3D File Formats in Engineering and CAD

Introduction to 3d file formats

In the field of engineering and computer-aided design (CAD), different 3D model file formats are used for sharing and editing complex models. Here is a presentation of the main formats we are able to supply, their characteristics, and the software capable of reading them. Please note that compatibility problems may arise if you do not have the latest versions of the software. The desired format must be stipulated before ordering and, if in doubt, do not hesitate to ask us for a test file.

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Information model on the construction of the steel structure

Available file formats

1. STEP files (.step, .stp) - This format must be specified before the command

Features :

Description International standard for the exchange of product models.
Use Mechanical engineering, aerospace, automotive and manufacturing.
Benefits Wide compatibility, neutral format.

The main software programs capable of reading STEP files :

Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk Fusion 360
SolidWorks
PTC Creo
Siemens NX
CATIA
FreeCAD
Rhinoceros (Rhino)
Tinkercad
Onshape

2. PLA files (Archicad Archive) Standard

Features :

Description Archicad-specific archive format for storing complete projects.
Use Architecture and building design.

The main software programs capable of reading PLA files :

Archicad

3. IFC files (.ifc)

Features :

Description Standard for the exchange of BIM (Building Information Modeling) data.
Use Construction, architecture.
Benefits Supports detailed information on construction elements.

The main software applications capable of reading IFC files :

Autodesk Revit
ArchiCAD
Tekla Structures
Bentley Systems
Vectorworks
Solibri Model Checker
FreeCAD
BIMx

4. DWG / DXF files

Features :

Description AutoCAD drawing formats used for 2D and 3D.
Use Engineering, architecture.

The main software packages capable of reading DWG / DXF files :

Autodesk AutoCAD
DraftSight
BricsCAD
LibreCAD

5. RVT files (.rvt)

Features :

Description Autodesk Revit project file format.
Use BIM, architecture.

The main software programs capable of reading RVT files :

Autodesk Revit

6. Artlantis files

Features :

Description Format for 3D rendering and animation with Artlantis.
Use Architectural rendering, visualisation.

The main software programs capable of reading Artlantis files :

Artlantis Studio

7. SketchUp files (.skp)

Features :

Description 3D model format used by SketchUp.
Use Architectural design, interior design.

The main software programs capable of reading SketchUp files :

SketchUp
Trimble Connect
Blender (with plugin)

8. Collada files (.dae)

Features :

Description Exchange format for graphics applications.
Use 3D animation, video games, visualisation.

The main software programs capable of reading Collada files :

Autodesk Maya
Blender
3ds Max

9. 3D files (.3ds)

Features :

Description File format for 3D models used by Autodesk 3ds Max.
Use Animation, video games.

The main software applications capable of reading 3D files :

Autodesk 3ds Max
Blender
SketchUp

10. U3D files (.u3d)

Features :

Description Universal 3D model file format.
Use Technical documentation, 3D PDF.

The main software programs capable of reading U3D files :

Adobe Acrobat
Blender (with plugin)

11. VRML files (.wrl)

Features :

Description Format for representing interactive 3D models.
Use 3D visualisation on the web.

The main software programs capable of reading VRML files :

FreeWRL
Cortona3D
Xj3D

12. STL files (.stl)

Features :

Description Format for 3D printing.
Use Rapid prototyping.

The main software programs capable of reading STL files :

Autodesk AutoCAD
Blender
Tinkercad
MeshLab
FreeCAD
Ultimaker Cura

13. WaveFront files (.obj)

Features :

Description Format for representing 3D surfaces.
Use Animation, video games.

The main software programs capable of reading OBJ files :

Autodesk Maya
Blender
3ds Max
MeshLab
Rhinoceros (Rhino)
ZBrush
SketchUp

14. Rhino 3D files (.3dm)

Features :

Description Rhinoceros native format.
Use Industrial design, architecture.

The main software programs capable of reading Rhino 3D files :

Rhinoceros (Rhino)

Important : File compatibility

This list shows the 3D file formats we are able to supply. To ensure optimum compatibility, please specify the desired format before ordering. Incompatibility problems may arise if you do not have the latest software versions. If in doubt, it is very important to request a test file to check compatibility with your software.

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3D File Formats in Engineering and CAD

3D File Formats in Engineering and CAD

Introduction to 3d file formats

Available file formats

1. STEP files (.step, .stp) - This format must be specified before the command

The main software programs capable of reading STEP files :

2. PLA files (Archicad Archive) Standard

Features :

The main software programs capable of reading PLA files :

3. IFC files (.ifc)

Features :

The main software applications capable of reading IFC files :

4. DWG / DXF files

Features :

The main software packages capable of reading DWG / DXF files :

5. RVT files (.rvt)

Features :

The main software programs capable of reading RVT files :

6. Artlantis files

Features :

The main software programs capable of reading Artlantis files :

7. SketchUp files (.skp)

Features :

The main software programs capable of reading SketchUp files :

8. Collada files (.dae)

Features :

The main software programs capable of reading Collada files :

9. 3D files (.3ds)

Features :

The main software applications capable of reading 3D files :

10. U3D files (.u3d)

Features :

The main software programs capable of reading U3D files :

11. VRML files (.wrl)

Features :

The main software programs capable of reading VRML files :

12. STL files (.stl)

Features :

The main software programs capable of reading STL files :

13. WaveFront files (.obj)

Features :

The main software programs capable of reading OBJ files :

14. Rhino 3D files (.3dm)

Features :

The main software programs capable of reading Rhino 3D files :

Important : File compatibility

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References 3D Scanning and Architectural Plans

Surveys, laser scans and architectural plans in French and German-speaking Switzerland

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