IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) is the world’s most popular and generally most successful data exchange standard.

The idea behind IGES is to put data into a neutral format that can be easily read by other CAD/CAM systems. Sounds great. So what’s the problem? While it is true that IGES and other popular data exchange standards (STEP, VDAFS, STL, etc.) provide a neutral file format, the truth is that even then the translation process can be riddled with problems.
Often errors occur in interfacing a system’s translator with the IGES format. As it is written, the IGES specification is open to much individual interpretation. Vendors developing their own IGES translators are often left to make judgment calls as to the meaning and definition of IGES rules. As a result, IGES translators from vendor to vendor, although based on a common technology, can vary greatly in terms of how they define IGES rules.
Some common causes stem from such factors as:
1)How the model was built.

2)Different interpretations of the neutral file specification among developers.

3)Level of entity support in IGES translators.

4)Quality of today’s translation software.

5)Functional differences between soft-ware systems and neutral files.

6)Functional differences between source and destination systems.

7)User’s knowledge and comfort level relative to the IGES specification.