CAD Import Module Glossary

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This glossary contains CAD-specific terms that describe file formats and software packages in a general context. For geometric terms specific to COMSOL Multiphysics, please see the Multiphysics Glossary.

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ACIS

A geometry kernel from Spatial Corp. with SAT as its native file format.

AutoCAD

A 2D CAD program from Autodesk, Inc.

Autodesk Inventor

Name of both a CAD program and its native file format (.ipt, .iam). from Autodesk, Inc.

Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp

A CAD program from SolidWorks Corp. using the Parasolid kernel.

CAD

Computer-aided design.

Catia® V4

Name of both a CAD program and its native file format (.model) from Dassault Systèmes S.A. It is fundamentally different to Catia® V5.

Catia® V5

Name of both a CAD program and its native file format (.CATPart, .CATProduct) from Dassault Systèmes S.A. It is fundamentally different to Catia® V4.

defeaturing

The process of removing details in the CAD geometry in order to reduce the size of the finite element model.

DXF

The 2D file format (.dxf) developed by Autodesk, Inc.

GDS

A 2D file format (.gds) based on a neutral standard.

IGES

A file format (.igs, .iges) based on a neutral standard not native to any geometry kernel.

NETEX-G

An import and conversion software that can read printed circuit board layouts from Gerber and Excellon drill files.

NX

A CAD program (formerly known as Unigraphics) from Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. using the Parasolid kernel.

ODB++

A file format for printed circuit board layouts maintained by Valor.

Parasolid

Name of both a geometry kernel and its native file format (.x_t, .x_b) from Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc.

Pro/ENGINEER

Name of both a CAD program and its native file format (.prt, .asm) from Parametric Technology Corp.

SAT

The native file format (.sat, .sab) of the ACIS geometry kernel from Spatial Corp.

Solid Edge

A CAD program from Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. using the Parasolid kernel.

STEP

A file format (.step, .stp) based on a neutral standard not native to any geometry kernel.

STL

A file format (.stl) based on a neutral standard using surface-mesh representations.

VRML

A file format (.wrl, .vrml) based on a neutral standard using surface mesh representations.