STEP Tools, Inc. Releases ST-Viewer Version 4.0

---

Troy, New York-October 1, 2001 - STEP Tools, Inc., the forerunner in developing STEP-integration software for the global marketplace, announced today it is shipping ST-Viewer v4.0 for Windows™ NT 4.0/2000 or Windows 98/95 platforms. ST-Viewer is a cost-effective tool used by developers to view, analyze and debug STEP product data. The new version introduces strategic enhancements including a STEP data analyzer, dimensioning capabilities, and multiple application support. STEP Tools has developed software products for more than ten years to bring customers worldwide the latest advances in ISO-STEP technology. Their product line slashes costs and programming efforts associated with building, operating and maintaining world class STEP applications, translators and databases.

ST-Viewer can be used to view mechanical CAD data (AP-203), analysis data (AP-209), automotive design data (AP-214), machining data (AP-224), circuit board data (AP-210) and process plant data (AP-227). ST-Viewer serves as an easy-to-use interface to STEP data information and displays product identification, assembly structures and 3D geometry. Users can write programs that interact with ST-Viewer via XML (eXtensible Markup Language).

This flexible application communicates with CAD/CAM/CAE and PDM systems, part libraries and databases, as a Web browser "plug in". The product also includes an OLE/COM programming interface, which is used by blue chip companies in the automotive, aerospace and shipbuilding industries to implement solutions for assembly management, shipbuilding design and NC programming.

Sophisticated Data Analysis for STEP Data Input; New Dimensioning Capability
ST-Viewer now automatically analyzes STEP input data before proceeding with visualization. This new procedure detects potential problems and appropriately adjusts software switches. The data analyzer looks for difficult geometry, burdensome file sizes, unsupported APs, and determines if configuration data is available. If ST-Viewer detects conditions that may cause conflicts, it launches a dialogue box that proposes suggested settings, and queries the user to accept or cancel the recommendation. ST-Viewer supports a wide variety of Application Protocols (APs) including 203 (mechanical CAD), 209 (finite element analysis), 210 (circuit board assemblies), 214, (automotive design) 224 (machining features), 227 (process plant design), and 238 (NC Milling and Turning).

The latest version of ST-Viewer also supports basic dimensioning and can be used to display the length of various parts in a STEP model. The program can also display angle measurements. For example, a straight edge might be 27 inches long, or the distance between the endpoints of a semi-circle might be 32 millimeters. Angle magnitudes for revolved-area solids are also shown.

ST-Viewer Product Pricing
Pricing begins at USD$290 for a quantity of one to four ST-Viewers. The product can be ordered on-line from the STEP Tools web site at http://www.steptools.com/products/stviewer. ST-Viewer is also bundled free of charge with STEP Tools' high-end software products - ST-Repository for STEP data management, and ST-Developer, a powerful programming toolset used to automate up to 60% of the STEP implementation process.

About STEP Tools, Inc.
STEP Tools, Inc. is a leading international supplier of professional STEP software toolsets (based on ISO standards) for application software developers, design firms and manufacturing companies in diverse industries. The STEP Tools product line is used by the world's foremost firms to leverage STEP technology to facilitate the sharing of engineering product information. Over one million end users utilize product data applications built with ST-Developer, the company's flagship product. The company offers ten software solutions in several languages that provide four key benefits: 1) the flexibility of EXPRESS information modeling language, 2) integration with existing tools and database systems, 3) cross-platform portability, and 4) ease-of-use for streamlined development. For late-breaking information, contact STEP Tools, Inc. by calling (518) 687-2848, email: info@steptools.com or visit STEP Tools Web Site: www.steptools.com.

Related Links: ST-Viewer : STEP Tools Home Page : ST-Developer