Convert SLDPRT to IGES

Suppliers, inspection systems, and older CAD/CAM software may require IGES instead of a native SolidWorks part. Exporting an .sldprt file creates a neutral geometry copy for exchange while leaving the original design file intact.

What the SLDPRT format is

.sldprt is SolidWorks’ native part format. It stores a parametric 3D model with features, sketches, constraints, configurations, equations, materials, and custom properties, depending on the model and document settings.

SolidWorks users, suppliers, engineering teams, and product-data-management systems use SLDPRT files. The format is proprietary, so other CAD applications may not read its feature tree or preserve its native parameters. eDrawings can display many SolidWorks parts, but it is primarily a viewing and markup application rather than a replacement for SolidWorks feature editing.

What the IGES format is

IGES, stored with the .igs or .iges extension, is a neutral CAD exchange format. It can contain wireframes, curves, trimmed surfaces, and, in some implementations, solid entities. Older CAD, CAM, CNC, inspection, and manufacturing systems commonly support it.

IGES transfers geometry rather than the original SolidWorks design structure. Feature history, sketches, constraints, configurations, equations, mates, appearances, and most custom properties are normally lost. The receiving application may import the result as separate surfaces or as a non-parametric “dumb” solid.

How to convert SLDPRT to IGES

Using SolidWorks

1. Open the part and rebuild it with Edit → Rebuild, or press Ctrl+B. Resolve rebuild errors before exporting.
2. Activate the required configuration and confirm that the intended bodies and features are visible. A part with multiple solid bodies may export as multiple bodies or as a combined result depending on the SolidWorks export settings and the receiving application.
3. Select File → Save As.
4. Choose IGES (*.igs;*.iges) in Save as type, specify the output filename, and select Save.
5. Review the IGES export options. Select solid or surface entities according to the target system; solid entities are preferable when the recipient can import them reliably. Enable curve or sketch export only when the downstream workflow requires those entities.
6. Set or confirm the document units, typically millimeters or inches, and complete the export.
7. Open the exported .igs file in SolidWorks or the target CAD system. Run the application’s import diagnostic, geometry check, or repair tool, then verify the model’s dimensions and body count.

SolidWorks is usually the safest option because it reads the source model directly and provides its native IGES export controls. For batch or cross-platform work, Datakit CrossManager and CAD Exchanger Desktop are established alternatives; confirm that the licensed version supports SLDPRT import and IGES export before processing files. Translation support can depend on the SolidWorks version, model features, and the product edition.

Using an online converter

CAD Exchanger Cloud provides browser-based CAD translation where its current service supports the supplied SLDPRT version and IGES output. Upload the file, choose IGES, start the conversion, and download the result. Check file-size limits, supported versions, retention rules, and export settings before uploading.

Do not send confidential, export-controlled, customer-owned, or supplier-restricted designs to an online service without authorization. Use SolidWorks or an approved desktop translator for proprietary or production-critical data.

Quality and compatibility checks

Surface-based IGES files can contain gaps, duplicate faces, reversed normals, or invalid trims. These defects may prevent the recipient from creating a solid or machining the geometry. If the target application accepts STEP, ask for .step or .stp instead: STEP generally transfers modern solid geometry and assembly structure more reliably, although it also does not preserve the SolidWorks feature tree.

Confirm units after import rather than relying only on the filename or document settings. Compare the bounding-box dimensions, hole diameters, critical distances, orientation, and number of bodies with the SLDPRT source. Keep the original .sldprt as the authoritative editable file and treat the IGES output as an exchange derivative.