Popular CAD file formats to future-proof your designs

CAD design can be a challenge because technology and software are constantly changing – especially when it comes to preparing work for the future. To keep up with these trends, this guide will discuss some of the most popular and emerging computer-aided design (CAD) file formats that are currently gaining popularity.

STL (Stereolithography)

STL files, also known as stereolithography files, are a popular 3D printing format developed by 3D Systems in the late 1980s. This powerful CAD file format is widely used for product development, prototyping, and rapid production. STL files are usually created for low-cost 3D printers, but they can also be used to render high-quality 3D objects using professional applications. The STL format allows designers to create prototypes from any material with an almost unlimited range of customization options.

IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification)

IGES, also known as the Initial Graphics Exchange Specification, is a CAD file format developed by General Electric in 1976. It stands out as one of the most widely used formats for transferring 3D geometry data between different CAD systems and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) ) programmes. This versatile CAD format can handle both curved surfaces and wireframes, allowing engineers to represent complex geometries with high accuracy and speed. In recent years, the format has grown in popularity due to the demand for IGES files used when transferring 3D models from software such as SolidWorks to CAM programs such as Mastercam or Fusion 360 from Autodesk.

STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data)

STEP is one of the most popular CAD file formats in use today. It was developed by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) with the support of the Automotive Industry Action Group. The goal of this process was to create an open standard that could help engineers exchange product and production data between different systems while ensuring data integrity. In this versatile format, you can store both 2D geometry and 3D models, as well as components with custom properties such as material information, texture maps, and more. Since its launch in 1994, STEP has gained popularity among aerospace and shipbuilding companies because it helps them share larger models faster between different departments.

OBJ (Object Files)

OBJ is format text format of CAD files, derived from the neutral format of the Stanford triangle. It supports both 2D models and 3D graphics, and is widely used to store 3D images in three-dimensional space. This popular file format stores geometry data, material information, mesh resolution, color values, and textures. Due to their simple structure, OBJ files are easy to handle - they can be read and written by many engineering applications and design programs, making them a very convenient choice for both designers and engineers. As such, OBJ files allow external tools to handle complex models that require a high level of precision without corrupting geometry data or losing the quality of the generated models.

3MF (3D Manufacturing Format)

3MF is a 3D printing format developed by Microsoft, HP, and other organizations. It is an XML-based file format that contains information about colors, lighting properties, object layers, and more. Unlike other CAD formats such as STL, 3MF files can combine several parts of a model into a single file, making them easier to work with. In addition, the manufacturer precisely defines the objects and they are displayed accurately compared to other CAD formats. As such, it is becoming increasingly popular with modern designers who want to make sure that their designs are relevant in the future, and that they can be edited or manipulated without losing data quality.

28 Jun 2024