Convert X_T to SLDPRT

A supplier may deliver a Parasolid .x_t model when the receiving engineer needs a native SolidWorks part for inspection, assembly work, or further design changes. Saving the imported model as .sldprt makes it usable in SolidWorks, but does not restore the source model's parametric feature history.

What the X_T format is

.x_t is the text-based Parasolid exchange format developed by Siemens; its binary counterpart commonly uses .x_b. A Parasolid file can contain precise boundary-representation geometry, including solid bodies, faces, edges, surfaces, colors, and, depending on the export, multiple bodies or assembly structure.

NX, Solid Edge, SolidWorks, and many other mechanical CAD systems use Parasolid internally or export it for data exchange. Suppliers, contract manufacturers, engineering services, and systems without direct SolidWorks output commonly provide .x_t files.

What the SLDPRT format is

.sldprt is the native SolidWorks part format. It can store solid or surface bodies, sketches, reference geometry, configurations, custom properties, appearances, and a SolidWorks feature tree.

A native part is required when the recipient must open the model directly in SolidWorks, insert it into an assembly, create drawings, measure interfaces, or add manufacturing features. A Parasolid import normally appears as an imported-body feature or solid body, not as the original sequence of editable extrusions, fillets, holes, sketches, equations, and dependencies.

How to convert X_T to SLDPRT

SolidWorks is usually the most direct desktop option because it reads Parasolid files and saves its own part format.

1. Copy the source file locally and retain the original, such as part.x_t.
2. Open SolidWorks and select File → Open.
3. Choose Parasolid (*.x_t, *.x_b) in the file-type filter, select the file, and click Open.
4. Review the import options. Preserve the required bodies, and confirm the unit setting if the file does not provide the expected units.
5. Inspect the model and FeatureManager tree. Run Tools → Evaluate → Import Diagnostics when available; use the repair functions for faulty faces, gaps, or invalid bodies.
6. Confirm the body count and decide whether multiple bodies should remain together in one part file.
7. Select File → Save As, choose Part (*.sldprt), specify a new filename, and save.
8. Reopen the saved file and check units, dimensions, body count, critical interfaces, colors, and visible surfaces before delivery.

For batch processing or users without SolidWorks, commercial translators such as Datakit CrossManager and CAD Exchanger Desktop may provide Parasolid-to-SolidWorks conversion. Check the current edition's format matrix and licensing requirements: native .sldprt export is not available in every product edition or release.

Online conversion is less consistent for native SolidWorks output. CAD Exchanger Cloud can be considered for a non-confidential file only when its current output list explicitly includes .sldprt. Do not upload supplier or proprietary engineering data without authorization; many online services support Parasolid input but output only neutral formats such as STEP, IGES, or STL.

Quality and compatibility limitations

Parasolid-to-SolidWorks translation often preserves solid geometry accurately because both systems use Parasolid technology, but the result remains an imported body. It normally excludes the source feature history, design intent, sketches, equations, mates, configurations, and feature-level relationships.

Use Import Diagnostics for failed faces or open shells. If a fully editable feature tree is required, FeatureWorks or manual remodeling may recognize or recreate features, but recognition can alter feature order, dimensions, or design intent and requires engineering verification.

Confirm units explicitly. A unit mismatch can make correctly shaped geometry appear 25.4 times too large or too small. Also inspect small gaps, model tolerances, thread representations, appearances, material data, and multi-body or assembly structure.

SolidWorks files are release-sensitive: a part saved by a newer release generally cannot be opened by an older release. Confirm the recipient's SolidWorks version before delivery. If native SolidWorks editing is unnecessary, STEP is often a more suitable neutral exchange format than a translated native part.