STEP AP242 Data Exchange

STEP AP242 Data Exchange is the logical capability of exchanging 3D product data — geometry, product structure, PMI, kinematics — between heterogeneous CAD/PLM systems using the ISO 10303-242 application protocol. AP242 (“Managed Model-Based 3D Engineering”) merges the older AP203 and AP214 protocols and adds first-class Model-Based Definition (PMI) support.

What it covers

• Boundary representation (B-rep) geometry with tolerances and PMI.
• Product structure with assembly hierarchy and version metadata.
• Tessellated and polyline representations for lightweight viewing.
• XML and STEP-file (.stp / .step) encodings.
• Long-term archival as part of LOTAR (LOng-Term Archival and Retrieval).

Relationships (see sidebar)

• Part of the agnostic Neutral CAD Data Exchange capability — STEP AP242 is one of several format-bound children alongside IGES, JT, 3D PDF (PRC), QIF, and DXF.
• Supports the Supplier Development and CAM Manufacturing Planning processes by enabling vendor-neutral exchange.
• Implemented by systems like Siemens NX, Dassault CATIA, SolidWorks, and PTC Creo.
• Common reference for CAD 3D Design interchange and conformance.