3-D STEP Format

The HiCAD STEP interface is based on the ISO standard (Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data).

STEP is a tool that enables the exchange standardised data between different CAD systems.

STEP is normally used to facilitate the exchange of geometric data belonging to solid models, thereby avoiding extensive manual editing of imported data. It also enables HiCAD users to access diverse data models from different systems.

Basically, HiCAD supports the subsets AP203 and AP214 with the following restrictions:

CSG Models cannot be read.
The step file should not have any syntax errors (Examine LOG file).

Please note the following when reading and writing STEP files:

Tolerances in the source and target system
The more the accuracy (tolerance) in both system correlates, the lower will be the amount of data loss during transfer.

Checking of the geometry
The quality of the geometry, too, has effects on the quality of the data transfer. You should therefore regularly check your geometries during the design process already. For instance, HiCAD offers numerous options enabling a detection of errors and collisions during the design process. Use the appropriate functions - if they are available - in other source systems as well.

Processing of imported models
If possible, separate imported assemblies from assemblies you created in HiCAD. Make sure that you only process those assemblies further which have been imported without any defects and errors.

System-specific characteristics
Every CAD or PDM system has its own specific characteristics which should - in addition to the above issues -also be taken into account. Relevant tips and information can be found on the Internet pages of ProSTEP iViP under Standards/Best Practices/Model Preparation for Data Exchange.

Notes:

If you should encounter any problems reading "faulty" STEP files, use the new Repair Tool that provides extensive correction and repair ("healing") functions. This tool requires a separate licence.