topic Re: Inventor: Export file formats : STEP vs Parasolid in Inventor Forum

Inventor: Export file formats : STEP vs Parasolid

bespel — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 15:43:04 GMT

Hi,

normally I export in a STEP format, I think that is the best to interface with other softwares, with a good rate between dimensions and data.

Now I have discovered the Parasolid format.. .x_b and .x_t

And I have noted that it's quite smaller respect the STEP and the same ammount of data.

What do you think?

Which are the pro and the cons of STEp and Parasolid format?

Thanks!

@bespel,

marius.gildehaus has edited your subject line for clarity
Original: Export files formats : STEP vs Parasolid

Re: Inventor: Export file formats : STEP vs Parasolid

-niels- — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 15:43:31 GMT

I think most of the pro / cons depend on the software that needs to import it.
3DS Max for one cannot import parasolid files.

Another difference (only tested a simple file):
If you Zip a Step file, it has greater compression then a parasolid file
141kb step = 22kb zip
75kb x_b = 30kb zip
110kb x_t = 32kb zip

So it depends... the direct filesize is smaller, which is good for local storage, but if you're exchanging files you have to make sure the receiving party can import them.

Re: Inventor: Export file formats : STEP vs Parasolid

JDMather — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 15:43:34 GMT

Parasolid is the native modeling kernel for Solidworks, so if you know that the file is going to a Solidworks user then that is what I would use. Otherwise I would use STEP.

Re: Inventor: Export file formats : STEP vs Parasolid

bespel — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 15:43:38 GMT

I thought that Parasolid was the native for the Siemens applications.

Anyway, i don't see any big difference between step and parasolid as quality/quantity of data exported.

For export to other Inventor users, step and Parasolid are both fine.

There are difference in size.

The best exported compressed > STEP RAR (reduction of 99,24 %)

The best exported > Parasolid x_b (reduction of 95,71 %)

Other opinions are welcome

Re: Inventor: Export file formats : STEP vs Parasolid

JDMather — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 15:43:43 GMT

Parasolid is used by many CAD apps.

Re: Inventor: Export file formats : STEP vs Parasolid

marius.gildehaus — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 15:43:47 GMT

Hello @bespel!

Please hit the Accept as Solution button if a post or posts solves your issue or answers your question.

Thanks!