Two Methods for Converting Scan Data to a Solid Model

Semi-manual Creation: Direct Mesh Referencing

Direct mesh referencing is useful for very complex surfaces, such as consumer products.

Use the Surface Wizard's Automatic creation to automatically create surfaces from a mesh. The Surface Wizard's Guided creation requires more user interaction and works well for models for mostly analytical shapes (simple shapes, such as machined parts), but not for complex parts.
SemiAuto1_Mesh.gif arrow_black.gif SemiAuto2_Sketch.gif arrow_black.gif SemiAuto3_Surfs.gif arrow_black.gif SemiAuto4_solid.gif
Mesh   Sketches   Surfaces   Solid
  1. Open the scan data (mesh or point cloud file).
  2. Prepare the mesh using the Mesh Prep Wizard to create a mesh feature.
  3. Section the mesh using the Section View Tool_Section_View.gif tool (View toolbar).
  4. Sketch 2D and 3D curves on the mesh feature.
  5. Build surfaces using the curves. Use the Curve Wizard to create section and boundary curves. You can also import and edit IGES, IBL, CSV, and TXT files containing point data that defines discrete curve sets.
  6. Analyze and refine the surfaces using the Deviation Analysis tool.
  7. Trim and knit the surfaces.
  8. Create the solid model.

Semi-automated Creation Using Wizards

The Mesh Prep and Surface Wizards guide you through the ScanTo3D process.

If you already have clean mesh data, use just the Surface Wizard to create a solid model. Use the Surface Wizard’s automatic creation for anatomical and organic shapes. Use guided creation for analytical faces. Use the Deviation Analysis tool to analyze and refine surfaces.

  1. Open the scan data (mesh or point cloud file).
  2. Prepare the mesh using the Mesh Prep Wizard to create a mesh feature.
  3. Use the Surface Wizard to create surfaces from the mesh feature using automatic or guided creation.
  4. Trim and knit the surfaces.
  5. Create the solid model.