Direct Answer
DSTV (Deutschen Stahlbau-Verbandes, or German Steel Construction Association) is a neutral file format for transferring structural steel member geometry — holes, cuts, copes, and marks — to CNC fabrication machinery. Your CNC drill line, beam line, or profile saw reads the DSTV file and automatically machines each member without manual programming. It eliminates manual data entry errors and dramatically speeds up CNC setup.
Full Explanation
DSTV files (also called NC1 files) contain coded geometry for each member: profile type, length, bolt hole locations (X/Y position, diameter), cut angles, cope geometry, and marking text. Tekla Structures, SDS/2, and most detailing platforms export DSTV natively. The CNC machine's control software interprets the file and drives the machinery. Standard DSTV extensions are .nc1 (beam lines, drill lines) and .nc (some plasma and profile cutting systems).
What This Means for Your Shop
If your shop has CNC equipment (Peddinghaus, Ficep, Voortman, Peddimat, etc.), DSTV/NC1 files from your detailer eliminate manual machine programming and reduce setup time from hours to minutes per member. Fabricators without DSTV-capable equipment leave significant efficiency on the table.
Common Mistakes
Not specifying DSTV file delivery in the detailing contract, then discovering the detailer's software exports a format incompatible with your CNC machine's controller version. Always verify the required DSTV version (standard is DSTV87) and machine compatibility before the project begins.
Recommended Process
Include DSTV file delivery as a required deliverable in your detailing contract. Specify the DSTV version and your CNC controller software. Run a test file on a simple member at project kickoff to confirm compatibility before the full model is complete.