.model, .mdl

is the actual file format from Catia V4 (2D as well as 3D)

.exp

is an export archive, several files from Catia V4 are packed in (normal not compressed. Sometimes the archive is still compressed, the file ending is not changed.

.dlv, dlv3

is the same export archive like .exp; the user only left the presetting of Catia CATEXP and there is no file ending from Dassault (as Unix).

.stp, .step

STEP files; Standard for the Exchange of Product model data
STEP is an initiated interface norm from ISO (ISO 10303), exceeding the pure geometry data exchange (like via DXF or IGES). Possibly all product types, assaulting during the product durability, should be displayed and transmitted between different CAx systems. All information of a product - from first layout up to the close-down - counts among them. Data assaults in construction, calculation, production, assembly, quality control, maintenance and operation. The product model concept from STEP is basedon the generation of a complete model, dividing in Parital models with certain limited information contents, being linked and related with each other. STEP contains several standards, being defined via a special language, consisting of a so called Parts, Application Protocols and Conformance Classes. In the geometry description it is possible to integrate all forms (wire frame, surface and volume models) from CAD data models. The Application Protocol AP 203 Class 2 describes wire frame and surface models,, Class 4 defined surface models with topology and Class 6 is responsible for volume models. AP 214 is especially used for the automotive industry and can e.g. transmit structure information (colors, levels, groups). With STEP it is possible to forward information at assemblies via the hierarchic structure. The society ProSTEP was founded to facilitate the realization of standard STEP in standard products and services.

.vda

VDA-FS files
VDAFS is a CAD interface standard of the Association of German Automobile Manufacturer primary for the exchange of auto body data and cast parts. VDAFS is especially suited for the exchange of free form surfaces, often founded in car body construction and being created with surface-orientated 3D software. Furthermore it is possible to transmit point, point groups and vectors. The exchange of volume models is impossible. The VDAFS is captured in a DIN standard, describing mainly geometry data.

.igs, .iges

IGES files
Initial Graphics Exchange Specification(IGES) IGES ist an ANSI interoperable, not a manufacturer-bounded file format, serving as international standard to exchange the product definition data between different CAD/CAM systems. Mostly the versions 4 and 5 are used, actually version 5.3.
IGES was mainly developed for the transmission of geometry data. It concerns 2D and 3D surface models (incl. Bezier and NURBS surfaces). With version 5.3 IGES has also volume elements and about 40 more geometry elements and 35 not geometrical elements.

.dxf

DXF files Drawing Interchange Format is and ASCII or binary file format to exchange vector data between CAD programs (and other appllications) - especially in the PC range. Developed from Autodesk, it plays mainly as interface from and to AutoCAD a roule.

.dwg

File format from AutoCAD and Autodesk Mechanical Desktop

.ipt

Autodesk Inventor component files

.iam

Autodesk Înventor Assembly files

.idw

Autodesk Inventor drawing files

.prt

Unigraphics files component or assembly

.x_t

Parasolid file, 3D-CAD core e.g. from Unigraphics, SolidEdge, Solidworks, ANSYS ...
Parasolid is a 3D CAD volume model core of the company Unigraphics Solution. Parasolid provides a librarya with C++ functions. Parasolid is not only the system base of Unigraphics Solutions (SolidEdge and UNIGRAPHICS) but also from more than 60 other CAD systems, Finite elements analysis and NC programs of different manufacturers.

.x_b

Parasolid Datei, 3D-CAD-Kern Format von z.B. Unigraphics, SolidEdge, Solidworks, ANSYS ...

.xmt_txt

Parasolid file 3D-CAD core format from e.g. Unigraphics, SolidEdge, Solidworks, ANSYS ...

.xmt_bin

Parasolid file, 3D-CAD core format from e.g. Unigraphics, SolidEdge, Solidworks, ANSYS ...

.sat

ACIS file 3D-CAD core format from e.g. ACIS describes also a volume core and became to a quasi standard at CAD programs. ACIS is written in the object-orientated programming language C++ and features through an open system architecture. In ACIS also wire frame and surface models can be administered and manipulated. From version 6 on the function of "tolerant modelizing" is supported. Imported models can be followed up correctly with unexact geometry description.

.sldprt

Solidworks component file

.sldasm

Solidworks Assembly file

.slddrw

Solidworks drawing file

.wrl, .wrml

VRML files

.prt

Pro/E component file

.asm

Pro/E Assembly file

.par

Solid Edge Part files

.asm

Solid Edge Assembly files

.dft

Solid Edge Drawing files

.stl

Stereo Lithography file format - neutral data format from 3D systems, for Rapid Prototyping. Geometry is irreversible bevelled.

.idi

I-DEAS Neutral files

.des

Pro/Desktop files

.CATPart

CATIA V5 component file

.CATProduct

CATIA V5 assembly file

.mf1

I-DEAS

.mf2

I-DEAS

.mi

ME10 files

.dgn

MicroStation files

.sdp

SolidDesigner, OneSpace Designer component files

.sda

SolidDesigner, OneSpace Designer assembly files

.sab

ACIS files binary