IGES

Initial Graphics Exchange Specification

A neutral file format standard that was developed to allow for the exchange of data between different computer-aided design (CAD) systems. The standard was developed by the U.S. National Bureau of Standards (now the National Institute of Standards and Technology, or NIST) and was first released in 1980.

IGES files can be used to exchange data between a variety of different types of CAD software, including mechanical CAD, electrical CAD, and architectural CAD. The format is supported by many different CAD systems, including AutoCAD, CATIA, and SolidWorks. IGES files can be used to exchange data between different systems and to share data between different departments and companies.

It’s worth noting that IGES is not the only file format that has been developed as a neutral file format standard, another well-known standard is STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product model data) and they both serve a similar purpose. However, STEP is considered more modern and capable of handling more complex models and it is more widely used in the mechanical engineering and aerospace industry.

• Abbreviation: IGES