{{short description|3D modeling software component}}

A '''geometric modeling kernel''' is a solid modeling software component used in computer-aided design (CAD) packages.<ref>{{cite web | last = Tyrka | first = Katherine | title = Kernel strategies | publisher = Design News | date = 2001-12-01 | url = http://www.designnews.com/article/CA155479.html | access-date = 2006-12-28 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927203719/http://www.designnews.com/article/CA155479.html | archive-date = 2007-09-27 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | last = Shah | first = Jami | author-link = Jami Shah | title = Parametric and Feature-Based CAD/CAM | publisher = John Wiley & Sons, Inc | date = 2004-06-27 | isbn = 0-471-00214-3 | page = 449 }}</ref> Available modelling kernels include:

*ACIS is developed and licensed by Spatial Corporation of Dassault Systèmes. *SMLib is developed by Solid Modeling Solutions.<ref>[http://smlib.com/ SMLib]</ref> *Convergence Geometric Modeler<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.3dcadworld.com/spatial-acis-cgm-and-the-future-of-geometric-modeling-kernels/|title=Spatial, ACIS, CGM, and the future of geometric modelers|last=Yares|first=Evan|publisher=3D CAD World|access-date=18 May 2013}}</ref> is developed by Dassault Systèmes. *Parasolid is developed and licensed by Siemens. *Romulus was a predecessor to Parasolid. * ShapeManager<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.autodesk.de/adsk/servlet/item?linkID=411015&id=3774381&siteID=403786 |title=Autodesk - Produktivität, Performance und Präzision: Neue Version der Autodesk Inventor-Familie |website=www.autodesk.de |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315200548/http://www.autodesk.de/adsk/servlet/item?linkID=411015&id=3774381&siteID=403786 |archive-date=15 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> is developed by Autodesk and was forked from ACIS in 2001. * Granite<ref>{{cite web |title=GRANITE Interoperability Kernel FAQ |url=http://www.ptc.com/products/granite/faq.htm |publisher=PTC Inc. |access-date=18 May 2013 |archive-date=3 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703092253/http://www.ptc.com/products/granite/faq.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> is developed by Parametric Technology Corporation. *C3D Modeler is developed by C3D Labs, part of the ASCON Group.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://isicad.net/articles.php?article_num=16062|title=Geometric Kernels and Irremovability of Presidents from Office|last=Levin|first=David|publisher=LEDAS Ltd.|access-date=April 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Yares|first=Evan|date=April 2013|title=Russian CAD|url=http://www.designworld-digital.com/designworld/april_2013#pg61|journal=Design World|publisher=WTWH Media, LLC|volume=8|issue=4|issn=1941-7217|access-date=2015-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130142747/http://www.designworld-digital.com/designworld/april_2013#pg61|archive-date=2015-01-30|url-status=dead}}</ref> *CGAL is an open-source Computational Geometry Algorithms Library which has support for Boolean operations on Polyhedra; but no sweep, revolve or NURBS. *Open CASCADE is an open-source modeling kernel. *sgCore is a freeware proprietary modeling kernel distributed as an SDK.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.geometros.com/index.html|title=Geometros Solid Geometry Engine for C++, C#, Objective-C, Java - sgCore|website=www.geometros.com|access-date=2019-10-02}}</ref> * K3 kernel<ref>{{cite web |title=About the developer |url=http://k3-tent.com/about-the-developer.html |publisher=Innovation and research center "GeoS" |access-date=9 August 2016 |archive-date=9 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709045028/http://k3-tent.com/about-the-developer.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> is developed by Center GeoS. * SOLIDS++<ref>{{cite web |title=SOLIDS++ |url=http://www.integrityware.com/solids.html |publisher=IntegrityWare, Inc. |access-date=17 August 2016}}</ref> is developed by IntegrityWare, Inc. * APM Engine<ref>{{cite web |title=APM Studio |url=http://apm.ru/produkti/programmnie_kompleksi/APM_WinMachine/APM_Studio/ |publisher=Research and Software Development Centre APM |access-date=18 August 2016 |archive-date=20 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820002222/http://apm.ru/produkti/programmnie_kompleksi/APM_WinMachine/APM_Studio/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Геометрическое ядро APM Engine |url=http://www.sapr.ru/Article.aspx?id=6985 |publisher=sapr |access-date=18 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=На ядре |url=http://isicad.ru/ru/articles.php?article_num=14210 |publisher=isicad |access-date=18 August 2016}}</ref> is developed by RSDC APM. * KCM<ref>{{cite web |title=3D Software Development with Kubotek Kosmos |url=http://www.kubotekkosmos.com/products/3d_framework |publisher=Kubotek Kosmos |access-date=26 May 2023}}</ref> is developed and licensed by Kubotek Kosmos<ref>{{cite web |title=Kubotek Kosmos Announces the 5.0 Release of its 3D Framework Modeling Kernel |url=https://www.abc27.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/627758543/kubotek-kosmos-announces-the-5-0-release-of-its-3d-framework-modeling-kernel/ |publisher=EIN Presswire |access-date=13 April 2023}}</ref> *SvLis Geometric Kernel became opensource and discontinued, for Windows only. *IRIT modeling environment, for Windows only.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cs.technion.ac.il/~irit/|title=The IRIT modeling environment - Home Page|website=www.cs.technion.ac.il|access-date=2019-10-02|archive-date=2019-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019160343/http://www.cs.technion.ac.il/~irit/|url-status=dead}}</ref> *GTS<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gts.sourceforge.net/|title=GTS - The GNU Triangulated Surface Library|website=gts.sourceforge.net|access-date=2019-10-02}}</ref> GNU Triangulated Surface Library, for polygon meshes only and not surfaces. *Russian Geometric Kernel. *Geometry Kernel,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://rdf.bg/downloads-all/geometry-kernel-downloads/ |title=Geometry Kernel Library Packages |publisher=RDF |website=www.rdf.bg |language=en}}</ref> a multi-platform C++ library with source code accessible for clients, developed and distributed by RDF - [http://rdf.bg/product-list/geometry-kernel/ Geometry Kernel web site]. * SolveSpace has its own integrated parametric solid geometry kernel with a limited NURBS support.

