The STEP protocols AP203 and AP214 are the mostly used ones in the domain of 3D CAD :
However the really addressed scope of AP214 in mechanical CAD is roughly equivalent to AP203, overall after the last update of AP203, known as Edition 2 (AP203E2).
As a notice, the works on PDM data, which have defined STEP PDM Schema, have been integrated into these protocols as into others.
Hence, these 2 AP's cover most of the actual commercial use of STEP. The DATAKIT reader and writer for STEP are designed to exchange 3D CAD data using AP203 or AP214.
Here below are brief descriptions of AP203 (Editions 1 and 2) and AP214.
Scope of AP203 (Edition 1) covers :
It does not cover (in particular) :
From that rather limited list, some additional extensions have been proposed, to cover graphics, dimensioning, etc… already covered in AP214. This has leaded to an update, known as AP203 Edition 2 (AP203E2).
This evolution has been firstly published in 2004, it is to be closed by end 2009.
With Edition 2, AP203 provides better interoperability with AP214. From AP203 (Edition 1), this Edition 2 adds, in a modular way :
Already additional definitions are in preparation, in particular to complete the Geometrical Dimensions and Tolerances (GD&T).
The whole scope of AP214 covers :
In regard of this scope, limitations apply. These domains are in practice not covered :
A second edition of AP214 has been issued in 2003, it introduces various corrections, but no change in the scope.
A third edition of AP214 is in preparation, to be harmonized with Object Management Group specifications on PLM services - as well as coming update of AP203 (E2).
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