Key Takeaways
- Kubotek Kosmos has released version 8.0 of its 3D Framework libraries, providing a unified API for 3D model management across platforms.
- The update adds support for newer ISO standards-based formats, including STEP AP242 Edition 4 and STEP XML.
- Version 8.0 introduces persistent identifiers for maintaining traceability of product data and supports semantic hole data linked to model faces.
- The release also expands support for saved views in STEP AP242 and adds support for reading QIF files and inspection workflow applications.
Introduction to 3D Framework Version 8.0
Kubotek Kosmos has announced the release of version 8.0 of its 3D Framework libraries, which provide software development teams with a unified API for reading, displaying, editing, and authoring precise 3D models and product definition data. This update is significant, as it adds support for newer ISO standards-based formats used in model-based engineering and manufacturing workflows.
STEP AP242 Edition 4 and STEP XML Support
The 3D Framework version 8.0 includes support for STEP AP242 Edition 4, published in 2025, which introduces persistent identifiers for maintaining traceability of product data. These identifiers help track data as it moves between CAD, manufacturing, and inspection systems, supporting digital thread use cases such as data tracking, error analysis, and compliance documentation. The company has also added AP242 support for semantic hole data linked to model faces.
Comparison of 3D Framework Version 8.0 and Previous Versions
| Feature | Version 7.0 | Version 8.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Support for STEP AP242 Edition 4 | No | Yes |
| Support for persistent identifiers | No | Yes |
| Support for semantic hole data | No | Yes |
| Support for QIF files | No | Yes |
QIF and Inspection Workflow Support
Version 8.0 also adds support for reading QIF files, including precise part models, manufacturing information, and persistent identifiers. The libraries support related model-based data such as annotations, dimensions, planes, points, centerlines, and semantic PMI. A new API function is included for quality planning applications to clone and reposition pattern tolerance annotations while maintaining links to the original tolerance definition.
Bottom Line
The release of 3D Framework version 8.0 by Kubotek Kosmos is a significant update that provides software development teams with a unified API for 3D model management across platforms. The addition of support for newer ISO standards-based formats, including STEP AP242 Edition 4 and STEP XML, demonstrates the company's commitment to staying up-to-date with industry standards. With its expanded support for saved views, QIF files, and inspection workflow applications, version 8.0 is an essential tool for companies involved in model-based engineering and manufacturing workflows.