Convert STEP to 3DM

The STEP file extension, also known as Standard for the Exchange of Product Data (ISO 10303), is widely used in the realm of 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) files for facilitating data interoperability between different software systems. Initially developed in the late 1980s, it enables the precise exchange of complex product information, which includes geometry, topology, and material properties, ensuring seamless collaboration in engineering and manufacturing projects. Its standardized format is crucial for integrating diverse CAD tools, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing errors in the product development lifecycle.

The 3DM file extension, standing for "3D Model", is associated with the openNURBS initiative, which facilitates the exchange of 3D geometry across CAD, CAM, CAE, and computer graphics software. Developed by Robert McNeel & Associates, it serves as the native format for Rhinoceros (Rhino) software. Introduced to address interoperability challenges, 3DM files store precise 3D models using NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) and polygon mesh representations. This format is widely adopted due to its open-source nature, enabling developers to read and write 3DM files without proprietary restrictions, thus promoting seamless data sharing in 3D modeling workflows.