STEP files, identified by the '.step' or '.stp' extension, are a widely used ISO standard (ISO 10303) for representing 3D product manufacturing information (PMI). They are designed to facilitate the exchange of data between different CAD/CAM/CAE systems, ensuring interoperability and preventing data loss or corruption during translation. Unlike some other CAD formats that are proprietary and specific to a particular software, STEP is a neutral format, meaning it is not tied to any single vendor. This makes it ideal for long-term archiving and sharing of product data across different organizations and software platforms. STEP files store geometric data, topological information, configuration, and metadata about the product, allowing for a complete and accurate representation of the 3D model. The standard supports various application protocols (APs) tailored to specific industries and use cases, such as AP203 for configuration controlled design and AP214 for automotive mechanical design processes. STEP files are crucial for collaborative engineering workflows, enabling seamless data exchange throughout the product lifecycle, from design and manufacturing to analysis and maintenance.