Scan it in 3D

This module is used for basic editing of polygonal mesh (.scn, .3ds, .obj, .stl, .wrl, .ply, …) and point cloud (.xyz, .txt, .asc, .vda, .igs). Subsequently, these objects can be converted into surfaces and worked with in a 3D environment with available tools for editing surfaces in the SolidWorks 3D modeler. This module is included in SolidWorks Premium.

Activating the module and opening files correctly
The module needs to be activated in SolidWorks. Go to the menu Tools -> Add-ons and confirm the Scan to 3D module as active. When opening the model, it is necessary to select the format type: NETWORK FILES (second item from the bottom) in the drop-down window. When opening a file with STL format, the module is not activated and SolidWorks will only work graphically with the STL mesh.

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Network Preparation Guide

When using this function, SolidWorks continues to step-by-step guide you through all the options for editing the mesh or point cloud. Workflow:

Selecting a network or cloud of points (marked with a cursor in the workspace)
Adjusting the network orientation (the orientation does not need to be adjusted, we do not need to use the function)
Removal of redundant data (removal of ambient noise and redundant locations)
Simplification (the total size of the network can be adjusted percentageally or only in areas marked by the user)
Smoothing (this function allows us to smooth the bumps on the processed object. Again, global or local smoothing is in the menu)
Filling holes (if the object contains holes, the module recognizes them and patches them)
Surface modeling (automatic or controlled - see below)

Network modification

In this item, you can arbitrarily change the orientation of the object, its position, copy the object to a new position and enlarge it by offset. The object can be moved/rotated parametrically or interactively with the mouse in the workspace.

Curve Guide

This function allows us to get curves from an imported object. The obtained curves are further used for re-modeling the part using elements of extrusion, drag, etc... Curves can be obtained from sections of the object or from the boundaries of the object.

Area Modeling Guide

Automatic modeling

SolidWorks itself creates a surface design on the object, and the user has the option of "Surface Details". CAD attaches individual surfaces to the object, and in case of incorrect attachment, the user adjusts the incorrectly attached surfaces manually. Areas are not parametric.

Guided modeling:

In controlled modeling, the user influences the creation of surfaces right from the beginning. The first step is to divide the object into regions, to which surfaces will be assigned. In this mode, SolidWorks snaps the selected surface shape (plane, cylinder, cone, sphere, torus, extrusion, B-spline) to the selected regions. After assigning surfaces to regions, SolidWorks features can be used to edit surfaces (trim, patch, delete, etc.) and "fine tune" the model.