Neutral vs. native CAD data: The hidden potential of native data formats
Native and neutral file formats briefly explained
In IT, "native" and "neutral formats" describe the requirements for storing and using CAD data.
- Native file formats are specially developed and optimized for a specific software or platform. They use all the specific functions and properties of this software to ensure the best possible performance and functionality.
- Neutral file formats, on the other hand, are designed to be more universal and include IGES and STL as well as the most commonly used STEP format(Standardfor the Exchangeof Productmodel data). The aim of these neutral files is to ensure broad compatibility between multiple applications. Specific functions and accuracy of the data are often lost in the process.
Native vs. STEP files
In design practice, the question often arises as to the difference between native CAD data and the frequently used STEP files. Although many designers today still rely on STEP files, native formats offer significantly higher quality. With the growing demand for detailed information for each component, the advantages of native data are becoming increasingly apparent.
Data from STEP files is supposedly easier to read, but there are often problems and information about the components is missing. Particularly with 3D representation, the geometry of the 3D model may contain errors due to the import and export process. It is therefore essential that the CAD data is checked when it is exchanged between different applications. Other important data, such as model, manufacturer, material or supply chain information, may also be missing.
Problems when importing neutral data: Comparison of 4 CAD systems.
STEP files can also have other problems, as data cannot be imported in the first place without an import tool. However, such tools are often chargeable. The system from which the STEP data was exported also plays a major role.
For example, a CAD system such as SOLIDWORKS can process the 3D model from a previous export from the same system well, while another system may have problems with it. STEP data is also significantly heavier than native data, which can lead to slow performance or even crashes during import. Further disadvantages of STEP data are:
- Color information does not arrive at all or arrives differently
- No part information (or only one line can be transported): therefore no or incorrect simulation possible
- Cannot be ordered: no order-relevant information is available to the purchasing department
To summarize, it can be said that data imports with STEP data take significantly longer and are far more problematic than with native data.
Comparison neutral vs native: Insufficient mass information leads to an incorrect simulation.
There are more advanced neutral formats such as STEP AP242 that attempt to handle this complexity. However, there is a risk that potential errors may not be detected until later design stages, which can present the engineer with unexpected challenges.
A practical example of this is a "simple" component with a thread. In order to integrate such a component into an assembly, it must be clear where exactly the thread is located. If a component with the wrong thread is ordered due to missing data, this leads to considerable time being spent on corrections and high costs.
The solution: use native CAD data
In contrast, high-quality, native data contains all the essential attributes of the components. This enables quick and easy integration into the planning process. If a bill of materials (BOM) is created with this data, the exact order numbers of the component manufacturer are eventransmitted, which considerably simplifies the ordering process.
You can find out about the other advantages of using native data in your daily work in our follow-up article High-quality native CAD data increases project success.
Missing product information in STEP: ordering capability is not given, simulation data is missing, etc.
In our webinar(recording available), we go into detail about the differences between native CAD data and STEP and show you the advantages of high-quality product data. In conversation with Marcel Pfeiffer from the Zimmer Group, you will gain practical experience in the provision of digital product data.
Finding the right native format with 3Dfindit
To speed up the design process, 3Dfindit provides high-quality, manufacturer-verified 3D CAD, CAE and BIM models in 134 formats. Designers can find the right format for their CAD system here. Start your search now!
