Choosing the Best Neutral File Formats in SOLIDWORKS

Designing and manufacturing in today’s engineering environment sometimes requires the need to effectively share CAD models between different platforms and organizations. Regardless of whether collaborating with an outside vendor using a different CAD software or preparing files for manufacturing, choosing the right file format can make a significant difference.

By selecting the best neutral file format for the task at hand, SOLIDWORKS users may be able to expect better accuracy, efficiency, and downstream usability.

What Neutral File Formats Are Available?

STEP files are the most commonly used neutral file formats, and as time has gone on, the data contained within STEP files has improved. Today, there are three main types of STEP files: STEP 203, STEP 214, and STEP 242. Each STEP type has capabilities that build on the previous version and include more information within the file.

While not as popular as STEP files, Parasolid is another type of neutral file format that can be imported or exported from SOLIDWORKS. In this article, we will explore the strengths and limitations of each file type as they relate to SOLIDWORKS.

Introducing the STEP File Format

The acronym STEP stands for Standard for the Exchange of Product Data. The STEP file format was created to make the saving and sharing of 3D models between different CAD systems much easier.

STEP files are also known as ISO 10303 files, and like all neutral file formats coming into SOLIDWORKS, will lose some metadata during the translation process. Some examples of items that get lost when importing into SOLIDWORKS, regardless of the file type, are the feature tree and assembly mates.

STEP 203

STEP 203 was the first widely adopted version of the STEP format and is still regularly used today.  STEP 203 files primarily define geometry and not much else. If users are just looking for the physical model and nothing related to properties or colors, then STEP 203 may be sufficient.

STEP 214

STEP 214 was introduced to include some of the data limitations found in STEP 203. With this change, STEP 214 became the most used STEP version for CAD interoperability across multiple industries. STEP 214 files include the model data found in a STEP 203, as well as metadata for body colors.

STEP 242

STEP 242 is the most advanced and comprehensive of the three STEP file formats. This format was developed to manage Model-Based Definition (MBD) workflows and includes GD&T information for part files. It also includes dimensions, appearances, and custom properties. and dimensions in part files, appearances, and custom properties.

STEP 242 file exported from SOLIDWORKS

STEP 242 is ideal for organizations that utilize paperless manufacturing and those looking to use MBD data in CMM machines. To export a STEP 242 from SOLIDWORKS, the SOLIDWORKS MBD add-in is required.

Introducing the Parasolid File Format

SOLIDWORKS was built on the Parasolid kernel. That means less data needs to be converted when importing and exporting to SOLIDWORKS using a Parasolid. As a result, the Parasolid format preserves geometry with the highest accuracy.

Comparison of file size for the neutral file formats

For the cleanest exchange of data, try asking vendors or users in other CAD programs to send a Parasolid if possible. A Parasolid will have the correct appearances applied as well. Between the file types compared in this article, a Parasolid will have the smallest file size.

What is the Best Neutral File Format?

Regardless of which file format users are working with, SOLIDWORKS offers flexible import settings to ensure the best results. STEP files offer broad compatibility and have evolved to carry more detailed data, making them a good option for general design exchange. For the highest level of accuracy when importing to SOLIDWORKS, Parasolid files provide a significant advantage due to the native compatibility with the software’s geometric kernel.

Neutral file format comparison guide

Users should keep in mind that neutral file formats result in some loss of metadata during the import process, such as feature trees or assembly mates. Start using different neutral file formats to make importing and exporting from SOLIDWORKS more efficient moving forward!

Looking for better workflows for collaborating with external stakeholders? Learn about file sharing with SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services here.