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PLEASE NOTE: The Publications System provided by the Manufacturing Systems Integration Division (MSID) has moved to: http://www.mel.nist.gov/msidlibrary/publications.html. The pages below are maintained for archival purposes only.

Publication summary

Author(s): Mary Mitchell

Publication date: October 1996

Citation: Mary J. Mitchell, Capabilities for Product Data Exchange, Proceedings of the Intelligent Systems: A Semiotic Properspective Conference, Vol 2: Applied Semiotics, Jim Albus and Alex Mistel editors, 20-23 October 1996.

Key words: STEP, Product Data, EXPRESS language, CAD/CAM, Product Data Management (PDM), integration, ISO TC184/SC4 -- Industrial Data, PDES, Inc.

Availability:

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  • A paper copy of this document is available by contacting Kristy Thompson [web,email]
Abstract:
This paper describes the need for standardized representations of product information which are suitable for electronic communication between engineering and manufacturing functions. It then describes how a single international standard, ISO 10303 -- Product data representation and exchange, has been designed to meet this industrial need. This standard is more commonly referred to as STEP, STandard for the Exchange of Product model data. The benefits of STEP and the scope of the standard are presented. The standardized product data representations all use a rich object description language called EXPRESS to define the content of the data to be communicated. The actual communications interfaces, a message/file format and an application programing interface, are independent of any particular implementation technology. A high level technical description is given; this includes a description of the segments of the standard that can be used by readers to determine if the standard satisfies any of their company's needs for product data exchange. Key players in the development and implementation of STEP along with sources of additional information are provided.

Attention users of these documents: The information contained in these files should not be altered in any way. Attempts to change these files will adversely impact the integrity of the information and its usefulness. It is intended for use as is and will lose its usefulness if changed.

 

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