3D Modeling Glossary
3d toolkit
A set of software libraries/frameworks enabling the creation, manipulation, or visualization of 3D data in various solutions.
bs 1192
A British standard for organizing and managing construction information, ensuring consistent documentation in building projects.
CAD
CAD (Computer-Aided Design) is the process of creating, modifying, and optimizing 2D/3D designs using computer software.
CAE
Computer-Aided Engineering encompasses simulation, validation, and optimization (FEA, CFD, etc.) in product development.
Finite Element Method (FEM)
A numerical method that divides geometry into smaller elements to analyze stress, heat, or other physical phenomena (Finite Element Analysis).
Semantic PMI Import
The import of Product Manufacturing Information (dimensions, tolerances, annotations) in a way that retains semantic intelligence rather than just graphics.
Simulation Modeling Process
The end-to-end CAE workflow: import CAD, mesh, define boundary conditions, run solver, then analyze results.
SOLIDWORKS Model Based Definition (MBD)
Incorporates manufacturing annotations (dimensions, tolerances, etc.) directly into 3D SOLIDWORKS models, minimizing reliance on 2D drawings.
What is Clash Detection
Identifies overlapping or colliding elements within a BIM model, preventing design conflicts before construction.
What is Hybrid Modeling?
Combines multiple modeling techniques (solid, surface, direct, etc.) within a single CAD environment for greater design flexibility.
Mesh Generation
The process of subdividing geometry into discrete elements (mesh) for FEA or CFD simulations.
Fluid flow
Fluid flow refers to the movement and behavior of liquids and gases as they travel through or around objects.
Catpart to 3D xml
Converting a CATIA V5 .CATPart file into the 3D XML format for lightweight viewing, collaboration, or data sharing.
Catpart to IGES Converter
Exporting .CATPart files to the IGES neutral format, enabling interoperability with non-CATIA CAD systems.
Catpart to STL
Transforming CATIA .CATPart files into STL format, commonly used for 3D printing or mesh-based simulation.
Catpart to STP
Converting CATIA .CATPart to STP (STEP), another widely used neutral CAD format for interoperability.
IGES to CAD
Translating IGES geometry into a native CAD format so the model can be edited or used directly in that system.
IGES to STL
A workflow converting IGES data (surfaces/curves) into a triangulated STL mesh, commonly for 3D printing or analysis.
IGES to STP
Converting IGES geometry to the STEP format (STP), facilitating data exchange between different CAD platforms.
Converting IGES to 3D-XML
A process or utility for converting IGES models into Dassault’s 3D XML format, often for lighter-weight sharing or visualization.
IFC
IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is a vendor-neutral BIM format for interoperability among architectural, engineering, and construction.
3dm file
A .3DM file, commonly used by Rhino3D, which stores NURBS-based 3D geometry and is compatible with other design or graphics tools.
CAD File Format
A general term for 2D/3D design data files created by CAD software, including both proprietary (e.g., CATPart) and neutral (e.g., STEP) formats.
COBie BIM File
COBie (Construction-Operations Building Information Exchange) is a data format for capturing and exchanging building asset information.
How to Open STP file in Autocad
A guide on importing or opening STEP (.STP) files in AutoCAD for further editing or reference.
How to Repair STL Files
Steps or tools to fix STL mesh errors (holes, inverted normals, overlapping faces) to ensure a valid, watertight model for 3D printing/analysis.
How to view 3D XML file formats
Tools or methods (e.g., Dassault’s 3D XML Player) for opening and viewing 3D XML files, including geometry and PMI data.
JT File Format
A lightweight 3D format (.JT) by Siemens for product visualization and collaboration, often used in PLM workflows.
Part file format
A generic term for a CAD system’s native “part” file (e.g., .SLDPRT, .CATPart) storing 3D geometry, features, and metadata.
Revit File Format
Autodesk Revit’s .RVT file, used for Building Information Modeling (BIM) in architecture, structural, and MEP design.