== Kernel market == The kernel market currently is dominated by Parasolid and ACIS, which were introduced in the late 1980s. The latest kernel to enter the market is KCM. ShapeManager has no presence in the kernel licensing market and in 2001 Autodesk clearly stated they were not going into this business.{{fact|date=April 2022}}

The world's newest geometric modeling kernel is Russian Geometric Kernel owned by the Russian government, and it is not clear if it is going to be commercially available, despite offering unique features over the other kernels on the market.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://isicad.net/articles.php?article_num=16135 |title=Russian 3D-kernel RGK: Functionality, Advantages, and Integration |website=Isicad.net |date=2013-05-24 |access-date=2016-07-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gfxspeak.com/2013/06/06/does-the-cad-world-need-another-geometry-kernel/ |title=Does the CAD world need another geometry kernel? |website=gfxspeak.com |date=2013-06-06 |access-date=2016-08-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Features of RGK |url=http://rgkernel.com/features-of-rgk.html |publisher= RGK |access-date= 15 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Вопрос распараллеливания в разработке ядра геометрического моделирования |url= https://www.singularis-lab.com/docs/materials/05_Shapovalov_RGK_CKA.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221103151739/https://www.singularis-lab.com/docs/materials/05_Shapovalov_RGK_CKA.pdf |url-status= dead |archive-date= November 3, 2022 |publisher= Singularis Lab |access-date= 15 August 2016 }}</ref>

