This glossary contains CAD-specific terms that describe file formats and software packages in a general context. For geometric terms specific to COMSOL Multiphysics, please see the Multiphysics Glossary.
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ACIS
A geometry kernel from Spatial Corp. with SAT as its native file format.
AutoCAD
A 2D CAD program from Autodesk, Inc.
Autodesk Inventor
Name of both a CAD program and its native file format (.ipt). from Autodesk, Inc. The kernel of this CAD program is based on ACIS.
CAD
Computer-aided design.
CATIA V4
Name of both a CAD program and its native file format (.model) from Dassault Systèmes S.A. It is fundamentally different to CATIA V5.
CATIA V5
Name of both a CAD program and its native file format (.CATPart, .CATProduct) from Dassault Systèmes S.A. It is fundamentally different to CATIA V4.
defeaturing
The process of removing details in the CAD geometry in order to reduce the size of the finite element model.
DXF
The 2D file format (.dxf) native to AutoCAD from Autodesk, Inc.
GDS
A 2D file format (.gds) based on a neutral standard.
IGES
A file format (.igs, .iges) based on a neutral standard not native to any geometry kernel.
NETEX-G
An import and conversion software that can read printed circuit board layouts from Gerber and Excellon drill files.
NX
A CAD program (formerly known as Unigraphics) from Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. using the Parasolid kernel.
ODB++
A file format for printed circuit board layouts maintained by Valor.
Parasolid
Name of both a geometry kernel and its native file format (.x_t, .x_b) from Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc.
Pro/ENGINEER
Name of both a CAD program and its native file format (.prt, .asm) from Parametric Technology Corp.
SAT
The native file format (.sat, .sab) of the ACIS geometry kernel from Spatial Corp.
Solid Edge
A CAD program from Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. using the Parasolid kernel.
SolidWorks
A CAD program from SolidWorks Corp. using the Parasolid kernel.
STEP
A file format (.step, .stp) based on a neutral standard not native to any geometry kernel.
STL
A file format (.stl) based on a neutral standard using surface-mesh representations.
VDA-FS
A file format (.vda) based on a neutral standard not native to any geometry kernel.
VRML
A file format (.wrl, .vrml) based on a neutral standard using surface mesh representations.