ISO 14306-3:2025

Overview

ISO 14306-3:2025 is an international standard developed by ISO that specifies the JT file format (Version 2) for 3D visualization within industrial automation systems and integration. This standard defines the syntax and semantics for a lightweight, efficient file format designed to enable the 3D visualization and interrogation of geometry and product manufacturing information derived from CAD systems. ISO 14306-3:2025 is intended for use with visualization tools that do not require the full capabilities of a CAD system, supporting initiatives such as paperless manufacturing, collaboration, and validation across extended enterprises.

The JT (Jupiter Tessellation) format outlined in this standard is highly optimized for performance, compression, and flexibility, providing comprehensive support for assemblies, part structures, visual attributes, product manufacturing information, and streaming content. ISO 14306-3:2025 complements the ISO 10303 (STEP) series, which focuses on engineering data exchange and long-term product data archiving.

Key Topics

• Lightweight 3D Visualization: Focuses on visual representation of 3D objects, leveraging geometry compression for efficient data handling.
• Syntax and Semantics: Details the structure, encoding, and organization of the JT file format for interoperability among diverse software tools.
• Geometry Representation:
  • Facet data (triangles)
  • Boundary representation (b-rep) models (with multiple alternatives, including alignment with ISO 10303 standards)
  • Wireframe and shape representations
• Visual Attributes:
  • Inclusion of lights, textures, and material properties for realistic visualization
  • Hierarchical organization of assemblies, sub-assemblies, and parts
• Product Manufacturing Information (PMI):
  • Dimensions, tolerances, and associated manufacturing annotations
  • Support for product data throughout the lifecycle, enhancing PLM workflows
• Configuration and Streaming:
  • Means to represent product configurations and variants
  • Support for asynchronous streaming to enable efficient visualization of large models
• Data Compression:
  • Use of advanced algorithms (e.g., zlib, CODEC schemes) for compactness without sacrificing necessary data fidelity
• File Structure:
  • Segmentation for logical organization (headers, geometry, metadata, shape LODs, etc.)
  • Support for late-loading data and partitioned files

Applications

ISO 14306-3:2025 has practical value across a broad range of industrial sectors utilizing CAD and digital manufacturing technologies, including:

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): Facilitates efficient exchange, sharing, and archiving of 3D product definition data across supply chains and throughout product lifecycles.
• Collaborative Engineering: Enables cross-functional teams to view, assess, and mark up 3D models without reliance on original CAD systems, accelerating decision-making processes.
• Paperless Manufacturing: Supports the transition to digital workflows by embedding all essential manufacturing information within lightweight 3D files.
• Visualization in Manufacturing and Maintenance: Allows production and service personnel to interact with 3D models for assembly instructions, quality inspection, and training.
• Enterprise Integration: Seamlessly integrates into digital thread and digital twin initiatives, enhancing model-based systems engineering and smart manufacturing environments.

Related Standards

• ISO 14306-2: Vocabulary pertinent to the JT file format specification for 3D visualization.
• ISO 10303 series (STEP):
  • ISO 10303-21: Product data representation and exchange - clear text encoding.
  • ISO 10303-42: Geometric and topological representation.
• Other ISO/IEC Standards:
  • ISO/IEC 8824-1: Information object identification (ASN.1 encoding for standard identification).

These related standards provide foundational terminology, structure, and interoperability frameworks for the integration of ISO 14306-3:2025 within broader industrial and engineering data exchange environments.

For organizations focused on digital transformation, data-driven manufacturing, and efficient 3D data visualization, ISO 14306-3:2025 delivers a robust, widely-adopted foundation for interoperability, longevity, and streamlined collaboration in industrial applications.