Free "scan to CAD" software ?

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Gumball
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Free "scan to CAD" software ?

Post by Gumball »

Hi,

I'm looking for a free software that would allow me to import scanned model (stl/obj/ply), perform some basic operations (expecially meshing but maybe also point cloud to solid, etc.) and the export in CAD format (igs/stp, etc.). So basically I need free, simplified, standalone version of GeoMagic or SpaceClaim. Is it even possible to find something like that ?


Thanks in advance for your help
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Re: Free "scan to CAD" software ?

Post by nickherath »

I highly recommend Rhino3D. It's no Geomagic Design X in terms of capabilities in modelling from meshes or pointclouds but still very good for the price. By your signature it looks as though you are a student so you should be eligible for the educational version of Rhino3D which has a significantly reduced price.
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Re: Free "scan to CAD" software ?

Post by Jamesrye »

I agree that Rhino is excellent, but it may struggle with large meshes.

Meshlab and CloudCompare are useful free resources.
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Re: Free "scan to CAD" software ?

Post by Gumball »

Thanks for your replies.
I was thinking about Rhino some time ago (and forgot about it recently). Unfortunately educational version is stil pretty expensive for me and I'm looking for some free software.

I already have Meshmixer, Meshlab and CloudCompare installed as they seem to be very useful in such cases but there's no option to export in CAD formats. What I need is program that would allow me to import scanned model (stl) and export it as igs, stp or some mesh format (like bdf) because I use COMSOL FEM software and only CAD models/premade meshes work fine there.

I also tried free meshing software called Gmsh and it almost worked but I don't know if it's possible to achieve the expected result there.

Is there any other free meshing/modelling software that could help me ?
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Re: Free "scan to CAD" software ?

Post by JSenior »

I would have a look into DesignSpark Mechanical. It's a free version of Spaceclaim where you get many of the standard drawing tools. You can import an STL mesh file and then reverse engineer it in much the same way as you would with the full version.

Without paying for a plugin or using somebody with a full Spaceclaim license you can't export as a solid. You can export it as a closed mesh file or Sketchup file which may be enough for you however.
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Re: Free "scan to CAD" software ?

Post by Gumball »

Thanks, DesignSpark Mechanical looks like a nice option. However I can't register because it claims that my e-mail/login is already in use. Even though it is not possible (I've checked multiple options). I'll keep trying.
Anyway, in midtime I've checked Exchange add-on (the one that allows stp/igs export) price and it's ridiculous in my country. Rhino is 2 times less expensive so if I decide to buy one of these programs, it will definitely be the latter.

So bad there's no free software that allows stl to stp/igs conversion :-(
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Re: Free "scan to CAD" software ?

Post by JSenior »

Gumball wrote: Mon Jun 19, 2017 4:04 pm Thanks, DesignSpark Mechanical looks like a nice option. However I can't register because it claims that my e-mail/login is already in use. Even though it is not possible (I've checked multiple options). I'll keep trying.
Anyway, in midtime I've checked Exchange add-on (the one that allows stp/igs export) price and it's ridiculous in my country. Rhino is 2 times less expensive so if I decide to buy one of these programs, it will definitely be the latter.

So bad there's no free software that allows stl to stp/igs conversion :-(
Spaceclaim Student edition is around $50 a year I believe. Certainly what I would be going with if you are elegible.
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Re: Free "scan to CAD" software ?

Post by Gumball »

That's much better. I used to think that SpaceClaim requires Ansys but it seems to be standalone software.

It looks like there's no option to find something for free so I guess I'll have to buy one of these programs. Probably SpaceClaim. Or Rhino if it has lifetime license for a reasonable price.
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Re: Free "scan to CAD" software ?

Post by max72 »

Rhino edu is about 195 euros.
With Rhino consider the Arena plugin.
It is a great way to handle even massive pointclouds.

Depending on your tasks you can consider other plugins, like visualarq.

Not free but for sure a terrific tool..

Massimo
ing. Massimo De Marchi - +39 347 32 17 049 - www.studiodemarchi.net
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Re: Free "scan to CAD" software ?

Post by Gumball »

195 euros for lifetime license ? Not bad.
I'll graduate and leave my univeristy next year (unless I decide to stay on doctoral degree xD). If I buy Rhino educational version now, can I still use it after graduation ?
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