Technical Explanation
As a modeling kernel, Parasolid is responsible for performing low-level geometric and topological operations.
It supports a wide range of advanced modeling capabilities, including:
- Advanced surfacing for complex freeform shapes
- Thickening and hollowing operations
- Blending and filleting for smooth edge transitions
- Sheet modeling for surface-based design
- Tessellation for visualization and downstream processing
- Access to model data for analysis and validation
Parasolid operates on exact B-Rep geometry, managing both the mathematical definition of shapes and their topological relationships.
Parasolid File Formats (X_T / X_B)
Parasolid geometry is commonly exchanged using the X_T (text) and X_B (binary) file formats.
These formats store exact Parasolid-based B-Rep geometry and are widely used for transferring 3D solid and surface models between CAD systems.
X_T and X_B files are designed specifically for 3D geometry exchange. They preserve precise geometry and topology but do not include feature history, parametric constraints, or 2D drafting data, making them well suited for interoperable 3D model exchange rather than design intent transfer.
Reading Parasolid Data into Applications
It is important to distinguish between two common Parasolid-related workflows:
Reading Parasolid data into non-Parasolid-based applications
Many applications are built on geometry kernels such as ACIS or CGM, yet still need to consume Parasolid data.
Using Spatial’s 3D InterOp, these applications can read X_T and X_B files without requiring a Parasolid license.
This is a key advantage for customers who need to import Parasolid geometry but are not using Parasolid as their modeling kernel.
Spatial supports many customers worldwide who successfully read Parasolid data into ACIS- or CGM-based applications for modeling, simulation, manufacturing, or visualization workflows.
Reading Parasolid data into Parasolid-based applications
Spatial’s 3D InterOp is not limited to non-Parasolid environments. It is also used by customers whose applications are already based on the Parasolid kernel.
In these cases, 3D InterOp provides robust translation, validation, and data preparation capabilities for importing Parasolid data (X_T / X_B) from external sources, ensuring consistency, data quality, and interoperability across complex multi-CAD environments.
Applications and Industry Use Cases
Parasolid is widely used across engineering and manufacturing industries where geometric robustness is critical:
- Mechanical CAD – modeling complex parts and assemblies with high precision
- Manufacturing and CAM – generating production-ready geometry
- CAE and simulation – providing accurate surfaces and solids for analysis
- Product development platforms – serving as the geometric foundation of commercial CAD systems
Its reliability and performance make it a preferred kernel for applications that require consistent behavior across complex modeling operations.
Challenges or Common Pitfalls
While Parasolid is highly robust, challenges can arise when exchanging data between different systems:
- Kernel-to-kernel translation may introduce tolerance or topology inconsistencies
- Feature history and parametric constraints are not preserved in Parasolid exchange formats
- 2D drafting data cannot be exchanged through X_T or X_B files
Ensuring accurate interoperability between Parasolid-based systems and other CAD platforms requires specialized translation, validation, and healing capabilities.
How Spatial Helps
Spatial’s 3D InterOp SDK provides comprehensive support for Parasolid-based data, enabling reliable import, export, and translation in both Parasolid-based and non-Parasolid-based applications.
3D InterOp:
- Reads Parasolid data with or without a Parasolid modeling license, depending on the application architecture
- Preserves geometry, topology, and associated metadata
- Applies advanced healing and validation to ensure clean, usable models
In addition, Spatial’s own modeling kernels — 3D ACIS Modeler and CGM Modeler — allow developers to integrate Parasolid data into broader multi-CAD workflows, simulation pipelines, or visualization environments with confidence.