VIDEO TUTORIAL: How to convert a 3D CAD model from STP STEP or IGS IGES formats to GLB or OBJ
Tutorials | 17/10/2025 |
3D CAD models are the cornerstone for innovation across multiple industries, from industrial and manufacturing to architectural firms and creative design studios. Designed with state-of-the-art CAD software, these digital models dramatically improve project efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration—unlocking next-level business performance. Now, with AR Code SaaS solutions, businesses can easily bring these highly detailed 3D CAD models to life in immersive augmented reality, enhancing everything from product development to customer engagement.
The Best CAD Software for Professional Businesses
Discover industry-leading CAD software that empowers professionals to tackle complex projects with advanced precision:
- Fusion 360 Autodesk: A cloud-based platform that seamlessly blends 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE tools for end-to-end product innovation.
- Solidworks: Known for its robust design creation, simulation, and powerful visualization capabilities, driving excellence in product development.
- CorelCAD: Delivers accurate 2D and 3D CAD tools, perfect for technical drawings and professional-grade designs.
- AutoCAD: This universal CAD solution offers comprehensive 2D and 3D drafting, detailing, and visualization features.
- Tinkercad: An intuitive browser-based CAD tool, ideal for quickly designing models that are 3D-print ready.
- FreeCAD: Flexible open-source software with all the essentials for modeling, animation, simulation, and collaborative teamwork.
- SketchUp: Build and edit dynamic 3D models seamlessly across architecture, engineering, and construction projects.
- Bentley: Focused on infrastructure design, offering sophisticated modeling, analysis, and simulation capabilities.
- LibreCAD: An open-source choice for sharp and detailed 2D geometric figures, accurate measurements, and annotations.
- IRONCAD: Offers mechanical and industrial designers a complete set of modeling, simulation, and animation tools.
- Solid Edge: Provides state-of-the-art features for mechanical and industrial design, enabling advanced simulation and visualization.
- SOLVESPACE: A lightweight, open-source tool delivering streamlined 3D CAD engineering and product design capabilities.
- BRL-CAD: Purpose-built for engineering and scientific research, offering powerful modeling, simulation, and visualization.
- Rhino: Popular in product design, architecture, and engineering for its extensive modeling and rendering power.
- Siemens NX: A sophisticated suite with 3D modeling, simulation, and detailed documentation for advanced engineering projects.
- QCAD: User-friendly software for precise and detailed 2D technical drawings.
- PTC: Renowned for cutting-edge 3D modeling and simulation, parametric design, and top-notch animation features.
- CATIA: All-in-one 3D modeling, simulation, and rendering tools designed for holistic product development workflows.
- OpenSCAD: Code-driven model descriptions to create complex 2D and 3D models from mathematical equations.
Looking to convert a 3D CAD model but don’t have access to the original CAD software? Maximize productivity with seamless 3D CAD model conversion techniques that integrate perfectly with your AR workflow.
Step-by-Step: Convert 3D CAD Models with CAD Assistant
CAD Assistant is a top-rated free tool made for viewing and converting 3D models for commercial use. Download it here: https://www.opencascade.com/products/cad-assistant/
For fast and effective 3D model conversion, just follow these steps:
- Open CAD Assistant.
- Import files in formats like STP (STEP), IGS (IGES), LOG, OFF, 3DM, VRML, WRL, MSH, XBF, BREP, GLB, GLTF, or OBJ.
- Export and save your model as .GLB or .OBJ format.
The .GLB format preserves mesh organization in detail, while .OBJ optimizes mesh structure and file size. For extra optimization, check out this full tutorial on compressing CAD 3D models for AR.
Video Guide: From CAD Model Conversion to Augmented Reality
Post-Conversion: Refine 3D CAD Models for AR Integration
Once your CAD files are converted to .GLB or .OBJ, you can use advanced 3D software to fine-tune them for AR applications:
- Blender: This open-source software is highly versatile for 3D modeling, animation, and realistic rendering. Download Blender
- MeshLab: Perfect for managing and editing complex 3D meshes in diverse formats. Download MeshLab
Accelerate 3D CAD Model Adoption in AR with AR Code
Today’s manufacturing and architecture businesses depend on quality 3D CAD models. Equip your teams to quickly convert and optimize these models for augmented reality experiences using tools like CAD Assistant, Blender, and MeshLab. Streamline your entire AR deployment for business and industry.
Elevate your business by integrating 3D content into dynamic AR experiences using AR Code’s 3D File Upload feature. Start your free AR Code trial and transform your workflow with next-generation augmented reality.
AR Code’s Innovative Features: Add Value to Every Project
With AR Code SaaS, you gain access to the most advanced tools in augmented reality. Integrate Object Capture, AR Photo, AR Portal, and AR Logo directly into your project ecosystem. Take advantage of full device compatibility to deliver high-impact AR experiences on smartphones, tablets, and AR/VR headsets. Elevate your brand, engage customers, and stand out in your industry.
Learn more about how AR Code is revolutionizing AR integration for business in our comprehensive AR SaaS platform comparison or see how to display products from your online store in AR using AR Codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are 3D CAD models used for?
3D CAD models play a critical role in industries like architecture, engineering, and design. These digital assets enable complex modeling, virtual prototyping, and real-time project collaboration with advanced CAD software. Integrate your models with AR Code to boost visualization and client engagement.
Can a 3D CAD model be converted if I don't have access to the original design software?
Absolutely. CAD Assistant enables effortless 3D model conversion for a broad range of commercial file formats, making it easy for businesses to adapt and integrate CAD assets into AR experiences on AR Code.
What other software can be used to convert a 3D CAD model once it's in .GLB or .OBJ format?
Blender and MeshLab provide powerful conversion, editing, and rendering tools to further refine your 3D CAD models for use in AR. For step-by-step instructions, review our detailed guide on converting and optimizing 3D files for AR with AR Code.
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