Convert Parasolid to 3DXML in your application
3D InterOp is a CAD interoperability SDK that lets your software read Parasolid files and write 3DXML, generating the 3DXML mesh from the geometry it reads, with tessellation settings your application controls.
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 Parasolid · Writes 3D XML
- Exact geometry → triangle mesh
- C++ / C# APIs
Parasolid to 3DXML at a glance
Parasolid stores exact geometry; 3D XML stores triangles. The translation is a tessellation, and the settings you choose decide how close the mesh stays to the original.
| Parasolid (source) | 3D XML (target) | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Parasolid transmit file (text X_T, binary X_B) | 3D XML |
| Standard / owner | Proprietary — Siemens | Dassault Systèmes |
| File extensions | .x_t, .x_b, .xmt_txt, .xmt_bin | .3dxml |
| Geometry | Exact B-Rep | Tessellated geometry |
| Assemblies / structure | Yes (Parasolid assembly structure) | Yes |
| PMI | PMI groups and attributes (3D InterOp representation) | Graphical PMI |
| 3D InterOp support | Read and write · up to Parasolid 38 | Read and write |
What's preserved, what changes
Here is what your application can expect to carry across from Parasolid to 3D XML.
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Changes
Geometry is tessellatedThe exact Parasolid B-Rep is replaced by a triangle mesh, generated by 3D InterOp from the exact geometry it reads. Accuracy depends on the tessellation settings your application uses.
Why software vendors add Parasolid to 3DXML conversion
Lightweight review
3D XML carries tessellated geometry that opens much faster than the full CAD model, so design reviews and digital mockups stay responsive.
Sharing outside engineering
Marketing, training and sales teams rarely have CAD software. A 3D XML file gives them the shape in a format their tools can open.
Easier handling of large assemblies
Without exact surfaces and feature data, 3D XML files are easier to transfer and display, even for large assemblies.
Things to check before you ship
- Written 3DXML versions: 3D XML 4.3, as static tessellation.
- Only static tessellation is written, not XML tessellation.
- Supported Parasolid input: Parasolid 9.0 to 38.0.
- Test tessellation settings on your heaviest parts: finer meshes mean larger files.
- 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 Parasolid (X_T) file?
Parasolid is the geometric modeling kernel developed by Siemens and used by many CAD, CAM and CAE applications. Its transmit files store exact B-Rep models as text (.x_t) or binary (.x_b).
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Target 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.
Frequently asked questions
3D InterOp tessellates the geometry it reads from Parasolid when it writes 3DXML. Your application sets the tolerances, so it controls the trade-off between accuracy and file size.
3D InterOp writes 3D XML 4.3 with static tessellation. XML tessellation isn’t written.
Yes. 3D InterOp reads Parasolid text (.x_t, .xmt_txt) and binary (.x_b, .xmt_bin) files.
3D InterOp reads Parasolid 9.0 to 38.0.
3D InterOp writes 3D XML 4.3, as static tessellation.
Yes. 3D InterOp reads and writes both formats, so 3DXML to Parasolid is supported too.
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Building software that needs to convert Parasolid to 3DXML?
3D InterOp is an SDK that lets your application read Parasolid and write 3D XML alongside 30+ CAD and BIM formats.