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Technical Explanation

  • CATPART is the native part file format used by CATIA V5, containing exact 3D geometry, structural data, and product information used throughout manufacturing workflows.
  • IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) is a long-standing, vendor-independent CAD exchange format designed to facilitate interoperability between different CAD systems. It stores surface and curve definitions using mathematically accurate representations such as NURBS.

When performing a CATPART → IGES conversion, 3D InterOp:

  1. Reads the CATPART model directly — no CATIA license required.
  2. Extracts exact B-Rep geometry, curves, surfaces, topology, and metadata.
  3. Reconstructs this data into an IGES representation that preserves geometric fidelity for downstream applications such as simulation, tooling, or manufacturing.
  4. Applies healing and geometric validation to ensure clean, watertight exchange surfaces where needed.

Unlike mesh-based formats, IGES maintains exact geometry, making it suitable for workflows requiring high-precision modeling.

Applications and Industry Use Cases

Converting CATPART files to IGES is widely used in engineering workflows where geometry must move freely between tools:

  • Multi-CAD collaboration between organizations using different CAD systems.
  • CAE analysis requires exact surfaces for meshing or simulation.
  • Manufacturing and tooling applications that rely on precise B-Rep definitions.
  • Legacy data exchange, since IGES remains a supported standard across many systems.

IGES remains popular in industries that require accuracy, openness, and compatibility across heterogeneous software environments.

Challenges or Common Pitfalls

Moving complex CATIA geometry into IGES can be challenging due to differences in kernel definitions and data representation. Common issues include:

  • Surface trimming inconsistencies.
  • Loss of feature history (IGES stores geometry, not parametrics).
  • Variations in IGES support between receiving applications.
  • Topology gaps or inconsistencies that require healing.

A robust translation tool is essential to preserve accuracy and minimize manual cleanup.

How Spatial Helps

Spatial’s 3D InterOp is used by major industry players to translate files between leading CAD systems with high reliability.

For CATPART → IGES conversion, 3D InterOp provides:

  • Native CATIA V5 reading, without needing a CATIA license.
  • Accurate geometry and metadata translation, including manufacturing information.
  • Advanced repair and healing, ensuring clean and consistent IGES output.
  • Support for downstream workflows in CAE, CAM, and multi-CAD engineering systems.

This makes 3D InterOp a trusted solution for integrating CATIA data into broader engineering ecosystems.