Feature analysis of STEP application protocol and its application

This paper uses semantic data modelling and CAD/CAPP/CAM integration to analyze the features defined in the STEP AP214, its characteristics of definition and distribution, and its influence on the complexity of CAD/CAPP/CAM application integration. A framework is developed for applications of CAD/CAPP/CAM integration based on the STEP to reduce the complexity of integration implementation. Two application program interfaces (API), namely, application protocol API and application API, are developed. The framework's hierarchy structure and the application program interfaces between the layers make the integration of applications easier.