A neutral file format standard developed to enable 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 various CAD software, including mechanical, electrical, and architectural CAD.
ASCII-Based Textual Format
The official title of IGES is Digital Representation for Communication of Product Definition Data. It is an ASCII-based textual format.
- Applications supported: Engineering drawings, models for analysis, and manufacturing functions.
CAD Software Support
The format is supported by many different CAD systems, including AutoCAD, CATIA, and SolidWorks.
- Data exchange: IGES files can be used to exchange data between systems and to share data across departments and companies.
Comparison with STEP
IGES is not the only neutral file format standard; another well-known standard is STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product model data).
- Modern alternative: STEP is considered more modern and better suited to handling more complex models.
- Industry use: STEP is more widely used in the mechanical engineering and aerospace industries.