How to convert files from FreeCAD
to IGES?

FreeCAD is a customizable, open-source paramentic 3D CAD and BIM software with FEM support, built on the Opencascade geometric kernel. It was created primarily for product design and mechanical engineering, but it can be used in a wide range of industries, such as electrical engineering, or architecture. It runs on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.

FreeCAD is made to craft real-life objects of different sizes and is perfect for a home user/amateur, programmer, experienced CAD software user, or educator. This software provides tools similar to those of SolidWorks, Catia or Autodesk Revit.

The IGES format was developed to provide a universal standard for exchanging 3D data between different CAD software applications. IGES files, represented in ASCII text, contain information about the geometry, structure, and attributes of 3D objects.

The IGES format enables users to share complex CAD models while preserving the integrity of the data. It supports the representation of both 2D and 3D geometries, allowing for the exchange of points, curves, surfaces, and solids.

Support of IGES in CAD Exchanger

CAD Exchanger can import IGES format files up to version 5.3, export IGES format files version 5.3. Such support includes:

• B-Rep representations;
• assembly structure;
• names;
• user-defined properties;
• colors;
• layers.

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Pros of the format

Broad Compatibility

IGES has been a long-standing industry standard for data exchange since its development in the late 1970s. Many CAD systems, both old and new, have built-in support for importing and exporting IGES files. This enables easy collaboration and data sharing between different software platforms, regardless of the specific CAD system being used.

Good capabilities for B-Rep representation

For a format that is over 35 years old, IGES provides good capabilities for representing B-Rep and even representing rigid bodies, including information on connectivity. Combined with the advantages indicated above, it makes the IGES format relevant and actively used to this day.

Cons of the format

Limited representation of B-Rep geometry

The IGES format has some limitations when it comes to fully representing B-Rep geometry. While it can effectively preserve basic geometric information like points, curves, and surfaces, there are difficulties with edge connectivity information. Most CAD writers use the older and limited capabilities of representing B-Rep through bounded and trimmed surface entities. These entities can not contain comprehensive information about the surface topology of bodies. As a result, models written in this form often have inconsistent edge orientations.

No PMI

The IGES format does not have a standardized way to represent or store PMI data. As a result, when exporting a CAD model with PMI to an IGES file, this valuable information is typically lost or not accurately transferred. This limitation can have significant implications for downstream processes, as manufacturers may rely on PMI data for carrying out manufacturing operations, quality control, and documentation.

To overcome the weakness, newer formats, such as STEP, have been developed to support the inclusion and preservation of PMI data. These formats provide dedicated mechanisms to store and communicate PMI information, allowing for a more comprehensive exchange of design intent and manufacturing specifications.

FAQ

Is IGES format specification publicly available?

Yes, it is. The IGES file format specification defines the structure and syntax of IGES files, ensuring consistency and compatibility.

Header section contains general information about the file, such as software details and creation date. Start section defines the units of measurement, coordinate system, and other global parameters. Global section describes the overall structure of the file, including directories, lists, and relationships between entities. Directory section serves as an index for entities, assigning unique numeric identifiers and specifying their location within the file. Parameter data section contains the geometric and topological information of entities. Terminate section marks the end of the file.

What are the IGES file extensions?

The file extensions used for the IGES file format are ".igs" and ".iges". Both extensions are widely recognized and can be used interchangeably to indicate files that conform to the IGES format.

How to open IGES file?

To open an IGES file, you will need a compatible software application such as CAD Exchanger Lab. Start by launching the software and navigate to the 'New file' option. Next, find the IGES file (.igs or .iges) you want to open. Once you've located the file, simply select it and click "Open". The software will then initiate the import process, and once it's complete, the 3D model and its associated data will be loaded into the software. From there, you can easily view and interact with the 3D model.

History of IGES format

The history of the IGES format dates back to the late 1970s when it was developed to address the need for a universal standard for exchanging 3D CAD data. At the time, there was a lack of interoperability between different CAD systems, making it difficult to share and collaborate on designs.

To overcome this challenge, the National Bureau of Standards (now known as the National Institute of Standards and Technology) initiated the development of IGES in collaboration with industry leaders. The goal was to create a format that would allow for the seamless exchange of geometric and topological data between different CAD systems.

In 1980, the first version of the IGES format, known as IGES 1.0, was published. It provided a standardized structure and syntax for representing 3D CAD data, allowing for the transfer of geometric entities, attributes, and relationships. Over the years, subsequent versions were released, introducing enhancements and addressing the evolving needs of the industry. Today, the most widely used version is IGES 5.3, which was released in 1996 and is still in use today.

While newer formats have emerged with improved capabilities, IGES remains relevant, particularly for legacy systems and situations where basic geometric exchange is the primary requirement.