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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 and Fleet tiers. 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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