IGES to IFC Conversion
This list provides valuable resources, filled with step-by-step guides and expert advice for converting IGES files to IFC format using our converters. Review them now to ease your IGES files conversion later.
- Convert SketchUp SKP Models with Component Instances to STEP
- Automesher Desktop Application for Windows to Convert 3D File Formats
- Convert 3D Mesh Files in the Batch Mode
- Convert IFC File to Different Schema Version
Initial Graphics Exchange File
A file format widely used in the fields of CAD (Computer-Aided Design), CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing), and CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering), as it enables to transfer of 3D models and designs across different platforms and applications. It has the following features:
- Text Format: IGES uses a text format to store geometry data, which means it can be easily readable and editable. However, this also means that IGES files can become very large when exporting complex shapes or meshes with many faces.
- Color Support: The IGES format supports color per assembly, enhancing the visual appeal of your 3D designs.
- Transparency Settings: One limitation of the IGES format is the absence of an alpha component. This means that any transparency settings in your 3D design will be lost when saved in the IGES format.
IGES File Converters: Autoconverter supports IGES format for reading and writing, however it can only work with triangulated mesh geometry. If you need to preserve smooth IGES surfaces you should use Autoshaper instead. Our software employs the Open Cascade framework, providing full support for the most recent IGES specifications.
Industrial Foundation Classes File
A file format that is widely used in the AEC (Architecture Engineering Construction) industry. It is supported by many software applications, such as Revit from Autodesk or SmartPlant 3D by Intergraph. IFC can store various types of information related to AEC projects, such as:
- Geometry: IFC can represent the shape and size of 3D models, using different types of entities such as solids, surfaces, curves, or points.
- Units: IFC can specify the measurement units for each 3D model, such as meters, inches, degrees, or radians.
- Materials: IFC can define the color and transparency of each geometry component, using values from 0 to 1 for red, green, blue, and alpha channels.
- Instances: IFC can reuse the same geometry component multiple times, by creating mapped items that refer to the original shape definition. This can save storage space and improve performance.
- Structure: IFC can organize the 3D models into a hierarchical structure, using names and identifiers for each component. This can help to manage complex projects and facilitate collaboration.
- BIM: IFC can include generic BIM (Building Information Modeling) data, such as properties, attributes, relationships, or constraints for each 3D model. This can enhance the functionality and interoperability of the file format.
IFC File Converters: Autoconverter and Automesher Application are compatible with IFC, and you can use them to import and export IFC models. You can also modify the custom properties of the IFC geometries, and convert them to other 3D file formats. However, please note that some features of IFC may not be supported by other file formats, and may be lost during the conversion.
IGES vs IFC Comparison
| Property | IGES | IFC |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .igs, .iges | .ifc |
| Name | Initial Graphics Exchange Specification | Industry Foundation Classes |
| Versions |
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| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components | ||
| Readers | ||
| Writers |