Home Glossary X_b file

X_B File Format

The X_B file format is a 3D file format associated with the Parasolid geometric modeling kernel, used to store and exchange precise 3D solid and surface data.

X_B files contain the same type of exact geometric information as X_T files but are stored in a binary format, making them more compact and faster to process in performance-critical CAD workflows.

Technical Explanation
Applications and Industry Use Cases
Challenges or Common Pitfalls
How Spatial Helps

Technical Explanation

X_B files are commonly referred to as Parasolid binary transmit files. They store exact Parasolid-based B-Rep geometry, including solids, surfaces, and assemblies, while preserving topological relationships between faces, edges, and vertices.

Unlike X_T, which is text-based and human-readable at a structural level, X_B is binary. This results in:

Smaller file sizes compared to X_T
Faster read and write performance
Improved efficiency for large or complex models

X_B files focus exclusively on 3D geometry exchange. They do not include:

Feature history or parametric constraints
2D drafting entities such as lines or arcs

Because of their binary nature, X_B files cannot be meaningfully inspected with standard text editors and require Parasolid-enabled software or a dedicated interoperability toolkit to interpret their contents.

Applications and Industry Use Cases

X_B files are commonly used in environments where performance and scalability are critical:

High-performance CAD applications exchanging large or complex models
Manufacturing and CAM workflows requiring fast geometry transfer
CAE and simulation pipelines that consume exact surface and solid data
Enterprise and PLM systems handling large volumes of CAD data

For many industrial workflows, X_B is preferred over X_T due to its efficiency and reduced storage footprint.

Challenges or Common Pitfalls

While X_B files are efficient and precise, certain limitations apply:

Binary content makes manual inspection or debugging impossible
Compatibility depends on the Parasolid version supported by the receiving system
Feature history and design intent are not preserved
2D drafting data is not supported
Reliable translation and validation tools are required to ensure consistent data exchange across different CAD environments

How Spatial Helps

Spatial’s 3D InterOp SDK provides robust support for X_B file import and export, enabling reliable translation between Parasolid-based formats and other major CAD kernels.

3D InterOp preserves exact geometry, topology, colors, and metadata while applying advanced healing and validation to ensure clean, usable models.

Whether integrating X_B data into Parasolid-based applications or non-Parasolid environments (such as ACIS or CGM-based systems), Spatial enables seamless multi-CAD interoperability without compromising performance or precision.

X_T Parasolid CAD File Format

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