File Format Standards in Modern Manufacturing
Standardized data exchange is the difference between smooth supplier collaboration and expensive production delays.
Current standard landscape
- STEP (AP203/AP214/AP242): Primary neutral format for CAD interoperability.
- 3MF: Preferred for additive workflows with richer metadata.
- STL: Ubiquitous legacy mesh format for basic print prep.
- OBJ/PLY: Useful for visualization, scanning, and geometry processing.
- GLTF/GLB: Best for web delivery and digital twin visualization layers.
Define a canonical source of truth
Most successful teams pick one master representation per workflow stage. For design intent and supplier handoff, that is often STEP AP242. For additive execution packs, it can be 3MF.
Without a canonical source, each downstream conversion can introduce drift, leading to disputes over which file is authoritative.
Supplier interoperability checklist
- Document accepted format/version matrix by supplier.
- Require explicit unit declaration on every handoff.
- Define tolerance validation thresholds before PO release.
- Version and checksum all delivered artifacts.
- Store conversion logs with part revision history.
Regulated environments
Aerospace, medical, and defense programs need traceability and repeatability. That means deterministic export settings, auditable conversion tooling, and retention of validation evidence per revision.
If your process cannot reproduce the same geometry from the same source revision, compliance risk increases quickly.
Takeaway
Format standards are not just technical preferences—they are operational controls. Start with a clear standard matrix and enforce it in tooling.
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