== Kernel developers ==

The table below contains a representative list of developers developing their own kernel or licensing the kernel from a third-party.<ref>{{cite web |last = Ushakov |first = Dmitry |title = Russian National 3D Kernel |url = http://isicad.net/articles.php?article_num=15189 |publisher = LEDAS Ltd. |access-date = April 3, 2012}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center; font-size: 95%; width: auto; table-layout: fixed;" |- ! Platforms ! Domain ! Kernel ! Application ! Developed by ! Country |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> CAD, AEC | <!-- Kernel -->Open CASCADE | <!-- Application --> [http://www.4msa.com/intelliCADENG.html 4MCAD IntelliCAD] | <!-- Developer --> [http://www.4msa.com/ 4M S.A.] | <!-- Country --> Greece |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> MCAD | <!-- Kernel --> ACIS / [http://www.kubotekkosmos.com/products/3d_framework KCM] | <!-- Application --> KeyCreator | <!-- Developer --> [http://www.kubotekkosmos.com/ Kubotek Kosmos] | <!-- Country --> United States |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> MCAD | <!-- Kernel --> C3D | <!-- Application --> [http://kompas.ru/ KOMPAS-3D] | <!-- Developer --> ASCON Group | <!-- Country --> Russia |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> AEC | <!-- Kernel --> C3D | <!-- Application --> [http://kompas-spds.ru/ KOMPAS-Builder] | <!-- Developer --> ASCON Group | <!-- Country --> Russia |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> CAD |<!-- Kernel -->C3D + K3 kernel | <!-- Application --> [http://k3-mebel.ru/ K3-Furniture] | <!-- Developer --> [http://www.k3info.ru/ Center GeoS] | <!-- Country --> Russia |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> AEC | <!-- Kernel --> C3D | <!-- Application --> [http://rengacad.com/en/ Renga Architecture]<ref>{{cite web | title = Renga Architecture | publisher = ASCON Group | date = 2015-03-17 | url = http://ascon.net/main/news/items/?news=2046 | access-date = 2015-03-19 | archive-date = 2015-04-02 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150402095332/http://ascon.net/main/news/items/?news=2046 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Renga Architecture is brand-new AEC software by an MCAD vendor | publisher = WorldCAD Access | date = 2015-03-13 | url = http://www.worldcadaccess.com/blog/2015/03/renga-architecture-is-brand-new-aec-software-from-an-mcad-vendor.html}}</ref> | <!-- Developer --> ASCON Group | <!-- Country --> Russia |- |<!-- Platforms -->iPad, Windows | <!-- Domain --> MCAD | <!-- Kernel --> Parasolid | <!-- Application --> [https://apps.apple.com/de/app/shapr-3d-modellierungs-cad/id1091675654 Shapr3D] | <!-- Developer --> Shapr3D zrt. | <!-- Country --> Hungary |- | <!-- Platforms --> Android | <!-- Domain --> MCAD | <!-- Kernel --> C3D | <!-- Application --> [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ascon.kompasviewer&hl=en KOMPAS:24] | <!-- Developer --> ASCON Group | <!-- Country --> Russia |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> CAD | <!-- Kernel --> C3D Modeler for Teigha Platform / ACIS | <!-- Application --> [http://www.nanocad.com/ nanoCAD Plus] | <!-- Developer --> [http://www.nanocad.com/ NanoSoft] | <!-- Country --> Russia |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> MCAD | <!-- Kernel --> Parasolid | <!-- Application --> [http://www.tflex.ru/ T-FLEX] | <!-- Developer --> [http://www.tflex.ru/ Top Systems] | <!-- Country --> Russia |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> MCAD | <!-- Kernel --> APM Engine | <!-- Application --> [http://apm.ru/ APM Studio] | <!-- Developer --> [http://apm.ru/ APM] | <!-- Country --> Russia |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> CAM | <!-- Kernel --> C3D | <!-- Application --> [http://www.tehtran.com/ TECHTRAN] | <!-- Developer --> [http://www.nipinfor.ru/en/eabout/ NIP-Informatic] | <!-- Country --> Russia |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> CAD | <!-- Kernel --> C3D | <!-- Application --> [http://www.truboprovod.ru/en/cad/soft/passat.shtml PASSAT] | <!-- Developer --> [http://www.truboprovod.ru/en/news/news.shtml NTP Truboprovod] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207095744/http://www.truboprovod.ru/en/news/news.shtml |date=2015-02-07 }} | <!-- Country --> Russia |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows, Mac | <!-- Domain --> CAD, CAM | <!-- Kernel --> Own Kernel | <!