Rhino File
Another reference to .3DM, the native file for Rhinoceros (Rhino3D), known for free-form NURBS modeling.
SAT File Format
A text-based ACIS file (.SAT) containing precise 3D geometry, used by various CAD and modeling applications.
SOLIDWORKS File Format
SOLIDWORKS’ proprietary extensions (.SLDPRT, .SLDASM, .SLDDRW) for parts, assemblies, and drawings in mechanical design.
STL Files
A mesh format (.STL) that approximates surfaces with triangles, commonly used in 3D printing and rapid prototyping.
What is the 3D XML file format used for?
3D XML is Dassault Systèmes’ lightweight format containing geometry, textures, and PMI data for easy sharing and visualization.
What is the Catpart File Extension?
A .CATPart file is the CATIA V5 native format for storing 3D part geometry, parametric features, and related metadata.
What Is a .dwg File?
DWG is the native file format of Autodesk AutoCAD, widely used for 2D drafting and 3D design data.
What is an IGES file?
Explains the .iges file format as a neutral exchange mechanism for transferring 2D or 3D geometry among different CAD platforms.
What is an STP File?
STP (STEP) is an ISO-standard neutral file format used to exchange 3D product data across different CAD systems.
NWD file format
A Navisworks .NWD file for viewing, reviewing, and combining 3D building or structural designs in a single environment.
WRL File Format
A VRML (.WRL) file describing 3D geometry, colors, and basic attributes; historically used for simple web-based 3D viewing.
X_T File Format
A Parasolid “transmit” file (.X_T) used for precise 3D geometry in Parasolid-based systems.
XMT_TXT File Format
The XMT_TXT file format is a Parasolid-based file format used to exchange both precise 3D geometry and assembly structure between CAD systems.
X_B File Format
The X_B file format is a 3D file format associated with the Parasolid geometric modeling kernel
XMT_BIN File Format
The XMT_BIN file format is a Parasolid-based binary file format used to exchange exact 3D geometry together with full assembly structure.
CGR File Format
A CGR file is a lightweight tessellated file format associated with CATIA V5.
CATProduct File
A CATProduct file is a native CATIA V5 assembly file used to organize multiple parts and subassemblies into a complete product structure.
3MF File Format
A 3MF file is an open, XML-based 3D file format that stores mesh models, colors and build information for additive manufacturing and 3D printing.
VDA-FS File Format
A VDA-FS file is an ASCII CAD exchange format that describes free-form curves and surfaces using a neutral, spline-based representation.
SAB File Format
A SAB file is the binary version of the 3D ACIS Modeler save file, storing the same B-rep model data as a SAT file in a more compact form.
ASAT / ASAB File Format
ASAT and ASAB files are the assembly file formats of the 3D ACIS Modeler, storing a complete assembly, its product structure and exact B-rep geometry.
XCGM File Format
An XCGM file is the CGM kernel's file format, used by 3D InterOp to store exact B-rep geometry, product structure and visualization data.
IPT File Format
An IPT file is the native part file of Autodesk Inventor, storing a single parametric 3D component with its geometry, features, sketches and materials.
ASM File Format
An ASM file is a CAD assembly file that describes how parts and sub-assemblies fit together in a product, used by both PTC Creo and Siemens Solid Edge.
SLDASM File Format
An SLDASM file is the native SOLIDWORKS assembly file, describing how parts and sub-assemblies are combined, positioned and configured in a product.
PRT File Format
A PRT file is a native CAD part file used mainly by Siemens NX and PTC Creo, storing the 3D geometry, features and metadata of a component.
PAR File Format
A PAR file is the native part file of Siemens Solid Edge, storing the 3D geometry, feature tree and metadata of a single mechanical part.
IAM File Format
An IAM file is the native assembly file of Autodesk Inventor, describing how parts and sub-assemblies are linked and positioned to form a product.
PSM File Format
A PSM file is a Siemens Solid Edge sheet metal part file, storing a part designed in the sheet metal environment with its geometry and properties.
