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MODFEM IGS
File conversion

Convert MODFEM to IGS

Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Jul 6, 2026
QUICK ANSWER
Is it possible to convert MODFEM to IGS?
Yes - MODFEM converts to IGS.

Open the .modfem in Femap and use File > Export > Geometry, choosing the IGES (.igs) format. IGES carries wireframe geometry - points, lines, arcs and B-splines - but it cannot carry a finite-element mesh, so the mesh and analysis data are left behind.

Also to IGS: STP · X_B · CATDRAWING

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Oct 2026

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Why convert MODFEM to IGS?

A .modfem bundles Parasolid geometry with the FE model, but many CAD tools only accept neutral formats. Exporting to IGES .igs shares the curves and surfaces with other CAD/CAM systems, since IGES is a long-standing neutral geometry exchange standard.

How to convert MODFEM to IGS

Simcenter Femap - Export Geometry (IGES)

Open the .modfem and run File > Export > Geometry, then select IGES (*.igs). Femap writes points and curves (Type 116/100/110/126); newer builds also export solids.

Export to STEP instead

For solid geometry use File > Export > Geometry > STEP, which preserves solids more reliably than IGES since Femap's Parasolid solids map cleanly to STEP.

About these formats

.MODFEM Femap Model File

A .modfem file is the native model file saved by Femap (now Simcenter Femap), the finite element analysis pre- and post-processor from Siemens. It stores a complete FE model in one binary…

Open .MODFEM details →
.IGS IGES - Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (CAD model)

An IGS file is a 3D (or 2D) CAD model stored in IGES format, a vendor-neutral ASCII standard used to move part geometry between different CAD programs. To view it free, open it in FreeCAD,…

Open .IGS details →

Quality & what to watch

  • IGES cannot store a mesh - only geometric points, curves and surfaces are exported, never the FE elements.
  • On older Femap versions IGES export is limited to points and curves; solid export requires a recent release, otherwise use STEP.
  • IGES surface tessellation can introduce small gaps or tolerance issues that the receiving CAD system must heal.

Frequently asked questions

Can I export my mesh to IGES?
No. IGES has no mesh entity, so the finite-element mesh is dropped; only geometry is written.
IGES or STEP for solids?
STEP is more robust for solid bodies from Femap's Parasolid kernel; use IGES mainly for wireframe or when the target only reads IGES.
Which IGES entities does Femap write?
Points (Type 116), lines (110), circular arcs (100) and B-splines (126), plus solids on newer versions.
Why is my exported IGES empty?
The model likely has only mesh and no geometry; IGES needs geometric curves/surfaces present to export anything.