Convert IFC Files to U3D

IFC to U3D

IFC to U3D Conversion

Here’s a list of valuable resources, packed with detailed instructions and expert tips for converting IFC files to U3D format using our converters. Peruse them now to make your IFC files conversion process smoother later.


IFC vs. U3D Comparison

Property IFC U3D
Extensions .ifc .u3d, .idtf
Name Industry Foundation Classes Universal 3D
Versions
  • Min: IFC2x3
  • Max: IFC4x3 ADD2
Textures
Colors
Geometry components

IFC Industrial Foundation Classes File

A file format that is widely used in the AEC (Architecture Engineering Construction) industry. It is supported by many software applications, such as Revit from Autodesk or SmartPlant 3D by Intergraph. IFC can store various types of information related to AEC projects, such as:

  • Geometry: IFC can represent the shape and size of 3D models, using different types of entities such as solids, surfaces, curves, or points.
  • Units: IFC can specify the measurement units for each 3D model, such as meters, inches, degrees, or radians.
  • Materials: IFC can define the color and transparency of each geometry component, using values from 0 to 1 for red, green, blue, and alpha channels.
  • Instances: IFC can reuse the same geometry component multiple times, by creating mapped items that refer to the original shape definition. This can save storage space and improve performance.
  • Structure: IFC can organize the 3D models into a hierarchical structure, using names and identifiers for each component. This can help to manage complex projects and facilitate collaboration.
  • BIM: IFC can include generic BIM (Building Information Modeling) data, such as properties, attributes, relationships, or constraints for each 3D model. This can enhance the functionality and interoperability of the file format.

IFC Converters: Autoconverter and Automesher Application are compatible with IFC, and you can use them to import and export IFC models. You can also modify the custom properties of the IFC geometries, and convert them to other 3D file formats. However, please note that some features of IFC may not be supported by other file formats, and may be lost during the conversion.


U3D Universal 3D File

An open-source compressed file format that was initiated by the 3D Industry Forum. U3D is designed to store three-dimensional triangular meshes along with additional properties such as color, transparency, or texture coordinates. Here are some of the key features and advantages of U3D:

  • 3D PDF Integration: U3D enables the generation of PDF documents that contain interactive 3D data. This means that you can view, rotate, zoom, and manipulate 3D models within a PDF document. 3D PDF is a widely used and supported format that can be easily shared and distributed.
  • U3D File Converters: Autoconverter and Automesher Application are capable of reading and writing to and from the U3D file format. This allows you to convert your 3D models from various formats, such as STL, OBJ, SKP, DAE, STEP, and others, to U3D and vice versa.
  • IFX Conversion Library: Our U3D file converters use the publicly available open-source IFX conversion library provided by Intel. This library is a powerful and reliable tool that enables the conversion of 3D data to and from U3D.