Extension of the STEP Standard for Parametric CAD Models

Abstract

The first Technical Note in this series [1] introduced the international standard ISO 10303, informally known as STEP, and the second [2] dealt with some practical aspects of using the standard for the exchange of CAD models. It was noted in [1] that the current published parts of the standard are restricted to the representation and exchange of non-parameterized models. The present contribution discusses the implications of that restriction and describes the progress of the ISO TC184/SC4 committee towards its removal. As will be shown, this extension of the STEP standard will lead to considerable benefits for industry.