Ab4d.OpenCascade

Ab4d.OpenCascade library defines a CadImporter class that can import parts, faces, edges and 3D meshes from STEP (.step or .stp) and IGES (.iges or .igs) files.

STEP files can be created from most CAD applications, including SolidWorks, CATIA, Autodesk Fusion, Siemens Solid Edge and many others.

STEP files preserve the orignal mathematical definition of 3D objects.

When using CadImporter, the original mathematical definition of the objects is preserved. To show the 3D objects, the CadImporter can converted the objects into triangles by providing the triangulation precision.

CadImporter imports the data into standard .Net types so no third-party library is required to read the data.

To show the 3D models imported by CadImporter, it is recommended to use Ab4d.SharpEngine or Ab3d.DXEngine libraries - see CadImporter sample on GitHub.

Sample

CadImporter sample on GitHub

Licenses

The Ab4d.OpenCascade is using OpenCASCADE library that is licensed under LGPL and an exception.

Ab4d.OpenCascade can be used only with the Ab3d.DXEngine or Ab4d.SharpEngine libraries.

Before using the CadImporter it needs to be activated by calling Ab4d.OpenCascade.CadImporter.Activate method. When used with Ab3d.DXEngine, pass a DXScene object to the Activate method (DXScene must be already initialized). When used with Ab4d.SharpEngine, call Activate with SceneView or Scene objects (GpuDevice must be already initialized). The Ab4d.OpenCascade cannot be used by a free Ab4d.SharpEngine license.

If you want to use Ab4d.OpenCascade without Ab3d.DXEngine or Ab4d.SharpEngine libraries, contact support.