How to Convert COB to STEP❓
Here's a quick and easy way to convert COB to STEP using our converter:
📥 Install Autoconverter
Download and install Autoconverter on your system. Launch the software to convert COB files to STEP format.
📂 Import COB File
Click Open... to load your COB (.cob, .scn) file, or drag and drop it into the application window.
💾 Export to STEP Format
Use Save As... to export your file to the STEP file format (*.stp, *.step).
Still having difficulties converting COB to STEP? Our detailed guides help you master COB files conversion:
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Caligari TrueSpace COB File Format
The COB file format was developed by Caligari Corporation for its 3D modeling and animation software, TrueSpace. COB files store complete 3D scene data including geometry, materials, textures, lights, and animation. Though TrueSpace is now discontinued, COB remains an essential format for preserving and converting legacy 3D content.
Key Features of COB Files
- Full 3D Scene Storage: COB files encapsulate entire scenes with objects, lighting, cameras, and animation data.
- Two Format Variants:
- ASCII COB: Human-readable format ideal for manual inspection and debugging.
- Binary COB: Compact format optimized for performance and faster loading times.
- Material & Texture Support: Includes surface colors, image textures, and basic shading information.
- Geometry Types: Supports both NURBS-based and polygon mesh 3D models for greater flexibility.
COB File Conversion Tools
Use Autoconverter and Automesher Application to import and convert COB files into modern 3D formats such as FBX, OBJ, SKP, STEP, and SAT. Our converters retain crucial data including UV mapping, materials, and mesh topology by utilizing the Open Asset Import Library (Assimp) for accurate and reliable file processing.
Note: COB files can only be imported - exporting to COB format is not supported.
STEP File Format (Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data)
The STEP file format (also known as STP) is a widely recognized ISO standard for exchanging 3D data across different computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer-aided engineering (CAE) systems. Designed for seamless interoperability, STEP files enable accurate, reliable sharing of complex 3D models across industries like engineering, aerospace, and manufacturing.
Key Features and Benefits of STEP Files
- Universal Interoperability: As an ISO-standardized format, STEP files eliminate vendor lock-in, supporting smooth 3D data exchange between major CAD software such as SolidWorks, NX, Creo, CATIA, AutoCAD, and more.
- Broad Software Compatibility: Widely accepted across industries, STEP (.stp, .step) files ensure consistent workflows and simplify collaboration between different design teams and software platforms.
- High Precision and Integrity: Unlike mesh-based formats like SKP, OBJ, or STL, STEP files maintain the exact geometry, dimensions, and topological details of 3D models without introducing mesh distortions or inaccuracies.
- Assembly Color Support: STEP files retain color information at the assembly level, enhancing design visualization. However, they do not support transparency effects (alpha channel), so transparent objects are rendered opaque.
How to Convert and Optimize STEP Files
Large STEP files can be a challenge, especially when dealing with complex or highly detailed models. Our Autoconverter software provides an efficient solution, allowing you to optimize and convert STEP files easily. By using the faceted BREP (Boundary Representation) method, Autoconverter can significantly reduce file sizes - sometimes by up to 30% - without losing critical model fidelity.
Powered by the industry-leading Open Cascade technology stack, Autoconverter ensures full compatibility with the latest STEP standards and offers fast, high-quality STEP to STL, OBJ, SKP, or other 3D file format conversions. Start optimizing and converting your STEP files today with our powerful tools!
COB vs STEP - Key Differences
| Feature | COB | STEP |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .cob, .scn | .stp, .step |
| Name | Caligari TrueSpace Object | STandardized Exchange of Product |
| Versions | 🚫 |
|
| Textures | ❌ | ❌ |
| Colors | ✅ | ✅ |
| Geometry components | ❌ | ✅ |
| Importers | ||
| Exporters | 🚫 |
👉 Ready for reliable COB and STEP conversions? Use our COB to STEP Converter now and save valuable time while maintaining high-quality standards.