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HOME/USEFUL GUIDES/GUIDE TO 3D FILE FORMATS/X_T FILE FORMAT EXPLAINED
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X_T File Format Explained

The X_T format is the Parasolid text file format associated with the Parasolid geometric modeling kernel. It is primarily used for high-fidelity data exchange between engineering and manufacturing software.

IconExtensionOriginal SoftwareYearPrimary IndustryGeometryUV MapsTexturesPBRAnimationRiggingOpen Use
X_T Icon.X_TParasolid Kernel1988CAD
Engineering
B-Rep––––––

X_T File Format Details

What It Stores

It stores precise boundary representation geometry, including solids, surfaces, curves, wireframes, and topological relationships. It can also retain color and component names in assemblies when supported by the exporting and importing systems.

Primary Use Cases

  • Interoperability between different CAD systems like SolidWorks and NX.
  • Preparation of high-precision models for CNC machining and CAM workflows.
  • Archiving high-precision Parasolid geometry and related model data in a widely supported exchange format.

Strengths

  • High geometric accuracy for curved surfaces and complex solids.
  • Broadly interoperable across CAD systems that support the Parasolid kernel.
  • Text-encoded Parasolid format that can be inspected in a text editor and exposes structural/model data, but is not intended for practical hand-editing.

Limitations

  • Designed for exact B-rep geometry rather than mesh exchange, and it is not meant for animation or rendering shader data.
  • Large files may import more slowly than equivalent X_B files due to their text-based encoding.

Common Software Support

Native to Siemens NX and Solid Edge. Supported by Parasolid-based CAD/CAM systems such as SolidWorks and Mastercam, and by other CAD tools through Parasolid import/export or translation workflows, including Autodesk Fusion in eligible license workflows.

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