DSTV (Deutscher Stahlbau-Verband) is a file format developed for use in the steel industry. It can be used to represent various types of sections for e.g. box, I-beam and plate. DSTV files are typically generated by a high level modeling package such as Tekla Steel Detailing, but it does not matter which package is used, as long as the generated file conforms to the DSTV file format standard.

In addition to being able to import geometry (the shape of the part), the system is also able to automatically process the part using additional information provided in the file not available in other file formats such as DXF.

The DSTV file format also contains order related information such as the quality and thickness of material it requires as well as the number of items requested. This information corresponds to a workorder line item. The order entry process has been optimized to make it easier to import large numbers of DSTV files at once. The required invoice number, material quality and thickness, quantity and part name are all automatically updated on the newly imported part(s).

Primecut will automatically add leader dimensions describing the encoded bevel geometry to the 2D geometry, will read bend lines and mark them and set the part grain across the bend lines (where possible).

A slideshow demonstrating import and Automatic Processing of DSTV parts is here (note that you must configure automatic processing first):