.NEU File Extension

Pro/ENGINEER Neutral File

Developer	Parametric Technology
Popularity	Average rating 3 / 5. Vote count: 9
Category	CAD Files
Format	.NEU
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an NEU file?

The .NEU file extension is associated with Pro/ENGINEER (now known as PTC Creo), a powerful CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. .NEU files, or Pro/ENGINEER Neutral files, serve as a neutral format for the exchange of 3D CAD data. They are designed to facilitate interoperability between different CAD systems, enabling the transfer of complex geometrical and design data without losing critical details.

More Information.

The history of the .NEU file format dates back to the early 1990s, coinciding with the rise of Pro/ENGINEER as a leading parametric, feature-based CAD system. The initial purpose of the .NEU format was to provide a universal file format that could encapsulate 3D design data, making it possible to exchange this data with other CAD systems that may not be directly compatible with Pro/ENGINEER. This capability was crucial for industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, where multiple CAD systems are often in use.

Origin Of This File.

The .NEU file format was developed by Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC), the creators of Pro/ENGINEER. PTC introduced this neutral file format to address the need for a standardized method to share 3D model data between different software applications, ensuring that engineers and designers can collaborate more effectively regardless of the CAD system they are using.

File Structure Technical Specification.

The .NEU file format is a text-based format that contains a structured representation of 3D geometrical data. The structure typically includes:

Header Section: Contains metadata about the file, such as version information and creation date.
Geometry Data: Detailed information about the 3D model’s vertices, edges, surfaces, and other geometric entities.
Topology Data: Information about how the geometric entities are connected.
Attribute Data: Additional information such as material properties, colors, and layer data.

How to Convert the File?

Windows

Using PTC Creo:
- Open: Launch PTC Creo and open the .NEU file.
- Convert: Go to File > Save As and choose the desired format (e.g., STEP, IGES, STL).
- Export: Save the file in the chosen format.
Using Third-Party Software:
- CrossManager: Install CrossManager, a CAD conversion tool. Open CrossManager, select the .NEU file, and choose the output format.
- CAD Exchanger: Install CAD Exchanger, open the .NEU file, and export it to the desired format.
Online Conversion Services:
- Visit an online conversion service like CAD-Convert.
- Upload the .NEU file and select the desired output format.
- Download the converted file.

Linux

Using Wine:
- Install Wine: Set up Wine to run Windows applications.
- Install PTC Creo or Conversion Software: Install PTC Creo or a third-party conversion tool like CrossManager via Wine.
- Convert: Follow the Windows conversion steps within the Wine environment.
Using Open-Source Tools:
- FreeCAD: Install FreeCAD, which may support importing .NEU files. Open the file and export it to the desired format.
- Script-Based Conversion: Write or use existing scripts that parse .NEU files and convert them to formats like STEP or IGES.

Mac

Using a Windows Virtual Machine:
- Set Up VM: Install a virtual machine application like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion.
- Install Windows: Install Windows OS on the virtual machine.
- Install Conversion Software: Install PTC Creo or third-party conversion tools.
- Convert: Follow the Windows conversion steps within the virtual machine.
Using Wine:
- Install Wine: Set up Wine to run Windows applications on macOS.
- Install Conversion Software: Install PTC Creo or a third-party conversion tool.
- Convert: Use the software to open and convert the .NEU file.
Using Native Mac Tools:
- CAD Exchanger: Install CAD Exchanger for Mac, open the .NEU file, and export it to the desired format.

Android

Remote Desktop Applications:
- Set Up Remote Desktop: Use an app like Microsoft Remote Desktop or TeamViewer to access a Windows or Mac computer.
- Convert Remotely: Use the conversion software installed on the remote computer to convert the .NEU file.
Online Conversion Services:
- Use a mobile web browser to access an online conversion service.
- Upload the .NEU file and download the converted file.

iOS

Remote Desktop Applications:
- Set Up Remote Desktop: Use an app like Microsoft Remote Desktop or TeamViewer to access a Windows or Mac computer.
- Convert Remotely: Use the conversion software installed on the remote computer to convert the .NEU file.
Online Conversion Services:
- Use Safari or another web browser to access an online conversion service.
- Upload the .NEU file and download the converted file.

Other Platforms

Remote Access Solutions:
- Use remote desktop applications to access a computer that has the necessary conversion software installed.
- Convert the file on the remote computer and transfer the converted file back to the original device.
Using Cloud-Based Services:
- Utilize cloud-based CAD services that support .NEU files and offer conversion features.
- Upload the .NEU file to the cloud service, convert it, and download the new file format.
Cross-Platform Tools:
- Search for cross-platform CAD tools that support .NEU file conversion, ensuring compatibility with the specific device or operating system in use.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages:

Interoperability: Facilitates the exchange of CAD data between different systems.
Human-Readable: The text-based format can be inspected and edited using standard text editors.
Detail Preservation: Maintains the detailed geometric and topological information necessary for accurate model representation.

Disadvantages:

File Size: Text-based files can be larger than binary equivalents, leading to increased storage requirements.
Complexity: The format’s complexity can make manual editing challenging and error-prone.
Performance: Reading and writing text-based files can be slower compared to binary formats.

               How to Open NEU?
                  Open In Windows
                  Use PTC Creo or compatible CAD software.
Alternatively, use CAD viewers or converters that support .NEU files.

                  Open In Linux
                  Use PTC Creo running in a Windows virtual machine or Wine.
Explore open-source CAD tools or viewers that may support .NEU files.

                  Open In MAC
                  Use PTC Creo with a Windows virtual machine.
Utilize compatible CAD software available for macOS.

                  Open In Android
                  Limited support; use remote desktop applications to access CAD software on a Windows or Mac system.

                  Open In IOS
                  Limited support; similar to Android, use remote desktop applications for accessing CAD software.

                  Open in Others
                  For specialized environments or devices, consider using remote access solutions or converting the .NEU files to more universally supported formats like STEP or IGES, which can then be opened with a broader range of tools and viewers.