemes for data exchange of geometry, shading, or deformation.
• Improved performance for reading and generating data, including geometric instantiation.
• Possibility of integrating content variations.
• Use of a flexible architecture that can be adapted.

The USDZ format addresses the problem of viewing a project designed as a common and portable format, optimized for sharing. A USDZ file is presented as an archive, viewable without decompression, and containing all the resources necessary for generating a 3D scene. Thus, 3D creation applications will be able to export a scene in a USDZ file.

CAD Interop distributes several software programs to prepare, visualize, and convert USDZ files. Below is a list of our solutions compatible with the USDZ format:

OpenCTM is a file format designed to store compact 3D triangular meshes. It comes with a library for developers and 3D designers to read and write OpenCTM files.

OpenCTM only handles triangular mesh data and is not a scene description format. It is adaptable to almost any application, allowing visualization systems, game engines, medical applications to customize their own scene or model description format using OpenCTM as the 3D data carrier format.

The file format (.ctm extension) has the following characteristics:

• Open format (zlib/libpng license).
• Supports storing vertex normals, UV coordinates, and custom vertex attributes.
• Can store very large geometries (billions of triangles and vertices).
• Compact storage of 3D triangulated geometries, using entropy reduction techniques, combined with advanced entropy coding (LZMA). An STL file can usually be compressed to 5-6% of its original size.
• Lossless compression with user-controllable precision:
  • Lossless compression (IEEE 754 32-bit floating point).
  • Fixed-point representation with user-controllable precision

The included 3D file converter (ctmconv) has the following features:

• Support for the following formats (read and write):
  • OpenCTM (.ctm)
  • COLLADA 1.4/1.5 (.dae)
  • Stereolithography (.stl
  • Stanford Triangle Format (.ply)
  • 3D Studio (.3ds)*
  • Wavefront geometry (.obj)*
  • LightWave object (.lwo)
  • Geomview object (.off)
• OpenCTM compression settings control
• Scaling and transformation
• Multiplatform: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, OpenSolaris...

The viewer application (ctmviewer) has the following features:

• OpenGL interactive 3D view:
  • GLSL-based phong shading
  • Texturing
  • Vertex colors
• Fast loading - perfect for previewing 3D files.
• Imports and exports files supported by the conversion tool.
• Portable (works on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, OpenSolaris, etc.).

CAD Interop distributes several software for preparing, viewing and converting OpenCTM files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with the OpenCTM format:

Granite is a geometric modeling kernel developed by Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC). Granite was used in first releases of Pro/Engineer but have been replaced by ACIS since CREO releases. Granite still used as an interoperability format in all Pro/Engineer releases. Granite extension is .g.

CAD Interop distributes several Softwares to view, translate and compare granite files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with Granite format:

3ds Max is 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and visualization software developed by Autodesk. Originally called 3D Studio until 1994, the software has been completely redesigned since 1996. The native 3ds Max .MAX file format is a complete scene format, which contains all components and references to scene content.

3ds Max can import the following types of files:

• Autodesk (.FBX)
• 3D Studio Mesh (.3DS, .PRJ)
• Alembic (.ABC)
• Adobe Illustrator (.AI)
• Catia V5 (.CATPART, .CATPRODUCT, .CGR)
• Collada Autodesk (.DAE)
• LandXML / DEM / DDF (.DEM, .XML, .DDF)
• AutoCAD (.DWG)
• Flight Studio OpenFlight (.FLT)
• HTR motion analysis file (.HTR)
• IGES (.IGE, .IGS, .IGES)
• Autodesk Inventor (.IPT, .IAM)
• JT (.JT)
• Catia V4 (.MODEL, MDL, SESSION, EXP, DLV, DLV3, DLV4)
• OBJ (.OBJ)
• Creo (.PRT, .NEU, .G, .ASM)
• NX (.PRT)
• Revit (.RVT)
• ACIS (.SAT)
• 3D Studio Shape (.SHP)
• SketchUp (.SKP)
• SolidWorks (.SLDPRT, .SLDASM)
• STL (.STL)
• STEP (.STP, .STEP)
• Motion Analysis TRC File (.TRC)
• Universal scene description (.USD, .USDA, .USDC)
• Autodesk Alias ​​(.WIRE)
• VRML (.WRL, .WRZ)
• Importing VIZ XML Materials (.XML)

