1 Reply Latest reply on Feb 3, 2017 8:56 AM by Chris Dordoni

I have a 3D scan (.stl file) of an object and I want to built a case around it, now if I reduce the number of faces of an STL file (using MeshLab) so as to open it in SolidWorks, will it affect the model's original dimensions?

Ahadik Handak Feb 3, 2017 5:03 AM

I have to scan an object using Blue Light Scanning technology, and I want to create a case around it using SolidWorks (in my college computer), the file which I will receive will be in STL format, I researched about stl files and found a way of reducing the number of faces using MeshLab so as to open it in SolidWorks as a part, now I am worried if reducing the number of faces will affect the original dimension of the object

Re: I have a 3D scan (.stl file) of an object and I want to built a case around it, now if I reduce the number of faces of an STL file (using MeshLab) so as to open it in SolidWorks, will it affect the model's original dimensions?

Chris Dordoni Feb 3, 2017 8:56 AM (in response to Ahadik Handak)

This really depends on the details of the object, and what you want to reference from the scan. Reducing faces may remove features that affect dimensions.

Its possible to split up objects prior to importing into SolidWork so you you would not have to reduce as much.

For example, you could have an object with 60,000 triangles and split it into 4 sections with approx 15,000 triangle. Meshlab, if I recall, does not have a split function that will work on surfaces. Its possible to use a boolean subtraction in Meshlab, but your scan will need to be watertight solid. Blender (free) may give you more flexibility to split up your object.
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