STEP (*.stp, *.step)
STEP is a neutral file format that allows the transfer of files between different CAD softwares. The evolution of STEP can be divided into four release phases. The development of STEP started in 1984 as a successor of IGES.
STEP format (Standard for the Exchange of Product Data), is an ISO standard exchange format It is used for representing three-dimensional data in a format that can be recognized by multiple programs. ISO standard number: 10303.
ISO 10303 is an ISO standard for the computer-interpretable representation and exchange of product manufacturing information. Its official title is “Industrial automation systems and integration – Product data representation and exchange”, known as “STEP” or “Standard for the Exchange of Product model data.”
STEP formats can be used to exchange data between CAD, Computer-aided manufacturing, Computer-aided engineering, Product Data Management/EDM and other CAx systems (Computer-aided technologies).
STEP is the same as STE and STP. The disadvantage is that a STEP file is not editable and the design tree of the model is not available either.