Howdy folks, Happy Holidays.

I use a 3D scanner to help with reverse engineering.  I often times would like to be able to scan an existing part so I may incorporate that part into an assembly.  I can then use it to know what interferences I will need to avoid.  The problem is that I can't figure out an easy method to use an STL mesh as a solid body to insert into the assembly.

I know about the three options to import the mesh into a SW part.  That won't work for my needs because my mesh files will always be too large.

I have tried to wrap the mesh using the mesh edit software feature called auto surfacing.  That sorta works, but is more time than I would like to spend.

And of course I can always convert the mesh into a 3D CAD file using my mesh editor, but that is WAY too much time spent to simply bring in a graphic image of a scan to see the interference problems.

Anybody have any experience with this sort of idea?

Thanks in advance

Carter