← CAD and mesh conversion guides

OCCT conversion workflows

IFC to XCAF

Convert IFC to XCAF through a mesh workflow. Prepare geometry, map supported data and validate the result in the receiving application.

Build this conversion into your application with OCCT readers, writers and the commercial components identified below.

Ask about this workflow
Input interface
OCCT3D IFC reader
Processing route
CAD and mesh exchange
Output interface
OCCT XCAF document writer

Prepare IFC geometry for XCAF

The IFC-to-XCAF route uses the IFC reader, mesh preparation and the XCAF writer. Choose the geometry and representation required by the destination application.

Read the IFC model through the IFC interface and select the building elements needed by the recipient. Inspect the imported geometry and element placements before preparing a scene or polygonal derivative.

Build and store an XCAF document

Use existing meshes or tessellate supported imported BRep surfaces. Keep object placement consistent across the selected building model, and choose mesh detail suitable for the scale and use of the output.

Place the imported geometry in an XCAF document and map the supported names, colors and structure to its labels. Use the native OCCT document storage appropriate to the selected XBF or XML delivery. Mesh data can remain mesh in the document; creating labels does not generate analytic CAD surfaces.

Validate the converted model

Compare geometry coverage, unit scale and positioning. BIM relationships, classifications and property sets require explicit retention checks; a polygonal file is not a replacement for the complete IFC model.

Reopen the document in the intended OCCT application and verify geometry, occurrence placements and mapped attributes. Keep application-specific additions distinct from source properties. XCAF storage is useful for continuing an OCCT workflow, but the recipient must support the chosen document format.

For repeated jobs, retain the source, preparation settings and representative output checks. Discuss this conversion with the input files, destination application and required geometry and attributes.

Conversion integration

Build a IFC to XCAF workflow

Share the source and receiving applications, representative files, required attributes and throughput. We can scope SDK evaluation or an integrated conversion service.