STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Data) files, identified by the extensions .stp or .step, 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 store only geometric data, STEP files can also contain non-geometric information such as tolerances, materials, surface finish, and other manufacturing-related attributes. This makes them suitable for long-term archiving and data exchange throughout the product lifecycle. STEP files are typically ASCII-based, making them human-readable to some extent, although the complex structure requires specialized software for proper interpretation and visualization. The standard supports various application protocols (APs) tailored to specific industries and use cases, ensuring the appropriate level of detail and data representation for different engineering disciplines. STEP files are crucial for collaborative design, manufacturing, and analysis workflows, enabling seamless data sharing between different stakeholders in the product development process.