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Glossary

STEP file

Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data (ISO 10303). A neutral 3D file format for moving CAD geometry between programs.

STEP (.step or .stp) is the lingua franca for exchanging 3D solid models between CAD packages. A STEP file describes the boundary representation (BRep) of a part. Faces, edges, vertices, surface types, all without leaning on any vendor's native format. Most professional CAD tools (FreeCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Inventor, Onshape, Rhino) read and write STEP.

CAD60 exports a STEP file alongside the PDF drawing pack on the Fabricator tier. That lets you bring the model into your own CAD if you want to add custom detail, run a finite-element analysis, or generate CNC tool-paths.

The STEP standard is published by ISO as ISO 10303 with several application protocols. CAD60 uses AP214 (automotive design), which is broadly compatible with general manufacturing CAD.

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