CAD Interop distributes several software to prepare, translate and visualize your 3D CAD data in 3DS Max. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with3DSMax:

Unity is software developed by Unity Technologies for the creation and operating interactive, real-time 3D (RT3D) content. Initially used in video games and cinema domains, industry and architecture use the tool as a virtual reality and augmented reality solutions.

Unity can read the following 3D formats (recommended : source) :

• 3DS (.3ds)
• Filmbox FBX (.fbx)
• COLLADA (.dae)
• DXF (.dxf)
• Wavefront OBJ (.obj)

and the following Proprietary 3D application files :

• Autodesk® 3ds Max® (.max)
• Autodesk® Maya® (.mb or .ma)
• Blender (.blend)
• Modo (.lxo)
• Cheetah3D (.jas)

CAD Interop distributes several software to prepare, translate and visualize your 3D CAD data in Unity. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with Unity:

Unreal is software developed by Epic Games for the creation and operating interactive real-time 3D (RT3D) content. Competitor of Unity, this video game engine is also extending its domain of application in industry and architecture as a virtual reality and augmented reality solution.

Unreal can only import 3D geometries (mesh, animations, materials and textures) in Filmbox FBX (.fbx) format. see details

CAD Interop distributes several software to prepare, import and visualize your 3D CAD data in Unreal. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with Unreal:

3DViewStation is a universal software to view and analyze CAD models. Besides a Desktop-version, we provide an ActiveX-version and a WebViewer-version for cloud access. The Kisters 3DViewStation product family provides solutions for Windows desktops and notebooks, as well as for tablet-PCs and smartphones.

CAD Exchanger is software for viewing, exploring and converting 3D CAD data. CAD Exchanger supports Windows, MacOS and Linux operating systems. The solution is available as an application with a graphical interface suitable for viewing and exploring 3D models and a dedicated command-line (batch) processing application for converting CAD files.

Simlab is a 3D and virtual reality content creation solution for visualization, simulation, collaboration and animation. The solution is available in different softwares, modules and plugins for integration into CAD applications:

The PLY file format (also named Polygon File Format or Stanford Triangle Format) was designed specifically for storing 3D data from 3D Scanners, drawing inspiration from the OBJ format. It utilizes lists of polygons to represent objects, with the objective of adding versatility and the ability to store a higher number of physical elements. The outcome is a file format that has the capacity to represent various elements, such as surface normals, texture, color, transparency, coordinate values, and data confidence values. The PLY format comes in two variations: ASCII and binary, offering users the flexibility to choose the format that best suits their needs and requirements. The use of binary files ensures faster data processing speeds, while ASCII files provide greater accessibility and compatibility with other applications. Overall, PLY is a versatile and effective file format for storing 3D data.

The most common extension for Polygon File Format is .ply

CAD Interop distributes several solutions to prepare, convert and visualize your PLY data. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with the PLY format:

The XYZ file format is based on the Cartesian coordinate system (x, y, and z) and is an ASCII file format that conveys data in lines of text. However, there is no standardization of units for XYZ files, which can lead to compatibility issues across different programs. As a result, the use of XYZ files as a method of data transfer is fundamentally flawed unless additional information is supplied to ensure standardization and consistency. Despite its widespread compatibility, the lack of standardization makes it important to exercise caution when using XYZ files for data transfer and storage.

