Which Geometric Modeling Kernel?

Since Geometric Modeling Kernels are a more precise format than STEP (and will often provide a superior translation) this listing will help you find which geometric modeling kernel powers are best for the CAD application you are working with.

If you don’t have the ability to write the native CAD format, write to the geometric modeling kernel which powers the CAD application; geometric modeling kernels are more precisely written than neutral CAD formats, and give you the best chance of getting the cleanest, most accurate CAD geometry.

For further information on when to use which CAD format (native, kernel or neutral), please see the CAD Format Ladder article.

Alphabetical breakdown of which Geometric Modeling Kernel powers which CAD-related applications.

Other

CATIA – CGM

Pro/E, Creo – Granite

Hypermill – Designbase

TransMagic – CGM***

All TransMagic core products (SUPERVIEW, PRO and EXPERT) will read ACIS, Parasolid, SMLib and CGM kernels. EXPERT writes all of these kernels, and PRO writes all but CGM, since it is a native kernel format. See complete list of CAD and polygonal formats supported by TransMagic applications.

* AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor are based on the ShapeManager kernel, which forked from ACIS version 7 in 2001. If you need to save an ACIS file that is compatible with Autodesk products, setting ACIS version to 7 should bring good results.

** IronCAD gives users the option of both the ACIS and Parasolid kernels.

*** TransMagic makes use of ACIS, Parasolid, SMLib, CGM and other kernels to provide optimal translations of CAD data. 

CAD-Related Applications, Market and Kernel Used

Abaqus – FEA – ACIS

Adams – Multibody Dynamics – Parasolid

ADEM – CAD System – ACIS

ADINA M/PS – CFD, Thermal and Structural Analysis – Parsolid

Alibre – CAD System – ACIS

AllPlan – BIM, Precast, Rebar, Construction – Parasolid

Altair Hyperworks -Simulation – Parasolid

ANSYS – FEA – ACIS

Artube – Tubular Design – Parasolid

AutoCAD – CAD System – ShapeManager

BricsCAD – CAD System – ACIS

CADKEY – CAD System – ACIS

CATIA – CAD System – CGM

CD-Adapco – CFD – SMLib

Cimatron – Mold Design – ACIS

Cobalt – CAD System (Ashlar Vellum) – ACIS

Delcam – CAD/CAM – Parasolid

DIAL GmbH – Lighting Design – SMLib

EdgeCAM – CAD/CAM – Parasolid

FeatureCAM – CAD/CAM – Parasolid

FRIENDSHIP SYSTEMS – CFD – SMLib

Gambit – CFD – ACIS

Genworks – 3D CAD Web-Based Modeling Language – SMLib

GibbsCAM – CAD/CAM – Parasolid

GstarCAD – CAD System for MFG, AEC – ACIS

Honeywell Aerospace – Manufacturer/Developer – SMLib

Hypermill – CADCAM – Designbase

IDEAS – CAD/CAM – Parasolid

Inventor – CAD/CAM – ACIS

IronCAD – CAD System – ACIS and Parasolid

KeyCreator – CAD System – ACIS

Martec (Lloye’s Register) – Manufacturer/Developer – SMLib

Mastercam – CAD/CAM – Parasolid

Microstation – CAD/CAM – Parasolid

Mind – CAD/CAM Cutting Systems – SMLib

ModuleWorks GmbH – CAD/CAM – SMLib

Moldflow – Mold Design – Parasolid

Naastran – FEA – ACIS

NX – CAD System – Parasolid

Onshape – CAD System (Cloud-Based) – Parasolid

Patran – FEA – ACIS

PhotoModeler – CAD System (Photogrammatic Measuring) – SMLib

Pro/E, Creo – CAD System – Granite

Solid Edge – CAD System – Parasolid

SolidFace – CAD System (Cloud-Based) – Parasolid

SOLIDWORKS – CAD System – Parasolid

SpaceClaim – CAD System – ACIS

T-FLEX – CAD System – Parasolid

TransMagic – CAD Data Interoperability – ACIS, Parasolid, SMLib, CGM +

Vico (Trimble Systems ) – BIM – SMLib

VISI-Series – CAD/CAM – Parasolid

ZWCAD – CAD System – ACIS