Convert X_T to IGES
Convert Parasolid X_T geometry to IGES for legacy CAD, inspection, and manufacturing systems.
Make IGES files online
We can't read X_T files yet, so this conversion isn't available. If you can export your work to one of these formats - or others - we'll turn it into IGES:
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How to convert x_t to iges file
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A supplier, inspection system, legacy CAD application, or machine-tool workflow may accept IGES but not Parasolid X_T. Converting the file provides a neutral exchange copy, although it does not preserve the original parametric model.
What the X_T format is
.x_t is the text-based Parasolid transmit format developed by Siemens Digital Industries Software. It stores precise boundary-representation data, including solid bodies, faces, edges, curves, and, depending on the exporter, assembly-related information. The binary equivalent normally uses the .x_b extension.
Parasolid-based applications such as Siemens NX, Solid Edge, and SolidWorks can create or export X_T files. The format is commonly used to exchange mechanical geometry between suppliers and CAD systems that share the Parasolid kernel.
What the IGES format is
IGES, usually saved as .igs or .iges, is an older neutral CAD exchange format for curves, wireframes, surfaces, and certain solid boundary representations. It remains relevant when a legacy CAD system, inspection package, machine-tool workflow, or customer specification explicitly requires it.
IGES is not a parametric design format. It normally omits feature history, sketches, constraints, equations, and editable design intent. Assembly structure, names, colors, and other attributes may also be lost. Some receiving systems import a solid as stitched or trimmed surfaces instead of a directly usable solid.
How to convert the file
Siemens NX
- Open the
.x_tfile with File → Open. Confirm the import units and verify that every required body is present. - Run NX geometry or part-validation checks. Repair invalid faces, open shells, gaps, or other topology problems before exporting.
- Use File → Export → IGES. Menu names and available options can vary by NX release and licensing.
- Select the required bodies, set the source model’s units explicitly, and choose the IGES entity or output representation supported by the receiving system.
- Save as
part.igsorpart.iges, then reopen the result in the target CAD system or an independent geometry checker.
SolidWorks
- Open the X_T file with File → Open and select the appropriate Parasolid import options if prompted.
- Inspect the imported body. Use Tools → Evaluate → Import Diagnostics when the command is available, and repair reported geometry.
- Choose File → Save As, select
IGES (*.igs), and open Options. - Set the output units and choose the solid, surface, or wireframe representation required by the recipient. Available options depend on the SolidWorks release.
- Save the file and check dimensions, holes, curved faces, thin features, and solid closure after importing it into the destination application.
Dedicated translators and online conversion
CAD Exchanger Desktop and Datakit CrossManager are dedicated translators for workstations without NX or SolidWorks. Open the X_T file, select IGES as the output, set units and available entity options, and export. CAD Exchanger also offers an online conversion service for supported input and output combinations; use it only for non-confidential geometry or when the organization’s security policy permits cloud upload.
Online conversion is unsuitable for proprietary parts, export-controlled designs, or files covered by a supplier confidentiality agreement unless the service’s data-handling terms have been approved. A desktop translator keeps the source geometry on the workstation.
Quality and compatibility checks
- Set units explicitly. A unit mismatch can produce a valid-looking IGES file at the wrong scale.
- Prefer a solid-capable IGES representation when the recipient supports it. Surface-only output may require stitching, sewing, or healing after import.
- Inspect small fillets, spline surfaces, trimmed faces, narrow gaps, and very thin features; these are frequent translation failure points.
- Verify topology as well as dimensions. A model can have correct bounding dimensions while containing missing faces, gaps, inverted surfaces, or multiple unintended bodies.
- IGES has limited assembly and product-structure support. Exporting individual components as separate files may be necessary.
- For modern CAD exchange, STEP AP242 or the original Parasolid file is usually preferable when the recipient accepts it, because those formats generally provide better product-structure and metadata support than IGES.
X_T vs IGES: format comparison
How the X_T and IGES formats compare on the properties that matter most for this conversion.
| Property | .X_T Parasolid Text | .IGES Initial Graphics Exchange Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3D | 3D |
| Geometry | Both | Both |
| Layers | No | — |
| Materials | Limited | — |
| Plain-text readable | Yes | Yes |
| Operating system support | Wide | Wide |
| Typical file size | Medium | Large |
| Open standard | No | Partly open |
| Introduced | — | 1980 |
| Developer | Siemens Digital Industries Software (Parasolid) | IGES/PDES Organization; later maintained through ANSI/ASME standardization |
Information about file extensions and file types is provided by File-Extensions.org
Suggested software and links: x_t to iges converters
Frequently asked questions
Will my Parasolid X_T model stay editable after converting to IGES?
The model will usually become a collection of IGES geometry rather than a native Parasolid feature tree. Parametric features, construction history, constraints, and many assembly relationships are not preserved, so the result is not directly editable in the same way.
Does X_T to IGES conversion lose solid bodies or turn them into surfaces?
It can, especially when the receiving CAD system has limited support for IGES solid entities; a solid may be exported as trimmed surfaces or wireframe geometry. Check the IGES export options and choose solid B-rep output when the target system supports it, then verify that the surfaces form a closed body.
Why are faces missing or the IGES model not watertight after conversion?
This usually happens when a source face or surface type is unsupported, or when small gaps and tolerance differences prevent adjacent faces from joining. Healing or sewing the converted surfaces may be needed, and tight or complex geometry is more likely to expose these issues.
Will units, colours, and layers from an X_T file be preserved in IGES?
Units are commonly written to IGES, but they must be checked because an incorrect unit setting changes the apparent scale. Colours and layers may transfer as IGES attributes, while Parasolid-specific metadata, naming, and other model information can be lost or mapped differently.