Engineered Formats & Outputs For 3D Scanning Services

Engineered Formats & Outputs For 3D Scanning Services

Knowing your engineered formats and output options is an important first step in understanding our 3D scanning services. Nel PreTech will help you determine the best delivery method by discussing your intended use for the dataset. From 3D scan to 3D model, there are four key methods to consider for a successful project.

1. Raw data

Raw data is a cloud of points we gather from blue light to any other 3D scanning equipment we deem most appropriate for your measurement job. If it is volume measurement you are seeking, we will provide the voxel data using our Zeiss Industrial CT Scanners. For all of you gamers out there, you may have run across voxels in the gaming world. A voxel represents a single data point on a three-dimensional grid. It’s pretty rare, but if a company has all the other engineering capabilities in place, they may ask for raw scan data. Sometimes a company may want this data for archival purposes or to test a tool over time to see if there is any wear.

2. STL File Format

.stl is native to stereolithography CAD software, but supported by many software packages. It originated with 3D printers. STL takes the raw data or cloud of points and connects them to form triangles or a polygonized mesh. In the art world this is commonly known as tessellation. Think of honeycombs, tile art, or origami to visualize. If the customer has their own software they can import the STL to do their own measurements or layouts. Nel PreTech can also do in-house layouts with native scan data.

3. Surface Wrap

The surface wrap takes the STL mesh we just discussed and wraps a surface around it. It is one single surface. In other words, it is not broken down into individual geometries. It will incorporate all surface abnormalities so that it is an exact and true representation of the part “as is”. The surface wrap is always exported as a .step file that can be opened in any CAD software.

4. Parametric Model

A parametric model uses the STL mesh as a template and builds perfect surfaces on top of an imperfect part or scan data. Each individual geometric element is modeled separately and the end result is a fully parametric model. This model can be exported into any native 3D CAD format. These are specific to CAD systems and will have the most information and are more accurate than geometric modeling kernel or neutral CAD formats. The parametric model can also be exported as a .step file. In that case you lose the parametric qualities, but still maintain the perfect geometry.

In conclusion, getting to know the customer, the part, and intended use of the 3D scan data we provide is the foremost means to achieving the customer’s objective. Having this communication early on will make for a smoother process throughout our 3D scanning services.