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Emil Rindell
Jonas Bryntesson
Henrik Andersson
September 24, 2026
Emil Rindell
Jonas Bryntesson
Henrik Andersson
September 24, 2026
Version 2027 introduced a new import setting that utilizes shape recognition features (known as “feature ” recognition), which have been available in the program for a long time but were not previously run automatically during the import process. By allowing the program to read the topology that defines the geometry—displayed as so-called “BRep” shapes (Boundary Representation) under the part in the tree—the imported shapes can be split up and placed as individual features under the part in the history tree.
Background
IRONCAD offers easy-to-use and smart tools for modifying imported models without the need to define any specific features for this purpose. You can modify the “lump of geometry” known as “BRep” directly using handles or TriBall, without requiring any “history” of features. This approach is called Direct Face Modeling and was first developed by HP back in the 1980s. After a series of developments throughout the 1990s, it became a key foundation of the CAD system that would later be known as IRONCAD when it was released in 1998.
Since IRONCAD does not rely on standalone and “fully defined” features to make changes to imported geometry, implementing a feature like this has not been considered truly necessary in the past. However, this does not mean that the need does not exist, since these standalone features make it easy to modify lines in the sketch using handles or to drive dimensions on lines in the sketch via a parameter table. While this may not have been a common requirement historically with “ IRONCAD ” models, it has become a natural part of the workflow for some users over the past 10–15 years.
Feature Under " Import Options," there is a new option: "Show ' feature ' recognition option after import. "
During import, a message appears asking if you want to import features into the model being imported; select Yes or No.
NOTE: If you select "No," the BRep data remains intact, and the standard DFM functions continue to work just as well as usual.
You can also run this function retroactively via the right-click menu “Interaction” ( at the “ Part ” level) and the “Convert to IntelliShape” option. This process, which converts imported models into extrusions, can therefore be performed retroactively even on models that were imported into a 3D scene previously, regardless of how long ago that occurred.
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