Convert X_T to IGS

A legacy CAD, CAM, CNC, or inspection system may require IGES instead of the Parasolid file supplied by a designer. Converting the model produces a neutral exchange file that software without native Parasolid support can import.

What the X_T format is

.x_t is the text-based Parasolid exchange format; its binary counterpart normally uses .x_b. It stores precise boundary-representation data, including solids, shells, faces, edges, curves, and topology. It normally does not contain the source application's feature tree, sketches, constraints, or parametric history.

Parasolid-based systems use X_T to transfer parts and assemblies between engineering applications. Common sources include Siemens NX, Solid Edge, SolidWorks, and other CAD systems that use or support the Parasolid modeling kernel. Assembly structure, colors, and metadata may be included by the exporting application, but receiving software may not interpret them identically.

What the IGS format is

.igs is a common filename extension for IGES, the Initial Graphics Exchange Specification; .iges is another valid extension. IGES can represent wireframe curves, trimmed surfaces, and, when the exporter and importer support them, boundary-representation solid entities.

IGES remains common in older CAD, CAM, CNC, reverse-engineering, and measurement systems. It is less unified than newer exchange formats, and many IGES workflows transfer a collection of surfaces rather than a native solid. IGES generally preserves geometry, not editable design intent.

How to convert X_T to IGS

Using SolidWorks

1. Keep an unchanged copy of the original .x_t file.
2. In SolidWorks, select File → Open, set the file type to Parasolid, and open the X_T file.
3. Inspect the imported body or assembly. Use Tools → Evaluate → Check to detect invalid faces, gaps, or other geometry faults.
4. Select File → Save As and choose IGES (*.igs; *.iges).
5. In the IGES export options, select a solid or surface representation according to the receiving system. Use solid entities when the target supports them; otherwise export trimmed surfaces.
6. Save the file, then reopen it in the target application or an independent CAD viewer. Check units, orientation, bounding-box dimensions, body count, and surface closure.

Using CAD Exchanger

CAD Exchanger Desktop supports Parasolid and IGES in its supported-format workflow and is suitable when a full CAD system is unavailable. Open the X_T file, inspect the model tree, choose File → Export, select IGES, set units and available geometry options, and save the result as .igs. CAD Exchanger Cloud provides browser-based conversion; do not upload confidential supplier or product data unless the organization's data policy permits it.

Other commercial CAD translators, including Datakit CrossManager, may also support this conversion, but format support depends on the product edition and current release. Verify X_T input and IGES output support before purchasing or sending production files.

Quality and compatibility limits

Conversion does not recreate parametric features or the original CAD history. Small edges, fillets, sliver faces, colors, layers, assembly constraints, names, and metadata can be lost or translated differently. Assemblies may be flattened, split into separate files, or imported as disconnected bodies.

IGES is not automatically a better interchange choice than STEP. Use STEP when the receiving application supports it, because STEP usually provides a more consistent solid and assembly exchange workflow. Use IGES when the target specifically requires it or has better IGES compatibility.

Confirm units during export and import; some IGES readers ignore or misread unit metadata. For manufacturing or inspection, compare bounding-box dimensions and critical hole, radius, and datum locations with the source model. If the target reports open shells, retry with trimmed-surface export and the source application's healing, sewing, or gap-repair options enabled, then validate the repaired result in the target system.