3D Part

graph LR;
    CAD --> id1[/3D-Part/]
    id1[/3D-Part/]:::someclass --> CAM
    CAM --> id2[/NC-Code/]
    id2[/NC-Code/] --> CNC-Machine
    CNC-Machine --> id3([Part])
    classDef someclass fill:#004f19

The 3D part or 3D file is used as an exchange between the CAD and CAM software. The 3D part is not only used to exchange between CAD and CAM, but also to exchange information between different CAD systems. For the exchange between the system STEP and X_T has been widely established. STEP as an independent format and X_T through the widespread use of Parasolid Kernel.

STEP / STP file

The STEP file format, also known as the Standard for the Exchange of Product Data, is an industrial file format developed for the exchange of 3D models and product information between different CAD systems. It has been standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is a widely used method for exchanging CAD data between different software applications.

The STEP format is based on a neutral, platform-independent data model and serves as an interface for exchanging product data, regardless of the CAD system used. It enables the transfer of geometry data, as well as information about materials, assemblies, properties, tolerances, layers and much more.

The STEP format uses a standardized data structure based on the so-called “EXPRESS” modeling schema. This schema defines the various elements and their relationships within a 3D model. The data is stored in ASCII text form, which facilitates readability and exchange.

An important advantage of the STEP format is its extensive support by various CAD software vendors. Since STEP is an international standard, most CAD systems can read and write STEP files, enabling seamless data exchange between different platforms and applications.

The STEP format has established itself as an important tool for interoperable data exchange in the CAD industry. It facilitates collaboration between different companies, enables seamless transfer of CAD data, and promotes efficiency and accuracy in the processing of 3D models.

X_T file

The X_T file format is a file format developed and used by Parasolid. Parasolid is known for its extensive use in CAD software and is used by several vendors in the industry.

The X_T file format, also known as the Parasolid text format, is a neutral, platform-independent standard for the exchange of CAD data. It enables the transfer of 3D geometry information between different CAD systems and applications, whether or not they use Parasolid as their core.

The X_T file contains both the geometric shapes and the structural information of a CAD model. It stores precise 3D geometry data such as points, lines, curves, surfaces and solids. In addition, other information such as colors, materials, layers and properties can also be stored in the X_T file.

The X_T format offers several advantages. First, it is an open and widely used file format that is supported by many CAD software vendors. This allows users to easily exchange and share their CAD models between different systems without conversion steps or data loss. On the other hand, the X_T format preserves the precision of the geometry data, ensuring accurate rendering of the model in other CAD systems.

It is important to note that the X_T format has a binary counterpart called the X_B file. While X_T is a text-based representation of the model, X_B is a binary representation. Both formats contain the same geometry data, but the X_B files tend to be more compact and can be loaded faster.

Overall, the X_T file format is an important interface for exchanging 3D geometry data between different CAD systems. It facilitates collaboration, data exchange, and interoperability in the CAD world and helps improve efficiency and accuracy when processing CAD models.