Convert 3DXML to VDA-FS in your application
3D InterOp is a CAD interoperability SDK that lets your software read 3DXML files and write VDA-FS, writing the 3DXML facets as faceted geometry, since 3DXML stores triangles rather than solids.
Spatial does not offer an online converter or a desktop conversion app. 3D InterOp is a component that software vendors embed in their own products.
- Reads 3D XML · Writes VDA-FS
- Triangle mesh → faceted B-Rep
- C++ / C# APIs
3DXML to VDA-FS at a glance
3D XML stores triangles; VDA-FS is an exact-geometry format. The mesh is written as faceted geometry: 3D InterOp doesn’t rebuild smooth surfaces from triangles.
| 3D XML (source) | VDA-FS (target) | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | 3D XML | VDA surface interface |
| Standard / owner | Dassault Systèmes | VDA (German automotive industry) |
| File extensions | .3dxml | .vda |
| Geometry | Tessellated geometry | Exact curves and surfaces |
| Assemblies / structure | Yes | No assembly hierarchy |
| PMI | Graphical PMI | None |
| 3D InterOp support | Read and write | Read and write |
What's preserved, what changes
Here is what your application can expect to carry across from 3D XML to VDA-FS.
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Changes
Assembly structureVDA-FS has no native assembly hierarchy. Decide in your application how 3D XML product structure is grouped or flattened before writing.
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Changes
Faceted geometry3DXML stores triangles, so the VDA-FS file holds faceted bodies, not solids. 3D InterOp doesn’t rebuild exact B-Rep from a mesh.
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Not carried
PMIVDA-FS has no PMI, so the PMI read from 3DXML isn’t written. Keep STEP AP242 as an output when PMI matters.
Why software vendors add 3DXML to VDA-FS conversion
Legacy CAD and CAM systems
Many established engineering tools still consume VDA-FS first. Writing it lets your users hand data to them without leaving your application.
Supplier and partner exchange
Some suppliers and manufacturing partners still specify VDA-FS in their exchange requirements. Your software can meet them directly.
Geometry-only workflows
When a downstream process needs exact part geometry and nothing more, VDA-FS is a simple, widely readable target.
Things to check before you ship
- Written VDA-FS versions: VDA-FS 2.0.
- The VDA-FS writer isn’t available in 3D InterOp CGM.
- Supported 3DXML input: 3D XML 4.0 to 4.3 (tessellated data only).
- B-Rep stored in authoring-mode 3D XML files isn’t imported: only the tessellation is read.
- Validate a sample of translated files in the target system your users actually work with.
Working with Spatial was a real milestone for us: Thanks to the powerful 3DInterOp library, we were able to successfully bring our complex CAD-based solutions to the cloud while remaining flexible to meet individual customer requirements. For us, Spatial is not just a technology partner, but a true enabler of our product strategy.
Dr. Arno Michelis, Founder, Simus Systems
Read the Case StudyAbout the formats
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Source format
What is a 3D XML (.3dxml) file?
3D XML is Dassault Systèmes’ lightweight XML-based format for sharing 3D product data. 3D InterOp reads and writes its tessellated representation, with product structure and graphical PMI.
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Target format
What is a VDA-FS (.vda) file?
VDA-FS is a neutral surface-exchange format defined by the German automotive association VDA. It stores exact curves and free-form surfaces, and is still found in automotive supply chains.
Frequently asked questions
No. 3DXML stores triangles, and 3D InterOp writes them to VDA-FS as faceted geometry. It doesn’t rebuild exact B-Rep from a mesh.
VDA-FS has no PMI, so the PMI read from 3DXML isn’t written. When PMI matters, offer STEP AP242 as an output.
VDA-FS has no assembly hierarchy, so your application decides how the 3DXML structure is grouped or flattened before writing.
No. The VDA-FS writer isn’t available in 3D InterOp CGM.
No. B-Rep stored in authoring-mode 3D XML files isn’t imported: 3D InterOp reads the tessellation only.
3D InterOp reads 3D XML 4.0 to 4.3 (tessellated data only), as visualization data.
3D InterOp writes VDA-FS 2.0.
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Building software that needs to convert 3DXML to VDA-FS?
3D InterOp is an SDK that lets your application read 3D XML and write VDA-FS alongside 30+ CAD and BIM formats.