Native CAD interfaces
Direct support for the CAD formats listed here.
IGES-SAT-VDA Viewer
Open IGES, SAT, and VDA files
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The 3D-Tool Viewer opens IGES, SAT, and VDA files without any additional CAD software.
The 3D-NativeCAD Converter converts models to a wide range of formats such as STEP, JT, Parasolid X_T, STL, OBJ, 3D-PDF, and 3D-HTML.
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When the Original CAD System Is Gone
IGES, SAT, and VDA files often resurface from older project archives, at a point when the CAD system that created them is no longer installed or its license has long expired. The 3D-Tool Viewer opens all three formats independently of the original program, making geometry and structure accessible again.
That makes it possible to check and measure archived designs and, if needed, convert them into a current exchange format such as STEP. This is particularly useful when a part from an old project needs to be reused in a new design.
What are IGES, VDA, and SAT files?
- IGES, IGS (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification): IGES is a CAD data exchange format for 3D models and, less commonly, 2D drawings. For 3D models, IGES supports part and assembly information.
- VDA (VDA-FS): VDA-FS is a 3D CAD exchange format. The German Association of the Automotive Industry developed it as a surface interface between CAD systems. VDA files contain only 3D surface data and no information about parts or assemblies.
- SAT (ACIS SAT/SAB): SAT is the file format of the ACIS 3D modeling kernel from Dassault Systèmes. Many CAD/CAM applications use the ACIS kernel and its SAT file format. The format supports wireframe, surface, and solid modeling. SAB files are the binary variant of text-encoded SAT files.
IGES, VDA, and SAT versions
- IGES The format was created in 1980 and has not changed significantly since 1996. Although it supports surface and solid models, it has largely been replaced by the STEP format.
- VDA VDA-FS was designed in 1983 for transferring free-form surfaces. Solids, dimensions, planes, 2D geometry, and text are not supported. In Germany, the file format has been registered as the national standard DIN 66301 since 1986, but it is rarely used today. The version has remained unchanged since 1986 and is 2.0.
- SAT The first ACIS format specification was published by Spatial in 1998. The specification was publicly available until 2001, or version 7. After the acquisition by Dassault Systèmes, the format was modified and no longer published. Newer SAT files require the native ACIS library for reading.
SAT characteristics
Of the three exchange formats IGS, VDA, and SAT, SAT is certainly the most interesting as the file format of the ACIS modeling kernel. ACIS provides the three core functions of 3D modeling, 3D model management, and 3D model visualization and supports Microsoft, Apple, and Linux platforms.
SAT files are readable with a text editor and start with the internal version number. "3310" stands for the internal version 33.1.0 and this corresponds to version 2023 1.0.
SAB files are the binary variant of SAT files and are no longer readable with a text editor. However, as with SAT files, the internal version number can be identified in the first line.
The Shape Manager modeling kernel used by Autodesk is also based on the ACIS kernel.
How do I open IGES, VDA, and SAT files?
Open IGES, VDA, and SAT files with CAD/CAM software that has a corresponding interface.
There are free viewers for viewing a 3D design in IGES or SAT format on the Internet. For VDA-FS only commercial solutions are available.
Starting with the 3D-Tool Advanced edition, the 3D-Tool CAD Viewer opens all three formats as well as other exchange formats such as STEP and Parasolid X_T. Professional measurement tools and analyses make full use of IGES, VDA, and SAT data.
How can I convert an IGES, VDA, or SAT file?
Without CAD/CAM software with a suitable interface, the model must be exported from the original CAD system into another 3D exchange format or 3D visualization format.
Converting from IGES, VDA or SAT to STEP, X_T, OBJ or STL is also possible with a 3D converter.
3D-Tool Premium includes the 3D-NativeCAD Converter. This converts the native models of many common CAD systems into the 3D exchange formats STEP, IGES, SAT and Parasolid X_T. It also converts IGES, VDA and SAT files to supported target formats.
Test the IGES, VDA, and SAT viewer and converter for free
3D-Tool is a CAD Viewer with interfaces for common native CAD formats and 3D exchange formats. 3D-Tool provides professional measurement functions, draft analysis, and wall thickness analysis.
- Open IGES, VDA, and SAT files, add dimensions and annotations, and publish them for the 3D-Tool Free Viewer or as 3D-PDF
- Open IGES, VDA, and SAT files and save them as STL, 3DS, PLY, WRL, or OBJ
- Convert IGES, VDA, and SAT files to JT, STEP, and X_T
- Convert IGES, VDA, and SAT models into 3D product visualizations such as 3D-HTML, FBX, 3MF, and glTF
Simply download 3D-Tool, start it, and request a trial key. Test all features, all interfaces, and the 3D-NativeCAD Converter for 14 days. Open and convert STEP, IGES, SAT, Parasolid, as well as CATIA, Designcenter (Siemens NX), Inventor, SolidWorks, and other formats.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are IGS and IGES different formats?
No. IGS and IGES are file extensions for the same CAD exchange format. IGES can contain 3D models and 2D drawing data. The shorter extension does not indicate reduced model quality or a different geometry type. When opening or converting the file, the actual contents and the capabilities of the import interface are what matter.
What is the difference between SAT and SAB?
SAT stores ACIS model data as text. SAB is the binary variant. The format supports wireframe, surface, and solid models. Both belong to the ACIS format family. When exchanging a model, agree on a file variant and version that the recipient's CAD interface supports, rather than selecting a format based only on its file size.
Do VDA-FS files contain solids or assembly structures?
No. VDA-FS is a surface exchange format. It contains 3D surface data, but no solid models or information about parts and assembly structures. This matters when the recipient expects a complete solid or an organized assembly. The file can transfer the available surfaces, but it cannot supply structural information that the format does not store.
Which 3D-Tool edition opens IGES, SAT, and VDA?
3D-Tool Advanced opens IGES, SAT, and VDA as well as STEP and Parasolid. Advanced is suitable for viewing and analyzing models. 3D-Tool Premium also includes the 3D-NativeCAD Converter for converting CAD exchange formats. Premium is the right edition when you want to transfer models to other CAD formats.
Can IGES, SAT, and VDA models be converted to STEP?
Yes. The 3D-NativeCAD Converter in 3D-Tool Premium converts these models to STEP and Parasolid X_T. They can also be converted to visualization formats such as STL or OBJ. The conversion starts from the geometry contained in the source file. For example, a VDA-FS surface model does not include an assembly structure that could be transferred to the result.