How to get PLY-file to Pointwise
 

Hi,

I'd like to import a 3D-scan-file to Pointwise. I want to extract the data points from the triangle mesh. Those data points are then utilized to create rooms and shapes. Actually I need only a few points from the PLY-file. However, I have noticed that it is not that simple for a new-to-CFD-user.

So, the question is: What options do I have to extract the xyz-data from the PLY-file to the Pointwise? I have tried PLY > stl > IGS > Pointwise import route but somehow my stl > IGS doesn't work properly. From a 6 MB stl I get <1 KB igs file (FreeCad conversion) - something must be wrong.

Other way could be getting the simple xyz-coordinates of the mesh and import those as txt-data.

I don't mind losing a lot of data during this proccess.

Pointwise can directly import STL files as either:

• GRID (domains. Use File, Import, Grid...)
• DATABASE (shells. Use File, Import, Database...)

And PLY import is scheduled for the v18.4 (release date is NOT available)