File Handling and Formats
Summary of the file formats supported for CAD integration in SimSolid.
Proprietary Formats
- SSP Format (.SSP)
- .SSP files are a SimSolid proprietary geometry, solution data and results format file. These files store all model data and are used to archive/save the complete project instance.
- SSG Format (.SSG)
- .SSG files can be both imported and exported (saved) from the application. SSG is a SimSolid proprietary neutral file format containing model geometry and material popoerties.
CAD Integration
- SolidWorks
- Autodesk Fusion 360
- Onshape
Geometry Import
SimSolid also provides the ability to import 3D solids parts and assemblies from CAD files directly without requiring assistance from the CAD application. Surface and wireframe geometry is not imported.
File Format | Supported Versions |
---|---|
CATIA V4 (.model, .dlv, .exp) | All 4.xx |
CATIA V5 (.CATPart, .CADProduct) | R10 to R30 |
CATIA V6 (.3Dxml) | 2011to 2013x |
3D Experience (.3Dxml) | 2014 to 2020x |
Inventor (.ipt, .iam) | All to 2021 |
JT (.jt) | 7.0 to 10.5 |
Pro/Engineer (.prt, .asm) | 13 to Creo 7 |
ACIS (.sat) | All to R27 |
SOLIDWORKS (.sldpart, .sldasm) | 99 to 2020 |
STEP (.stp) | 203/214/242 |
STL (.stl) | Ascii/Binary |
Parasolid (.x_t) | All to 32 |
NX/Unigraphics (.prt) | 11 to NX CR 1953 |
CAD Data Readers
Two CAD data readers are provided in SimSolid: Parasolid and Legacy. In most cases Parasolid is the preferred data path, but if issues are encountered, use the alternative reader.
Difference Between STL and SSG
In STL format assembly geometry is represented by triangles which are defined by XYZ coordinates of their vertices and do not contain any information about triangle's connectivity. STL geometry model is not water-tight. Gaps, overlaps, and triangle's incompatibility are possible. In case of assemblies, solids are not identified in an STL file of the assembly. Triangles of all solids are output in a continuous file without any separation. STL is a simplest standard format widely used in different industries.
SSG format is a proprietary format that represents geometry with the same triangles as STL format, but which contains additional information about the triangle's connectivity and about solids of an assembly. SSG geometry model is water-tight.