Convert IGS to 3DM

The IGS file extension refers to the Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES), a standardized ASCII-based format developed by the United States Air Force under the ICAM (Integrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing) program in the late 1970s. Designed to facilitate interoperability among diverse CAD systems, IGS files store 2D and 3D vector data including wireframes, surface models, and engineering drawings. Widely adopted across aerospace, automotive, and defense industries, IGES became an ANSI standard in 1980 and was instrumental in streamlining digital product data exchange. Although superseded by newer formats like STEP, IGS remains relevant for legacy system compatibility and long-term archival of CAD data.

The 3DM file extension, standing for "3D Model", is associated with the openNURBS initiative, which facilitates the exchange of 3D geometry across CAD, CAM, CAE, and computer graphics software. Developed by Robert McNeel & Associates, it serves as the native format for Rhinoceros (Rhino) software. Introduced to address interoperability challenges, 3DM files store precise 3D models using NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) and polygon mesh representations. This format is widely adopted due to its open-source nature, enabling developers to read and write 3DM files without proprietary restrictions, thus promoting seamless data sharing in 3D modeling workflows.