Will STEP replace IGES?

Source:
Don LaCourse, Principal Partner, eDocHelp
Editor, 3DCADTips.com

Most participants believe that STEP will never completely replace IGES simply because of the volume of IGES data out there. "Though STEP is very strong in the 3D domain and in support of PDM, it has yet to be adequately developed in the 2D domain," says PTC's Asa Trainer. PTC is the only participating 3D CAD vendor that has invested resources in the 2D STEP area. IGES and DXF are currently the dominant formats for exchanging 2D drawings.

Some vendors think that STEP will eventually replace IGES because no future plans exist to significantly enhance the IGES standard. Others take a more cynical view: "Only if the STEP documentation is improved and its governing bodies can agree (which means probably not)."

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Cadalyst Magazine, October 2001