The most common extension XYZ file format is .xyz

CAD Interop distributes several solutions to prepare, convert and visualize your XYZ data. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with the XYZ format:

The PCD (Point Cloud Data) file format is specifically designed for storing 3D point cloud data, with features that were not supported by existing file formats. It is the primary data format used in the PCL library and offers the ability to store and process organized point cloud datasets. The PCD format also offers faster saving and loading of points due to its binary form, compared to other formats such as PLY, IFS, VTK, STL, OBJ, and X3D. However, these alternative formats do not have the same level of flexibility and speed as PCD files. If you are looking for a fast and flexible way to store and process your point cloud data, the PCD format is a great choice.

The most common extensions for Point Cloud Data is .pcd.

CAD Interop distributes several solutions to prepare, convert and visualize your PCD data. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with the PCD format:

E57 is a widely used vendor-neutral file format developed by ASTM International for the storage of point cloud data, images, and metadata produced by laser scanners and other 3D imaging systems. This compact file format leverages the best of both worlds, utilizing both binary and ASCII code, allowing for easy accessibility while maintaining fast processing speeds. With its ability to store normals, colours, and scalar field intensity, E57 provides a comprehensive and versatile solution for the preservation and processing of your point cloud data. Whether you are working with laser scanning equipment or other 3D imaging systems, E57 is a reliable and efficient choice for storing and processing your data.

The most common extensions for E57 is .e57

CAD Interop distributes several solutions to prepare, convert and visualize your E57data. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with the E57format:

ZBrush is a digital sculpting and painting software used by artists and designers to create high-quality 3D models and animations. It is well-known for its unique features such as DynaMesh and 3D texturing, which allow for detailed and efficient modeling. One of its key features is the ability to work with point clouds, which are collections of data points that represent a 3D shape. This is where the GoZ file format comes in.

GoZ is a file format specifically designed for ZBrush users to easily transfer their models between different software programs without losing any details. GoZ works by exporting the 3D model data into a point cloud format that can be easily imported into other software. This enables artists to work on their models in different software programs and then bring their models back into ZBrush for further sculpting and painting.

The GoZ file format is a binary file format that is compact, efficient and easy to use. It preserves the 3D geometry, texture and material information of the model, allowing for seamless integration between different software programs. GoZ solves compatibility issues when transferring their models from one software program to another. This enables designer to work with the tools that best suit their needs and to quickly bring their models into ZBrush for finalizing or reverse.

In conclusion, ZBrush and GoZ file format are an essential tool for 3D designers who want to create high-quality models with ease. The GoZ file format provides a flexible and efficient way to transfer models between different software programs, making it a key feature for those who need to work in multiple programs.

CAD Interop distributes several solutions to prepare, convert and visualize your ZBrush data exported in GoZ format. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with the GoZ format:

Rhinoceros is 3D modeling software, developed by McNeel, for the design, visualization and analysis of complex shapes. It is used in many fields such as architecture, engineering, industrial design.

Rhino can open and save files in many CAD file formats such as STEP, DWG, DXF, 3DS, and STL. It can also import files from other software such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks.

The most common Rhino software extensions are .3dm. The .3dmbak extension is used for backups and the .rws extension is for Rhino sessions.

CAD Interop distributes several software for viewing, exchanging and migrating Rhino files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with Rhino:

SketchUp is a popular 3D design software for architects, engineers, and designers. It allows for simple and intuitive creation of 3D models. One of the major strengths of SketchUp is its ability to import and export files with other CAD and design software.

File Import: SketchUp can import files in different formats such as DWG, DXF, 3DS, DAE, KMZ, etc. This means you can easily integrate existing drawings and models into your SketchUp work.

File Export: SketchUp can also export files in various formats including STL for 3D printing, PDF for presentations, JPG and PNG for still images, etc. This makes it easy to share your work with others and make it compatible with other software.

In addition to file import and export, SketchUp also offers many other features to aid in 3D design. It includes a wide range of 3D modeling tools, as well as rendering functions to add texture, light, and shadow to your models.

The most common Sketchup software extensions are .skp. 

CAD Interop distributes several software for viewing, exchanging and migrating Sketchup files. Find below the list of our solutions compatible with Sketchup: