File Translators

File translators allow part files to be imported and exported between programs. Mastercam includes a large selection of CAD model file translators, so no matter where a part was created, it can be imported and modified as needed for machining purposes.

Mastercam file importers can open the following CAD file formats:

• Native CAD formats – Alibre Design, AutoCAD®, Autodesk® Inventor™, CATIA™, Creo®, KeyCreator®, Rhino, Siemens NX™, SOLIDWORKS®, SolidEdge, SpaceClaim®
• Solid modeling kernel formats – ACIS, Parasolid®
• Standard formats – IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification), STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Data), STL (Stereolithography), VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie)

Several Mastercam file importers can bring in Model-Based Definition (MBD) entities. MBD entities are “smart” dimensions that contain design intent added to the file during its creation. Capturing that data upon import and having it automatically be associated to the imported geometry inside Mastercam can be a significant time-saver. This can reduce or eliminate the need for external drawings that typically accompany imported files. MBD entities can be imported from the following formats: STEP, Siemens NX, Creo, Autodesk Inventor, and CATIA V5.

Whatever the source, Mastercam file translators help get parts on and off your machines faster.

Questions? Contact us to learn more or to speak to a Mastercam specialist.