-- Application --> Rhinoceros 3D | <!-- Developer --> [http://www.rhino3d.com Robert McNeel and Associates] | <!-- Country --> United States |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> CAD | <!-- Kernel --> C3D | <!-- Application --> [https://web.archive.org/web/20150205035625/http://www.espritextra.com/about/products/Extra_CAD/ ESPRIT Extra CAD] | <!-- Developer --> [http://www.locniti.ru/ LO CNITI], [https://rubius.com/ Rubius] | <!-- Country --> Russia |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> CAD | <!-- Kernel --> C3D | <!-- Application --> [http://www.bazissoft.ru/products/system_bazis BAZIS System] | <!-- Developer --> [http://www.bazissoft.ru/ BAZIS Center] | <!-- Country --> Russia |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> CAE | <!-- Kernel --> Parasolid | <!-- Application --> [http://www.mscsoftware.com/product/adams Adams] | <!-- Developer --> [http://www.mscsoftware.com/ MSC Software] | <!-- Country --> United States |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> CAD, CAM, CAPP | <!-- Kernel --> switch from ACIS to C3D<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.c3dlabs.com/ru/blog/customer-stories/geometricheskoe-yadro-c3d-stanet-chastyu-rossiyskoy-cam-sistemy-adem/ |title=Геометрическое ядро C3D станет частью российской CAM-системы ADEM |publisher=c3dlabs.com |date=December 20, 2021}}</ref> | <!-- Application --> [http://www.adem.ru/products/ ADEM] | <!-- Developer --> [http://www.adem.ru/ ADEM Group] | <!-- Country --> Russia |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> CAE | <!-- Kernel --> Parasolid | <!-- Application --> [http://www.adina.com/adinam.shtml ADINA Modeler] | <!-- Developer --> [http://www.adina.com/index.shtml ADINA R&D Inc.] | <!-- Country --> United States |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> CAD, AEC, GIS | <!-- Kernel --> ShapeManager | <!-- Application --> AutoCAD | <!-- Developer --> Autodesk | <!-- Country --> United States |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> MCAD | <!-- Kernel --> ShapeManager | <!-- Application --> Inventor | <!-- Developer --> Autodesk | <!-- Country --> United States |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows, Mac | <!-- Domain --> Solid Modeler & Machiner | <!-- Kernel --> ShapeManager |<!-- Application -->Autodesk Fusion | <!-- Developer --> Autodesk | <!-- Country --> United States |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows, Linux, Mac | <!-- Domain --> MCAD, AEC | <!-- Kernel --> ACIS | <!-- Application --> BricsCAD | <!-- Developer --> [http://www.bricsys.com/en_INTL/ Bricsys] | <!-- Country --> Belgium |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows, Mac | <!-- Domain --> CAD, CAM, CAE | <!-- Kernel --> Parasolid | <!-- Application --> Siemens NX | <!-- Developer -->Siemens Digital Industries Software | <!-- Country --> United States, Germany |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> MCAD | <!-- Kernel --> Parasolid | <!-- Application --> SolidFace | <!-- Developer --> [http://www.solidface.com/ SolidFace] | <!-- Country --> United States, Brazil |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> MCAD | <!-- Kernel --> Parasolid (previous versions used ACIS) | <!-- Application --> Solid Edge | <!-- Developer -->Siemens Digital Industries Software | <!-- Country --> United States, Germany |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> MCAD | <!-- Kernel --> Parasolid | <!-- Application --> SolidWorks | <!-- Developer --> Dassault Systèmes | <!-- Country --> United States, France |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> AEC | <!-- Kernel --> Parasolid (previous versions used ACIS) | <!-- Application --> MicroStation | <!-- Developer --> Bentley Systems | <!-- Country --> United States |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows, Unix | <!-- Domain --> CAD, CAM, CAE, AEC | <!-- Kernel --> Convergence Geometric Modeler | <!-- Application --> CATIA | <!-- Developer --> Dassault Systèmes | <!-- Country --> France |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> Solid Modeler |<!-- Kernel -->GRANITE<ref name="support.ptc.com">{{Cite web|url=http://support.ptc.com/products/granite/gplugs|title = Creo GRANITE Interoperability Kernel}}</ref> | <!-- Application -->Creo Elements | <!-- Developer --> Parametric Technology Corporation | <!-- Country --> United States |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> CAD |<!