CATIA V4 File Format
A CATIA V4 file is a native file of version 4 of Dassault Systèmes CATIA, storing 3D solids, surfaces and assemblies, most often with the .model extension.
DXF File Format
A DXF file is an Autodesk exchange format for AutoCAD drawing content, storing 2D and 3D entities, layers and blocks in a documented text structure.
IDW File Format
An IDW file is a native Autodesk Inventor drawing file, storing 2D drawing sheets with views, dimensions and annotations of Inventor parts and assemblies.
SLDDRW File Format
An SLDDRW file is a native SOLIDWORKS drawing file, storing 2D drawing sheets and views that document SOLIDWORKS parts and assemblies.
CATDrawing File Format
A CATDrawing file is the native 2D drawing format of CATIA V5, storing sheets, views, dimensions and annotations that document 3D CATIA models.
OBJ File Format
An OBJ file is a text-based 3D format that describes the surface of objects as polygon meshes, with materials and textures defined in a companion MTL file.
FBX File Format
An FBX file is a proprietary Autodesk 3D format that stores complete scenes, including meshes, materials, cameras, lights and animation.
DAE File Format (COLLADA)
A DAE file is a COLLADA document, an open XML-based format for exchanging 3D scenes, meshes and materials between interactive 3D applications.
glTF / GLB File Format
A glTF file is a royalty-free 3D format from the Khronos Group, designed to transmit and load 3D scenes and models efficiently in engines and viewers.
DGN File Format
A DGN file is the native design file format of Bentley MicroStation, storing 2D and 3D CAD geometry for infrastructure, plant and construction projects.
RFA File Format
An RFA file is an Autodesk Revit family file, storing a reusable parametric building component such as a door, window, fixture or piece of equipment.
AVEVA File Formats (E3D, PDMS, RVM)
AVEVA RVM files are review models exported from AVEVA E3D and PDMS, describing plant geometry and hierarchy, with an optional attribute file for metadata.
STEP AP242 (AP203 / AP214)
STEP AP242 is the ISO 10303 application protocol for managed model-based 3D engineering, combining exact geometry, product structure and semantic PMI.
SLDPRT File Format
An SLDPRT file is the native SOLIDWORKS part file, storing a single 3D part with its exact geometry, features, configurations and properties.
B-Rep
B-Rep, an abbreviation for boundary representation, is a concept in solid modeling and computer-aided design for representing
CAD Associativity
The ability to maintain links to a master model, so any design changes are automatically propagated to associated files or assemblies.
CAD Import
A general term for bringing CAD data (e.g., SOLIDWORKS, CATIA) into another system or environment.
CAD Morphing
Deforming B-Rep models according to a vector field (e.g., smooth displacement), while preserving design intent.
Direct Editing
Modifying geometry without a parametric feature tree, enabling quick changes to “dumb” solids.
Extrusion
Creating 3D geometry by extending (or sweeping) a 2D profile in a straight or curved path.
Faceting
Approximating solid or surface geometry by dividing it into flat polygons (facets), often for visualization or formats like STL.
Geometric Modeling Kernel
The core “engine” in many CAD systems (e.g., ACIS, Parasolid) that manages geometry definitions and topological operations.
Lofting
Generating a shape (surface or solid) by blending multiple cross-sections along a path or between guide curves.
Parasolid
A widely adopted modeling kernel (by Siemens) that provides robust solid/surface modeling, Boolean operations, and more.
Subtract
A Boolean operation that removes the intersecting volume of one solid from another.
Sweep
Forming geometry by sweeping a 2D profile along a user-defined 3D path.
Solid Modeling
A 3D modeling approach where objects are represented by volume, enabling robust engineering analysis and manufacturing workflows.
Surface Modeling
A method of defining and manipulating smooth surfaces (often NURBS) to represent complex free-form shapes in CAD.
Wireframe Modeling
A basic 3D modeling technique displaying only edges and vertices without surfaces or volumetric data.
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