What is EN ISO 10303-21:2021

EN ISO 10303-21, also known as STEP-File or STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product model data) File, is an international standard for representing and exchanging product data across different computer systems. It was first published in 1994 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) under the name ISO 10303-21:1994.

The Purpose and Scope of EN ISO 10303-21

The purpose of EN ISO 10303-21 is to provide a standardized format for the exchange of product data between different software applications used in various stages of the product lifecycle. This includes design, manufacturing, simulation, analysis, and documentation.

The scope of EN ISO 10303-21 covers the representation and exchange of product data in a neutral, vendor-neutral format that can be easily understood and processed by different software systems without loss of information or functionality. It aims to overcome interoperability issues that arise when using incompatible file formats or proprietary data formats.

Key Features and Benefits of EN ISO 10303-21

1. Expressive Data Structure: EN ISO 10303-21 provides a rich and expressive data structure that supports the representation of complex product information such as geometry, attributes, relationships, and behavior. This allows for accurate and comprehensive data exchange between different software systems.

2. Platform Independence: EN ISO 10303-21 is platform-independent and can be implemented on different operating systems and hardware platforms. It promotes cross-platform collaboration and ensures that product data can be shared seamlessly across different software applications.

3. Long-Term Archiving: EN ISO 10303-21 is designed to support long-term archiving of product data. It includes mechanisms for version control, data integrity checks, and documentation of changes, ensuring that the exchanged data remains consistent and can be accessed and interpreted correctly in the future.

4. Interoperability: EN ISO 10303-21 facilitates interoperability between different software applications by providing a common language for exchanging product information. It reduces the need for custom data converters or manual data entry, saving time and improving collaboration efficiency.

Conclusion

EN ISO 10303-21, also known as STEP-File, is an international standard for representing and exchanging product data. It provides a standardized format that allows for accurate and comprehensive data exchange between different software systems. With its expressive data structure, platform independence, long-term archiving capabilities, and improved interoperability, EN ISO 10303-21 plays a vital role in facilitating collaboration and streamlining workflows in various industries.