Overview
EN ISO 13567-1:2017 - Technical product documentation: Organization and naming of layers for CAD – Part 1: Overview and principles - is an international standard developed by ISO and harmonized by CEN. It establishes the general principles for structuring and naming layers within CAD (Computer-Aided Design) files. This standard defines how layers should be organized to control visibility, manage data effectively, and facilitate clear communication in technical documentation.
Layers are fundamental organizational attributes in CAD files used to separate graphical and non-graphical entities, enabling better management and selective display of information. The principles laid out in this standard are relevant to all stakeholders involved in creating, using, and maintaining technical documentation on computer systems – including CAD users, software developers, and third-party component library producers.
Key Topics
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Layer Structuring Principles: The standard emphasizes clear separation between the logical (conceptual) organization of CAD information and the coding or implementation within specific CAD systems. This separation supports better data management, interoperability, and user orientation.
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Layer Naming Conventions: A faceted classification method is recommended, where layer names are structured into different classifiers representing various aspects of information. This method facilitates the combination and customization of classification facets for diverse end-user needs.
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Use of International Codes: The standard encourages adopting existing international or national classification codes for layer naming wherever appropriate, ensuring consistency and compatibility across disciplines and regions.
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CAD File Management Concepts:
- Layer: A layer is an organizational element used to segregate entities and control their visibility on screen and print.
- CAD Model: A structured CAD data set organized by physical parts of the represented object.
- CAD Drawing: A selected subset or combination of the CAD model with additional graphical elements, used for presentations or documentation.
- Reference Files: Separate CAD files linked together to combine information and enable independent updates.
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Technical Scope: Applies broadly to all CAD systems, users, and technical documentation processes, with software developers expected to support these principles via appropriate tools.
Applications
EN ISO 13567-1:2017 is widely implemented in industries and sectors where CAD is essential for product design, construction, and documentation. Practical applications include:
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Engineering and Manufacturing: Standardized layering enhances collaboration across disciplines by improving clarity in CAD models and drawings, supporting design, analysis, and production workflows.
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Architecture and Construction: Though Part 2 of ISO 13567 covers construction specifics, Part 1 principles provide foundational layering organization useful for general CAD projects and component libraries.
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CAD Software Development: Enables developers to build software functionality aligned with international standards for layer management and coding, improving interoperability and user experience.
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Data Exchange and Collaboration: Facilitates consistent communication and data sharing across different CAD systems, organizations, and countries by standardizing layer structures and naming.
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Component Libraries Management: Helps third-party suppliers structure their CAD libraries with clear, standardized layer organization for compatibility and ease of use.
Related Standards
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ISO 13567-2 – Organization and naming of layers for CAD – Part 2: Concepts, format and codes used in construction documentation - provides more specific guidelines tailored to construction project documentation.
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ISO 10209:2012 – Technical product documentation - Vocabulary - clarifies terms related to CAD and technical drawings used in ISO 13567-1.
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ISO 11442:2006 – Technical product documentation - Document management - supports overall management principles for engineering documentation.
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ISO 5455:1979 – Technical drawings - Scales - addresses scale representation in technical drawings intertwined with CAD layer usage.
Keywords: ISO 13567-1, CAD layer organization, CAD layer naming, technical product documentation, CAD standards, computer-aided design, CAD file management, layer structuring principles, faceted classification, technical documentation standards, CAD interoperability, CEN ISO standards.