Besides a STEP file and images, what other CAD file formats are people looking for?
Is just uploading STEP sufficient for most CAD software on CrabCAD?
Accepted answer
Include the native format the model was made from as well as some neutral hi fidelity format like STEP. If the model was designed in Solidworks then include the Solidworks files. If Inventor, then the Inventor files, etc. Don't convert the CAD files to STEP and then into some other format like Inventor. We can do that ourselves.
STL formats are good but ONLY if the model is specifically for 3D printing. If the file is not to be 3D printed then do NOT include an STL. STL files are not for transferring CAD data between CAD systems.
Sometimes the CAD data would be useful in 2D. In which case multiple views in DWG and/or DXF should be provided.
Somewhat related is the level of detail included in the CAD files. The level of detail should match the intended usage. For example, If the CAD files are for an air cylinder then how detailed the CAD files should be is related to how they are intended to be used. If the CAD information is specifically intended to show how to make the air cylinder then you would include all seals, passages, fasteners, and other minute details. On the other hand if the CAD file is intended to be used as a library item allowing the cylinder to be used as a sub component in a much larger assembly then it should be much simpler. Internal passages, seals, internal fastenings, etc. are just superfluous information that inflates the file size and complexity without any benefit whatsoever. In most cases such detail should be avoided. Another example would be hobby type servos. Including all the internal details like gears, splines, and motors is pointless unless the intention is to manufacture the servo. That's extremely unlikely.
