![]() ![]() STEP files and STL files are two of the most common file formats, but they each have their own characteristics. ![]() Instead, you’ll need to convert your model into a series of small triangles for rendering using a software program. Unfortunately, you also can’t directly render STEP files with a graphics processing unit (GPU), and most renderers aren’t capable of loading STEP 3D files because of NURBS. Additionally, STEP files have an order set of procedural calls that reference other previously specified procedural calls, meaning it takes a lot of time and effort to create STEP files. They also don’t contain parametric intelligence feature history or camera, texture, material, and light data. For example, STEP files aren’t particularly storage efficient and will take up more space than other 3D model formats. STEP files have a lot to offer, but they do have some drawbacks. A compressed STEP file is typically 20% the size of a compressed source file, making STEP files better suited for sharing over the internet. Plus, files in the STEP file format compress far more than source files, even though they’re around the same size. Since STEP files save the model as an entire body, you can customize and edit your models without losing any quality - even after exporting or re-uploading them. That’s why many designers use STEP files for car bodies and other applications that require extreme precision and high levels of detail. Using this mathematical representation of curves and basis splines (B-splines) results in greater flexibility, high dimensional accuracy, and smooth curves on the final product that would be impossible to achieve using triangle or polygon representations. Opening and editing files created in a newer software version in an older version - also known as downward compatibility - is also easy with STEP files, as they serve as intermediate links.Īnother benefit of using a 3D STEP file format is that your file will store data using a non-uniform rational basis spline (NURBS). You can use STEP files with Autodesk Fusion 360, Dassault Systemes CATIA, FreeCAD, IMSI TurboCAD, SolidWorks, ArchiCAD, and more, making collaboration easy. The Pros and Cons of STEP FilesĪs one of the most popular neutral CAD formats, the STEP file format is compatible with countless programs. ![]() Also, if you plan on CNC machining or injection molding a part, you’ll need to use STEP files because this file format enables machine tool path calculations. STEP files are commonly used in 3D modeling and architectural design due to their accuracy, cross-platform compatibility, and ability to create detailed models. Likewise, it’s easy to view a STEP file’s creation date, original file name, application origin, and other metadata. Plus, since STEP files are plain text that appears as 3D models when opened in CAD programs, editing STEP files is simple. While some other file formats only represent basic geometries, STEP files will read and save a 3D model’s entire body with a high level of precision, allowing for more accurate file sharing and opening. The STEP file image format was developed in the mid-1980s by the International Organization for Standardization’s (ISO) TC 184, and the first edition of STEP came into use in 1994.Įvery 3D STEP file contains three-dimensional model data stored in the widely recognized ASCII text code format. STEP files go by many names including ISO 10303, STP, and P21, but STEP is actually an abbreviation for Standard for the Exchange of Product Data. Since other formats may require you to take intermediate conversion steps, STEP files (.step) were created to simplify saving and sharing three-dimensional models across CAD systems. Let’s take a look at STEP files, how they’re used, and their advantages and disadvantages so you can determine whether or not the STEP file format is the best fit for your project. You have plenty of options when it’s time to export your CAD model, but different file formats are best-suited for different use-cases. These digital files contain 3D designs and other material, texture, and tolerance data to help product teams accurately plan, visualize, and manufacture the final product. Whether you’re manufacturing parts for motorcycles or rebar-tying robots, you’ll need to start with a computer-aided design (CAD) file. Originally published on on February 21, 2022
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