Importing 3D Model Files

3D model files can be imported directly into the active Modeler window. Supported 3D model file formats are listed in the table that follows.

Type Extension(s) Supported Version(s)
ACIS SAB *.sab ACIS R1 through ACIS 2023 1.0
ACIS SAT *.sat ACIS R1 through ACIS 2023 1.0
Ansoft Geometry *.AnstGeom

All

Ansys 3D Modeler *.sm3

3D Modeler files in ACIS R2 through ACIS 2023 1.0

See UDMs and CAD integration with Workbench.
AutoCAD *.dxf, *.dwg

Linux:

Versions 2.5 (AC1002) through 2012 (AC1024)

Windows:

Versions 2.5 (AC1002) through 2017 (AC1027).

See Importing DXF and DWG Format Files.
Autodesk Inventor *.ipt, *.iam

Hoops: Up to V2024

Interop: V6 through V2024

CATIA *.exp, *.model, *.CATPart, *.CATproduct V4 through V5-6R2023
Creo Parametric *.prt, *.asm

Hoops: Pro/Engineer 19.0 to Creo 10.0

Interop: Pro/Engineer 16 – Creo 10.0
IGES *.iges, *.igs All, through 5.3
JT *.jt

Hoops: B-rep JT Up to 10.9

InterOp: Up to 10.7

NASTRAN *.nas CROD, CBEAM, CTRIA3, and CQUAD4 element types
Siemens NX *.prt NX 11 through NX 2306
Parasolid *.x_t, *.x_b 9.0 through 35.1.210
SOLIDWORKS *.SLDPRT, *.SLDASM

Hoops: From 98 through 2024

Interop: From 98 through 2023

STEP *.step, *.stp ISO standard 10303-21:2016, AP214 STEP files and AP242 (geometry only)
STL *.stl 2.0 (see Lightweight Geometry in SBR+)
Note:
  • Object, material, and parameter names with non-ASCII characters are not allowed for data transfer. Such transfers fail and produce an error message.
  • If you import a file into an active Modeler window that contains an existing model, the file is added to the existing model; it will not replace it.

With Ansys Electronics Desktop2024R2, Hoops Exchange translators will be used by default to translate following 3D CAD files: Inventor, CATIA, Creo, IGES, JT, NX, Solidworks, and STEP. Spatial InterOp translators are deprecated for the these formats; they can be used by turning on the deprecated feature, accessed from the Tools > Options > General Options > Deprecated Features button.

To import a 3D model file:

  1. Click Modeler > Import.

    2. The Import File dialog box appears.

  2. Select the file type you want from the Files of type drop-down menu.

  3. Select any import options available for the selected file type. Options may include:

    • Validation and Healing Options – See Healing an Imported Object.
    • Import Material Names – use the check box to import material names.
    • Import Free Surfaces – for Creo Parametric files, use the check box to import surfaces as well as parts.
    • Stitch Tolerance and Units – For STEP and IEGS files, you can specify a Stitch tolerance and units. The default value (auto) comes from Healing options.
    • STL Import Options – for STL files for modal or terminal solutions, select the modeling units to which the imported model is scaled and whether to merge faces that are on the same plane, and whether to Heal on import. Heal attempts to remove common issues while importing stl files, including closing solids when they are open due to minor cracks in triangulation and removing self-intersections.

      STL Import Options panel available from Modeler\Import window

      The generic format specification for STL does not include units. When Auto is selected for the file units, the current model units are normally used. The exception is for *.stl files saved from SpaceClaim, for which units have been specified.

      Checking Reduce enables fields for specifying Reduce Max Error and Reduce Percentage.

    • Create Groups for Sub Assembly – for formats that allow importing MCAD Assemblies as groups, use the check box to retain the assembly structure of objects using groups. For every subassembly in the model, a group is created and it retains hierarchical information by creating group hierarchy. See Group Commands for Modeler Objects.
  4. Use the file browser to find the file you want to import.

  5. Click Open.

    The file is imported into the active Modeler window.

For tips on dealing with very complex models, see Technical Notes: Handling Complicated Models.

Note: If you import a file into an active Modeler window that contains an existing model, the file is added to the existing model; it will not replace it.
Note: While objects created in Maxwell can always be classed in the history tree as either a solid, sheet, or wire, some imported objects may have mixture of these. Maxwell places such objects in an Unclassified folder in the history tree.

Related Topics 

Importing 2D Model Files

Importing DXF and DWG Format Files.

Exporting 3D Model Files

SpaceClaim Integration

Technical Notes: Handling Complicated Models