Step AP203, AP214 and AP242: Differences and areas of application
STEP data(Standardfor the Exchangeof Productmodel data) is very popular, including AP203, AP214 and AP242. STEP data was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to enable the exchange of 3D models and associated data between different CAD systems. Each of these standards has different functions and areas of application. However, you can find out why native data offers significant advantages over neutral formats in our article Neutral vs. native CAD data: The Hidden Potential of Native Data Formats.
Differences between AP203, AP214 and AP242
- AP203 (ISO 10303-203) - Configuration-driven 3D designs: AP203 is one of the oldest and most widely used STEP standards. It supports basic geometry, topology, wireframe and surface models, as well as simple assembly structures. AP203 is primarily intended for the exchange of purely geometric data between CAD systems. However, it lacks some advanced features such as color and layer information, which are available in later standards such as AP214 and AP242.
- AP214 (ISO 10303-214) - Core models for the automotive and aerospace industries: AP214 extends the functions of AP203 and adds additional features such as color information, layers, geometry relationships (constraints), dimensions and tolerances. It also supports PMI (Product Manufacturing Information) and form elements that are important for manufacturing and inspection. AP214 was developed to meet the requirements of the automotive and aerospace industries and is a preferred standard for data exchange in these industries.
- AP242 (ISO 10303-242) - Managed Model-based 3D Engineering: AP242 is a newer STEP standard that merges and extends AP203 and AP214. It supports advanced geometry, topology, PMI, dimensions, tolerances and semantic annotations. In addition, AP242 also supports kinematic information, explicit deformations, tesselated models and long-term archiving (LTA) formats. AP242 aims to cover the requirements of CAD, CAE, CAM, PDM and PLM systems in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, civil and mechanical engineering.
Conclusion
AP203, AP214 and AP242 differ in the supported functions and application areas. AP203 is a basic standard for the exchange of geometric data, while AP214 offers advanced functions for the automotive and aerospace industries. AP242 is a comprehensive standard that combines and extends the functions of AP203 and AP214 to support a wider range of applications and industries. When selecting a STEP standard, the specific requirements and functions of the CAD systems involved and the associated engineering and manufacturing processes should be taken into account. For engineers, architects and planners, high-quality CAD data is essential in project management. Find out why you should work with native data in our article High-quality native CAD data increases project success.
