Supported Export File Formats for Communicator for BricsCAD

Quick answer: Communicator for BricsCAD’s supported export formats vary by platform.

Supported Formats by Platform

Windows: 3D PDF (.pdf); ACIS (.asab, .asat, .sab, .sat); CATIA v4 (.model); CATIA v5 (.CATPart, .CATProduct); IGES (.iges, .igs); STEP (.step, .stp, with AP203, AP214, or AP242 export protocols selectable); VDA-FS (.vda); XCGM (.xcgm); Parasolid (.xmt_bin, .xmt_txt, .x_b, .x_t).

Exporting to Parasolid format requires all three of these conditions: pskernel.dll must be available to InterOp (in a folder accessible via the PATH environment variable, for example); the P_SCHEMA environment variable must point to the schema folder found next to pskernel in its original installation (the folder name can vary slightly, schema_18 for SolidWorks® 2018, for example); and if pskernel.dll‘s version is earlier than the major version InterOp supports, EXPORTPARASOLIDFORMATVERSION must be set to a lower version that the pskernel library actually supports.

Linux: 3D PDF, ACIS, CATIA v4, CATIA V5, IGES, STEP (same protocol options as Windows), VDA-FS, and XCGM, with the same extensions as Windows. Parasolid isn’t supported here.

Mac: ACIS, CATIA v4, IGES, STEP (same protocol options), and VDA-FS, with the same extensions as Windows and Linux. 3D PDF, CATIA V5, and XCGM aren’t supported here.

Export Behavior Notes

With EXPORTPRODUCTSTRUCTURE set, export a BricsCAD assembly containing mechanical components as a file that preserves its product structure. For assemblies with hidden parts, decide how they’re handled during export with EXPORTHIDDENPARTS. Every other related system variable controlling export file types is listed in this hub’s Communicator for BricsCAD Settings page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I export to Parasolid format on Linux or Mac? No, Parasolid export is only supported on Windows, and only when all three specific pskernel.dll/P_SCHEMA conditions are met.

Which STEP export protocols are available? AP203, AP214, and AP242.

Does 3D PDF export work on every platform? No, it’s supported on Windows and Linux, but not on Mac.

How do I preserve an assembly’s product structure when exporting? Set EXPORTPRODUCTSTRUCTURE.