Overview
ISO/TS 10303-304:2001, part of the ISO 10303 (STEP) family, specifies an abstract test suite for conformance testing of implementations of ISO 10303-204 (Mechanical design using boundary representation - B-rep). This Technical Specification defines the test purposes, verdict criteria, and abstract test cases that form the basis for executable conformance tests of AP204 implementations using the ISO 10303-21 clear text exchange format or the ISO 10303-22 standard data access interface.
Key facts:
- Published: 2001 (Technical Specification)
- Focus: conformance testing for mechanical design B-rep data exchange
- Output: abstract test cases (documented in EXPRESS-I) - not executable test scripts
Key Topics and Requirements
- Test purposes: Statements derived from AP204 application elements and interpreted models that identify behaviours to be verified.
- Verdict criteria: Clear pass/fail rules for conformance testing when using ISO 10303-21 (file exchange) or ISO 10303-22 (SDAI).
- Abstract test cases: Input data and expected outcome specifications that define what executable tests must exercise. These cover areas such as:
- Faceted B-rep, elementary B-rep and advanced B-rep scenarios
- Name preservation (UoF), product structure, and visual presentation
- Preprocessor and postprocessor roles (upload/download scenarios)
- Scope limits: The specification does NOT create executable test cases, perform testing itself, or mandate other implementation methods.
- Format and modeling: Abstract test cases are expressed in EXPRESS-I, allowing adaptation to different test labs and execution environments.
- Normative annexes: Conformance classes and context definitions are included; additional annexes provide informative examples and error test guidance.
Practical Applications
- Validate CAD/CAM/PDM software that implements AP204 for exchanging mechanical boundary-representation models.
- Support interoperability projects and vendor certification efforts ensuring reliable STEP data exchange of B-rep geometry and product structure.
- Provide a consistent baseline for test laboratories to develop executable test suites that verify compliance with AP204 when using ISO 10303-21 files or ISO 10303-22 SDAI interfaces.
Who Should Use This Standard
- CAD/CAM/PDM software vendors implementing AP204
- Conformance testing laboratories and QA teams
- Systems integrators and manufacturers requiring reliable B-rep data exchange
- Standards developers and test-suite authors building executable tests from abstract cases
Related Standards
Keywords: ISO/TS 10303-304, AP204, abstract test suite, conformance testing, boundary representation, B‑rep, ISO 10303-21, ISO 10303-22, EXPRESS-I, STEP interoperability.