Convert 3DXML to IGS

Legacy CAD, inspection, and manufacturing systems often require IGES instead of Dassault Systèmes 3DXML. Converting the file creates an exchange model that can be opened by compatible CAD, CAM, and metrology software.

What the 3DXML format is

3DXML is a Dassault Systèmes format based on XML and used by CATIA, 3DEXPERIENCE, ENOVIA, and some 3DVIA applications to exchange 3D models, product structures, and visualization data. Suppliers may receive .3dxml files without the original CATPart or CATProduct files.

A file can contain precise B-rep geometry, lightweight polygonal tessellation, assembly hierarchy, metadata, or only display data. That content determines whether conversion can produce usable IGES surfaces or solids.

What the IGS format is

IGS is the common filename extension for IGES, the Initial Graphics Exchange Specification. It can store points, curves, surfaces, trimmed surfaces, and, when supported by the exporter and importer, solid B-rep entities.

IGES is useful for transferring geometry to older CAD, CAM, inspection, and manufacturing systems. It generally does not preserve CATIA feature history, parametric constraints, materials, assembly intelligence, or all product metadata, so it is better suited to geometry exchange than to native design editing.

Convert with CAD Exchanger Desktop

1. Install a current CAD Exchanger Desktop release and confirm that its format list supports both 3DXML import and IGES export.
2. Open the .3dxml file through File → Open.
3. Inspect the model tree and verify that the required components contain precise geometry rather than display-only meshes.
4. Use File → Export or File → Save As, select IGES or IGS, and set the correct measurement units.
5. If available, choose surface or solid output. Export individual parts when the receiving application cannot interpret the source assembly.
6. Open the resulting .igs or .iges file in the destination system and check scale, dimensions, missing faces, seams, and the model origin.

CAD Exchanger is a practical choice when the source is not available in CATIA-native form. Its supported entities and export options depend on the product version and license, so verify the current format matrix before purchase or conversion.

Convert with CATIA or 3DEXPERIENCE

Use CATIA or a 3DEXPERIENCE role that includes 3DXML import when the file contains CATIA-compatible precise geometry. Open the file with the available 3DXML import command, then use File → Export or File → Save As and select IGES.

The command name, supported 3DXML content, and IGES options vary by CATIA release, workbench, and license. 3DXML Player is a viewer, not a dependable CAD conversion tool; viewing a model does not prove that editable precision geometry is present or that export is available.

Use an online converter

For non-confidential files, a service such as CAD Exchanger Cloud or its current online conversion interface can be used if its format list explicitly shows 3DXML input and IGES output. Upload the file, select IGES, set units and geometry options, download the result, and validate it in a CAD viewer or the target application.

Cloud conversion sends the model to a third-party server and may be subject to file-size, processing-time, or account limits. Do not upload proprietary designs, customer data, or export-controlled geometry without approval. Avoid services that claim to support the extension but do not identify the actual CAD kernel or provide a way to inspect the output.

Quality and compatibility limits

A visualization-only 3DXML file contains polygonal tessellation, not the original mathematical surfaces. Converting it to IGES cannot restore lost CAD accuracy; the result may be faceted or consist of many approximate surfaces. A converter cannot create feature history from tessellated data.

For an assembly, IGES commonly transfers separate part geometry rather than the original product structure. Export the required components individually when assembly placement or hierarchy is lost, and use native CATPart/CATProduct or another assembly-aware exchange format when that information must remain editable.

Check units before export and after import. Interpreting a millimeter model as inches, or inches as millimeters, changes the apparent scale by a factor of 25.4. IGES importers also differ in their handling of trimmed surfaces, sewing tolerances, colors, and solid recognition; sew, heal, or repair the imported surfaces in the destination CAD system when required.