Dual solid kernels offer more possibilities

This short movie presents one of IRONCAD's truly unique advantages: the ability to use two native solid kernels, ACIS and Parasolid, in the same CAD environment. You'll see how these two competing technologies can be freely mixed - and flexibly switched - between different parts of a project. This creates both power and freedom of choice in modeling work.

Yellow and blue box with a plus sign

Import from other systems

Keep the same kernel as the origin of the file - ACIS (*.sat) or Parasolid (*.x_t). You'll get fewer errors, less need for repair and a faster start to your project.

yellow and blue arrows in a circle

Flexibility throughout the work

Work freely with both ACIS and Parasolid in the same file. If an operation fails with one kernel, you can easily switch to the other and solve it instantly. This gives you more control and a smoother workflow.

Yellow folder with a blue box

Export in the right format to the customer

With dual solid kernels, you can always deliver the format the recipient wants - whether it's ACIS (*.sat) or Parasolid (*.x_t). You get a smoother export process and can confidently meet customer requirements.

Learn more about dual kernel technology in our support blog

In the support blog, you can read about how the system "under the hood" often fixes complex geometry automatically and what you can do when faced with topological challenges like non-manifolds. A perfect immersion for those who want to understand the power behind the tool - and use it to the fullest.

Read the full post here
IRONCAD logo with slogan 'Fastest and easiest way to 3D' alongside two 3D CAD models labeled 'Powered by Parasolid' and 'ACIS'.

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How to easily switch solid kernel on one part

There are several different places in the interface to change solid kernel on one part, multiple parts at the same time, as well as set which
solid kernel to use by default. See below:

Via keyboard shortcut [Ctrl]+[K]

Select the part and press [Ctrl]+[K] on the keyboard to switch solid kernel.

Via Part Properties

Select the part in part mode (cyan edges), right-click and select Part Properties > Modeling Kernel to switch solid kernel.

Via Properties Browser

Select the party (or compilation) and go to Property Browser > Modeling Kernel to switch solid kernel.

Standard kernel via Property Browser

The Property Browser(with nothing selected) allows you to select which kernel should be the default for new parts in the active 3D scene.

Default kernel via Options

Via Options, you can choose which solid kernel to use as the global default for all new parties in 3D scenes.

Via IC Mech Kernel Manager

Use the Kernel Manager in the IC Mechanical add-on to switch solid kernel on one or more parties simultaneously.

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Extension provides extended import and export formats

By default, IRONCAD can of course import and export file formats such as STEP (*.stp), ACIS (*.sat) and Parasolid (*.x_t) and many more. You can also extend the number of file formats for import/export through two different extensions:

  • Translator allows you to directly import 3D files from SolidWorks, Inventor, NX, CATIA, among others.
  • Architectural Translator enables smooth import and export of *.IFC and Revit files for BIM projects.

In addition, you can directly modify imported files in IRONCAD.

Open HP laptop displaying IronCAD software interface with two curved arrows labeled ACIS and Parasolid.

ACIS and Parasolid for maximum flexibility

With IRONCAD , you get access to two powerful solid kernels: ACIS and Parasolid. This unique dual-kernel system allows you to switch freely between the kernels during modeling, providing greater flexibility, fewer problems when importing, and the ability to create geometries that are not possible with a single kernel.

Whether you are working with parts, assemblies or complex modification features, you can always choose the core that gives the best results for your particular situation. The result is a smoother work process, shorter time to model and higher accuracy than many other CAD systems.

Two solid kernels - twice the power

IRONCAD is the only CAD system that integrates both ACIS from Spatial (Dassault Systèmes) and Parasolid from Siemens in the same environment. You can use them in parallel in the same project, switch between them per part or assembly and benefit from the strength of both technologies. This gives you the flexibility of other CAD systems, which are normally limited to one core.

Smooth import and export

With dual solid kernels , you can always import files without losing information. Parasolid files (.x_t) use the Parasolid kernel, ACIS files (.sat) use the ACIS kernel - minimizing the need for repair and improving the quality of the model right out of the box. When exporting, you can deliver exactly the format the customer needs, whether it is ACIS or Parasolid.

Kernel Collaboration and problem solving

IRONCAD's Kernel Collaboration allows problems that arise in one kernel to be solved automatically by the other. For example, when Parasolid encounters complex geometric situations such as non-manifolds or tangent cross-sections, the ACIS kernel takes over and solves the problem seamlessly. This provides a robust working environment and reduces the need for manual corrections.

Topology and non-manifold problems

Sometimes models with complex geometry can encounter topological problems called "non-manifolds". Parasolid and ACIS handle these situations differently, but with IRONCAD you can always switch between the cores to get the correct result. This means you can work with more advanced shapes and still deliver production-ready models.

Flexibility throughout the workflow

Whether you are working with modification features like Blend, Chamfer, Shell, loft or Boolean operation, you can always change the solid kernel if something does not work as expected. This ensures that your geometries are stable, regardless of complexity. This flexibility is particularly useful when importing models from other CAD systems and when you need to combine different types of geometries.

ANCHOR ROOM

"We are very pleased with all the functionality included in IRONCAD. With the help of the program, we have further developed our household assistant in many areas over several years, achieved extensive improvements and have a really efficient product development. It is also the case that we can use IRONCAD in several different areas, in addition to construction, such as tools for production, fixtures, visualizations, etc. We also benefit greatly from both the support and training that Solidmakarna offers."
‍Anders
Nilsson, Purchasing Manager at Ankarsrum Kitchen AB

Read more about how Ankarsrum Kitchen AB uses IRONCAD

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