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For software developers · 3D InterOp SDK

Convert SLDASM to CATProduct in your application

3D InterOp is a CAD interoperability SDK that lets your software read SLDASM files and write CATProduct, with exact B-Rep geometry carried across and nothing tessellated.

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 SOLIDWORKS assembly · Writes CATProduct
  • Exact geometry → exact geometry
  • C++ / C# APIs
assembly.sldasmSOLIDWORKS assembly · product structure
Your application
3D InterOp SDK
SOLIDWORKS readerHealingCATIA V5 writer
assembly.CATProductCATIA V5 assembly · product structure

SLDASM to CATProduct at a glance

Both formats store exact geometry, so the model stays exact. The differences are in the product data each one can carry.

SOLIDWORKS assembly (source)CATProduct (target)
Full nameSOLIDWORKS AssemblyCATIA V5 Product (assembly)
Standard / ownerDassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKSDassault Systèmes
File extensions.sldasm.CATProduct
GeometryExact B-Rep (in the referenced parts)Exact B-Rep (in the referenced parts)
Assemblies / structureYesYes
PMISemantic (DimXpert) and graphical, SOLIDWORKS 2014 and laterSemantic and graphical
3D InterOp supportRead onlyRead and write

What's preserved, what changes

Here is what your application can expect to carry across from SOLIDWORKS assembly to CATProduct.

  • Preserved
    Exact geometry
    Solids and surfaces stay exact B-Rep. The model is never reduced to a triangle mesh.
  • Preserved
    Product structure
    The SLDASM product structure is written to CATProduct.

Why software vendors add SLDASM to CATProduct conversion

Deliver in your customer’s CAD format

Aerospace and automotive OEMs often require supplier data in CATProduct. Writing it lets your users meet that requirement directly from your application.

Exact geometry, ready to edit

CATProduct keeps exact B-Rep geometry, so the receiving engineer can measure, modify or machine the model in CATIA.

No neutral-format round trip

Writing CATProduct directly avoids an extra STEP or IGES step, and the loss each extra translation can add.

Things to check before you ship

  • Written CATProduct versions: CATIA V5 R15 to V5-6 R2026.
  • A CATProduct written by 3D InterOp can’t reference files in other formats.
  • Supported SLDASM input: SOLIDWORKS 98 to 2026.
  • 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 Study

About the formats

  • Source format

    What is an SLDASM (.sldasm) file?

    An SLDASM file is a SOLIDWORKS assembly. It defines how parts and sub-assemblies fit together and references the SLDPRT files that hold their geometry.

  • Target format

    What is a CATProduct (.CATProduct) file?

    A CATProduct file is a CATIA V5 assembly. It defines the product structure and positions, and references the CATPart files that hold the geometry.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Both formats store exact B-Rep geometry, so the model is translated without being tessellated into triangles.

Yes. 3D InterOp reads the SLDASM product structure and writes it to CATProduct.

No. A CATProduct written by 3D InterOp can’t reference files in other formats.

Yes. If your application uses Parasolid, a Parasolid-based SOLIDWORKS reader is available.

Semantic PMI from SOLIDWORKS 2014 to 2026, and graphical PMI from SOLIDWORKS 2014 onwards.

3D InterOp reads SOLIDWORKS 98 to 2026.

3D InterOp writes CATIA V5 R15 to V5-6 R2026.

  • Building software that needs to convert SLDASM to CATProduct?

    3D InterOp is an SDK that lets your application read SOLIDWORKS assembly and write CATProduct alongside 30+ CAD and BIM formats.