COB to IGES Conversion
Transform COB into IGES in minutes with our step-by-step instructions:
Install Autoconverter
Download and install Autoconverter on your system. Launch the software to convert COB files to IGES format.
Import COB File
Click Open... to load your COB (.cob, .scn) file, or drag and drop it into the application window.
Export to IGES Format
Use Save As... to export your file to the IGES file format (.igs, .iges).
Still want to master COB to IGES conversion? These comprehensive guides teach you professional COB files conversion:
- Convert STL to Solid Model Using Autoshaper
- Automesher Desktop Application for Windows to Convert 3D File Formats
- How to Convert SKP to IGES (SketchUp to IGS) File Format
- SKP to IGES: Export IGS from SketchUp (.skp) File
Caligari TrueSpace Object File
A proprietary 3D file type created by Caligari Corporation for their TrueSpace modeling and animation software. This format was designed to store complete 3D scenes including geometry, materials, and animation data from TrueSpace projects. While the software is no longer actively developed, COb files remain important for working with legacy 3D assets and converting older TrueSpace creations to modern formats.
Key Features of COB
- Complete 3D Scene Storage: COB files save entire 3D scenes including models, lights, and cameras in a single file.
- COB File Formats: There are two types of COB files:
- ASCII - Human-readable for manual edits and debugging in any text editor.
- Binary - Smaller file sizes and faster loading for complex 3D scenes.
- Material Support: The COB format stores color, texture, and basic material properties for 3D objects.
- NURBS and Mesh Data: Supports both NURBS surfaces and polygonal mesh geometry types.
COB File Conversion
Autoconverter and Automesher Application support importing COB files (TrueSpace format) and converting them to other 3D formats like STEP, SAT, FBX, SKP, and OBJ. The conversion preserves key elements including materials, textures, and UV coordinates from the original COB file. This is made possible through our use of the Open Asset Import Library, which ensures reliable cross-platform conversions. Note that only import is supported - you cannot export back to COB format.
IGES File Format - Initial Graphics Exchange Explained
The IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) file format is widely used across CAD (Computer-Aided Design), CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing), and CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) industries for transferring 3D models and complex designs between different software platforms. Developed in the 1980s and standardized by ANSI and ISO, IGES remains a crucial, legacy-neutral format for 3D data exchange, ensuring long-term interoperability.
What is an IGES (.IGS) File?
IGES files store detailed 3D CAD data using a text-based format that can represent wireframes, surfaces, and solid models. It enables seamless sharing of geometric information without dependency on proprietary software, making it ideal for collaborative projects across engineering, manufacturing, and design fields.
Key Features of the IGES/IGS Format
- Text-Based Geometry Storage: All geometric and structural data is saved in human-readable ASCII text, allowing easy manual editing but often resulting in larger file sizes for complex designs.
- Color Information: IGES supports color at the assembly level, preserving important visual distinctions between different components and parts in a model.
- Transparency Limitations: Unlike newer 3D file formats, IGES does not support transparency (alpha channels), meaning that opacity settings in original designs are not retained after export.
IGES/IGS File Conversion and Processing
Autoconverter offers complete read and write support for IGES files using the Open Cascade technology stack, ensuring full compatibility with the latest IGES specifications. It processes IGES data as triangulated mesh geometry for maximum compatibility. For workflows requiring preservation of native NURBS surfaces and smooth 3D definitions, we recommend using Autoshaper, which maintains original surface accuracy throughout the conversion process.
COB vs IGES Comparison
| Property | COB | IGES |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .cob, .scn | .igs, .iges |
| Name | Caligari TrueSpace Object | Initial Graphics Exchange Specification |
| Versions | ||
| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components | ||
| Readers | ||
| Writers |