COB to STEP Conversion
Here's a quick and easy way to convert COB to STEP using our converter:
Install Autoconverter
Download and install Autoconverter on your system. Launch the software to convert COB files to STEP format.
Import COB File
Click Open... to load your COB (.cob, .scn) file, or drag and drop it into the application window.
Export to STEP Format
Use Save As... to export your file to the STEP file format (.stp, .step).
Still having difficulties converting COB to STEP? Our detailed guides help you master COB files conversion:
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Caligari TrueSpace Object File
A proprietary 3D file type created by Caligari Corporation for their TrueSpace modeling and animation software. This format was designed to store complete 3D scenes including geometry, materials, and animation data from TrueSpace projects. While the software is no longer actively developed, COb files remain important for working with legacy 3D assets and converting older TrueSpace creations to modern formats.
Key Features of COB
- Complete 3D Scene Storage: COB files save entire 3D scenes including models, lights, and cameras in a single file.
- COB File Formats: There are two types of COB files:
- ASCII - Human-readable for manual edits and debugging in any text editor.
- Binary - Smaller file sizes and faster loading for complex 3D scenes.
- Material Support: The COB format stores color, texture, and basic material properties for 3D objects.
- NURBS and Mesh Data: Supports both NURBS surfaces and polygonal mesh geometry types.
COB File Conversion
Autoconverter and Automesher Application support importing COB files (TrueSpace format) and converting them to other 3D formats like STEP, SAT, FBX, SKP, and OBJ. The conversion preserves key elements including materials, textures, and UV coordinates from the original COB file. This is made possible through our use of the Open Asset Import Library, which ensures reliable cross-platform conversions. Note that only import is supported - you cannot export back to COB format.
STEP File Format (Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data)
The STEP file format (also known as STP) is a widely recognized ISO standard for exchanging 3D data across different computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer-aided engineering (CAE) systems. Designed for seamless interoperability, STEP files enable accurate, reliable sharing of complex 3D models across industries like engineering, aerospace, and manufacturing.
Key Features and Benefits of STEP Files
- Universal Interoperability: As an ISO-standardized format, STEP files eliminate vendor lock-in, supporting smooth 3D data exchange between major CAD software such as SolidWorks, NX, Creo, CATIA, AutoCAD, and more.
- Broad Software Compatibility: Widely accepted across industries, STEP (.stp, .step) files ensure consistent workflows and simplify collaboration between different design teams and software platforms.
- High Precision and Integrity: Unlike mesh-based formats like SKP, OBJ, or STL, STEP files maintain the exact geometry, dimensions, and topological details of 3D models without introducing mesh distortions or inaccuracies.
- Assembly Color Support: STEP files retain color information at the assembly level, enhancing design visualization. However, they do not support transparency effects (alpha channel), so transparent objects are rendered opaque.
How to Convert and Optimize STEP Files
Large STEP files can be a challenge, especially when dealing with complex or highly detailed models. Our Autoconverter software provides an efficient solution, allowing you to optimize and convert STEP files easily. By using the faceted BREP (Boundary Representation) method, Autoconverter can significantly reduce file sizes - sometimes by up to 30% - without losing critical model fidelity.
Powered by the industry-leading Open Cascade technology stack, Autoconverter ensures full compatibility with the latest STEP standards and offers fast, high-quality STEP to STL, OBJ, SKP, or other 3D file format conversions. Start optimizing and converting your STEP files today with our powerful tools!
COB vs STEP Comparison
| Property | COB | STEP |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .cob, .scn | .stp, .step |
| Name | Caligari TrueSpace Object | STandardized Exchange of Product |
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