Filesize EXPLODES going from PDF to IGES or STEP

I am using the trial version to see if I can compress some Solidworks files down to smaller sizes. PDF size is great, but when I try to change to IGES or STEP, the filesize increases MASSIVELY.

What am I missing here? My ultimate goal is to get several conveyor beds into 3dsmax so I can make an animated move…but NO WAY with files THAT big.

IGES and STEP are format where the tessellation and Data are written in an explicit manner. This is natural that they often come bigger than the original file.

We invite you to open a STEP / IGES file a text editor where you should see explicit DATA. And compare with a 3D PDF or other CAD format where you should observe encrypted / compressed content.

Tetra4D Support Team