ASME Y14.41 was born of the need to utilize Computer-aided design (CAD) data as a manufacturing and/or inspection source.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, solid modeling and CAD were becoming important tools for engineers looking to create and define increasingly complex geometry.
A definition of data set classifications was developed to describe the combinations of model and drawing graphics sheets that might be required by a customer.
These portions cover the practices, requirements, and interpretation of the CAD data when there is no engineering drawing graphic sheet.
If a company designs or creates mock-ups in 3D, then ASME Y14.41 is the standard of choice for universal interpretation and industrial practices.