-- Kernel -->GRANITE<ref name="support.ptc.com"/> | <!-- Application --> Creo Parametric | <!-- Developer --> Parametric Technology Corporation | <!-- Country --> United States |- | <!-- Platforms --> SaaS | <!-- Domain --> Solid Modeler |<!-- Kernel -->Parasolid,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.onshape.com/cad-blog/under-the-hood-how-does-onshape-really-work?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9x_nAwostn44l67FSU0BbQVj7COiIjdvFvxteTqx_lmPGviQ8sZ0XIG9U-LbyUCYkHATaLL6XxJOpVNeb2mD3DbaecwA&_hsmi=64117165|title = How Does Onshape Really Work?}}</ref> FeatureScript | <!-- Application --> Onshape | <!-- Developer --> [https://www.onshape.com/ Onshape] | <!-- Country --> United States |- | <!-- Platforms -->Windows, SaaS | <!-- Domain --> Solid Modeler | <!-- Kernel --> Parasolid & ACIS | <!-- Application --> IRONCAD | <!-- Developer --> [https://www.ironcad.com/ IRONCAD] | <!-- Country --> United States |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> CAD | <!-- Kernel --> ACIS | <!-- Application --> GstarCAD | <!-- Developer --> Suzhou Gstarsoft Co., Ltd | <!-- Country --> China |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows, Mac | <!-- Domain --> AEC, BIM | <!-- Kernel --> Own Kernel | <!-- Application --> ArchiCAD | <!-- Developer --> Graphisoft | <!-- Country --> Hungary |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows, Linux, Mac | <!-- Domain --> MCAD, AEC | <!-- Kernel --> ACIS | <!-- Application --> ZW3D | <!-- Developer -->[https://www.zwsoft.com/ ZWSoft] | <!-- Country --> China |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> MCAD | <!-- Kernel --> ACIS | <!-- Application --> [http://www.cimatron.com/ Cimatron] |<!-- Developer -->3D Systems (Cimatron Ltd.) | <!-- Country --> Israel |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> MCAD | <!-- Kernel --> ACIS<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.spaceclaim.com/en/Support/FAQ/General_FAQ.aspx?fss=General%20Questions#652|title = SpaceClaim General FAQ}}</ref> | <!-- Application --> SpaceClaim | <!-- Developer --> ANSYS Inc | <!-- Country --> United States |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows | <!-- Domain --> MCAD |<!-- Kernel -->European Solid Modeller ESM<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.isdgroup.com/de/|title = Software für 2D-/3D-CAD und PDM &#124; HiCAD und HELiOS}}</ref> | <!-- Application --> HiCAD |<!-- Developer -->ISD Group | <!-- Country --> German |- |<!-- Platforms -->Mac, Windows |<!-- Domain --> MCAD |<!-- Kernel --> ACIS<ref name=":0" /> |<!-- Application -->[http://www.ashlar.com/3d-modeling/3d-modeling-cobalt-features.html Cobalt], Xenon, Argon |<!-- Developer -->Ashlar |<!-- Country -->United States |- | <!-- Platforms --> Windows, Linux | <!-- Domain --> CAD Optimization | <!-- Kernel --> Own Kernel<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caeses.com/products/caeses/|title=CAESES Software › CAESES}}</ref> | <!-- Application --> [http://www.caeses.com/ CAESES] | <!-- Developer --> [http://www.friendship-systems.com/ Friendship Systems] | <!-- Country --> Germany |- | <!-- Platforms -->Windows, macOS, Linux, | <!-- Domain --> CAD, CAM, BIM | <!-- Kernel -->Open Cascade, Coin3D, | <!-- Application --> FreeCAD | <!-- Developer -->[https://www.freecadweb.org/ FreeCAD] | <!-- Country --> |- | <!-- Platforms -->Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | <!-- Domain --> CAD, AEC, BIM |<!-- Kernel -->Geometry Kernel |<!-- Application -->IFCEngine, STEPEngine | <!-- Developer -->[http://www.rdf.bg/ RDF ] | <!-- Country --> Bulgaria |- | <!-- Platforms -->Windows | <!-- Domain --> CAD, AEC |<!-- Kernel -->Overdrive |<!-- Application -->ZW3D, ZWCAD | <!-- Developer -->[https://www.zwsoft.com/product/zw3d ZWSoft] | <!-- Country --> China |- | <!-- Platforms -->Windows | <!-- Domain --> CAD, Reverse Engineering | <!-- Kernel -->ACIS | <!-- Application --> [https://www.zeiss.com/metrology/products/software/reverse-engineering.html Zeiss Reverse Engineering] | <!-- Developer -->[https://www.zeiss.com/metrology/about-us.html ZEISS Industrial Metrology] | <!-- Country --> Germany |- |<!-- Platforms -->Windows, macOS, Linux |<!-- Domain -->MCAD |<!-- Kernel -->Parasolid |<!-- Application -->Plasticity |<!-- Developer -->Plastic Software, LLC |<!-- Country -->United States |}

== References == {{reflist}}

{{CAD software}}

Category:3D graphics software Category:Computer-aided design