Using CATIA STEP to Exchange 3D Models with PMI or Composites Data

STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Data) is an open data format standard used in the CAD/CAM/CAE industry, that allows for the exchange of 3D model geometric (surface and wireframes) and product manufacturing information (PMI) between OEMs and suppliers. For years, we have been importing and exporting STEP file geometry into CATIA using the CATIA STEP Core Interface (ST1) license with the typical AP203 and AP214 formats. These application protocol formats support the import and export of geometry and assembly structures as well as handle shells and solids topology.

The lesser-known CATIA Extended STEP Interface license (SXT) provides the model data exchange capabilities of the ST1 license and more. SXT allows for the storage of additional model information in the files and enables long-term archiving with full validation properties:

• 3D annotations – product manufacturing information (PMI) and 3D functional tolerancing and annotations (FTA)
• Composites information
• Export large assemblies into multiple nested STEP files

With the significant increase in the adoption of model-based definition (MBD) over the last few years, CATIA users may need to consider acquiring a CATIA Extended STEP Interface license to get access to the all-digital product information contained in the STEP file of a 3D model.

MBD (sometimes called digital product definition (DPD)) is the practice of creating 3D models with all of the information needed to define, manufacture, and inspect a part or assembly contained in the model.

In this blog, we will take a closer look at the 3D model data exchange capabilities of the CATIA Extended STEP Interface (SXT) license for CATIA V5 or 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA. SXT is an add-on or shareable license.

CATIA Extended STEP Interface (SXT)

SXT Settings in CATIA

Below is an example of the CATIA Extended STEP Interface (SXT) settings in CATIA V5-6R2020. 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA has similar settings.

3D Annotations – PMI and FTA

3D annotations, both PMI and FTA, can be exported in either Graphic or Authorable & Graphic mode. Both methods support cross-highlighting of annotations to geometric features and support translation of captures and views.

Graphic mode lets you export and import annotations with their attributes in a graphical polyline presentation, as Result.

The Authorable & Graphic mode lets you export and import as both graphical polyline presentation and semantic representation entities. Two annotation sets will be created and the semantic dimensions can be edited as CATIA FTA features.  

Composites Information

Composites information can be imported and exported via Extended STEP (SXT). Importing and exporting support the full ply stacking: ply groups, sequences, plies, cores, cut pieces, contours, orientations, and materials. Only engineering stacking and materials used by engineering stacking are supported. Flat patterns are not supported in the stacking but will export as resulting curves. Producibilities are not supported.

Licensing Requirements & Application Protocols

The table below contains the CATIA STEP interface licensing requirements to export the different types of geometric and PMI entities.

CATIA STEP Interface Licensing Requirements

Application protocols have options to control the transfer of specific entities. The table below lists the application protocols supported by each CATIA STEP interface license type.

Application Protocols by CATIA STEP Interface License Type

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in December 2020 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Questions?

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the CATIA STEP Interfaces, please contact us.

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