SEP4

**SEP4**

SEP4 refers to a specific version of the **Standard for the Exchange of Product Data (STEP)**, an international standard for exchanging engineering data in a machine-independent format. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as part of the **ISO 10303** series, STEP is widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and construction to ensure interoperability between different software systems.

SEP4 is the fourth version of the **Common Data Format (CDF)**, which defines the basic structure and data types required for STEP files. It introduces improvements over earlier versions, including enhanced support for geometric modeling, topological data, and product structure representation. SEP4 also incorporates more efficient data exchange mechanisms, reducing file sizes while maintaining data integrity. This version is particularly relevant for applications requiring detailed product data, such as CAD (Computer-Aided Design) systems, PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) platforms, and simulation tools.

The SEP4 standard is based on the **EXPRESS** language, a formal data modeling language that allows for the precise definition of data structures. It supports various file formats, including the **.STEP** (ISO 10303-21) and **.IGES** (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) formats, though SEP4 is primarily associated with the STEP format. Adoption of SEP4 ensures that different software systems can communicate effectively, reducing errors and improving collaboration across engineering teams. It remains a critical component of modern digital manufacturing and engineering workflows.