Supported model import formats
The following tables lists the model formats that you can import. By default they are imported as a Solid 3D model
| File format | Recognized file extensions |
|---|
| Moldflow Study File | *.sdy |
| ANSYS Prep 7 | *.ans |
| I-DEAS Universal | *.unv |
| NASTRAN Bulk Data | *.bdf |
| PATRAN Neutral | *.pat, *.out |
| Stereolithography | *.stl |
| ASCII model | *.udm |
| Autodesk Inventor (up to 2026) | *.ipt |
| Autodesk Shape Manager (up to 231) | *.smt, *.smb |
| Autodesk Simulation Mechanical | |
| Alias (v10 to 2026) | *.wire |
| CATIA V5 - R10 to 6R2024 CATIA® R10 to V5-6R2024 (R34) Assembly | *.catpart *.catproduct |
| Siemens PLM Unigraphics V13 to NX 12, 1847, 1872, 1899, 1926, 1953, 1980, 2007, 2206, 2212, 2306, 2312, 2406 Series | *.prt |
| Pro/ENGINEER® Wildfire® 1.0 to 5.0 Pro/ENGINEER® Wildfire® 1.0 to 5.0 Assembly | *.prt *.asm |
| Creo™ Parametric (1.0 - 11.0) | *.prt |
| Parasolid® up to V37 | *.x_t, *.x_b |
| SolidWorks® 2006 plus to 2025 SolidWorks® 2006 plus to 2025 Assembly | *.sldprt *.sldasm |
| Rhino (up to 8.0) | *.3dm |
| SAT (v4 - v7) | *.sat |
| STEP (AP214, AP203E2, AP242) | *.stp, *.step |
| IGES | *.igs, *.iges |
Siemens PLM JT ( up to v10.10) | *.jt |
Note:
These files are imported by default as a Solid 3D mesh. To select a different mesh type (Midplane or Dual Domain), select the required mesh from the import dialog.
Direct import of the native CAD format is possible for all but Autodesk Alias surfaces and IGES formats. If the native Autodesk Alias model contains a solid, then the Direct Import option can be used.
When saving the model, ensure that the extension matches the entry in the table.
Unless the model has a *.sdy file format, only a single cavity can be imported. Multiple cavity models must be separated into single cavities before import.
The interoperability ofAutodesk products is enhanced by using the Autodesk Shape Manager (ASM) format to transfer CAD bodies. The full fidelity of the model is maintained as there is no downgrading of quality due to file conversion.
Note: Versions of products that incorporate an older ASM are not able to read newer versions of .smt or .smb files.
Interoperability with Autodesk Simulation Mechanical is supported for Thermoplastics Injection Molding analyses of Dual Domain and 3D models.
Note: In order for results to transfer successfully for the structural analysis, you cannot change the orientation of the imported model with respect to the global coordinate system, or modify the geometry. You should not change the name of the study that was created on import.