This thesis deals with the study on the data exchange between different CAD systems using the STEP Standard. Because there are many different CAD systems, it makes troubles when we try to transfer design data from one CAD system to another. And it is impractical that every users and companies adopt to use a single CAD system from initial design to N/C machine. Every CAD systems has its own characteristics, strength and weakness.
To improve these problems, there have been studied from the beginning of 1980's. Those studies use the neutral format files such as IGES, DXF. As the next generation of IGES, the STEP (STandard for the Exchange of Product model data) is the international effort by ISO/TC184/SC4 trying to combine the different national activities in a single international standard.
This paper introduces the concept and status of the STEP standard. An implementation using the STEP Exchange File has been tried. The STEP Exchange File is the neutral format file of the STEP. In this thesis, data exchange between the DXF format of the AutoCAD and the STEP Exchange File is implemented, which transfer several basic entities. Some changes to the contents of STEP Exchange File using the Data Probe has been tried to test the implementation. The Data Probe is a system for user interface to create, view, and edit the STEP Exchange File.
