ISO 10303 (STEP)
ISO 10303 — informally “STEP” (STandard for Exchange of Product model data) — is the umbrella ISO standard family for representing and exchanging product data over the entire product lifecycle. The family is divided into description methods (Parts 11–18, including EXPRESS), implementation methods (Parts 21–28, the file/XML encodings), conformance testing, integrated resources (Parts 41–113), and Application Protocols (APs) — domain-specific schemas like AP203, AP214, AP242, AP239 (PLCS), AP233 (Systems Engineering), AP238 (STEP-NC).
Why the umbrella note exists
The KB already tracks specific APs (AP242) and the EXPRESS language (10303-11) separately. The umbrella ISO 10303 note exists because many sources cite the family by number (“ISO 10303 part X”) and because the integrated resources (Part 41 fundamentals, Part 42 geometry, Part 44 product structure, etc.) are reused across APs and across other standards (including IFC, AP242, and AP239).
The major APs
- AP203 / AP214 — mechanical CAD interchange (legacy, superseded by AP242).
- AP242 — Managed Model-Based 3D Engineering; current mainstream MCAD interchange. See STEP AP242.
- AP239 (PLCS) — Product Life Cycle Support, the through-life data standard.
- AP238 (STEP-NC) — machining instructions tied to product geometry.
- AP233 — Systems Engineering data exchange.
Relationships (see sidebar)
- Normative for STEP AP242 Data Exchange, CAD 3D Design, CAD 2D Drafting, the PLM Data Model, and Model-Based Definition.
Steward
ISO/TC 184/SC 4 (Industrial automation systems and integration — Industrial data).
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