3D Scan - Data formats

Data formats

Flexible. Compatible. Future-proof.

To ensure that your data can be processed seamlessly, we supply our 3D scans in standard formats – tailored to your requirements, software environment and downstream processes. Whether as raw data for further processing or as a finished model for design, production or archiving: we deliver what you need.

Raw scan data

Directly from the sensor - for maximum data sovereignty

After the scanning process, so-called point clouds or mesh data are created, which represent the pure surface geometry of the object – without any volume information or parametric description. This data is ideal as a starting point for analysis, visualization or reverse engineering.

Typical raw data formats:

.STL (Standard Tessellation Language): Triangular mesh, universally compatible, ideal for 3D printing and metrological evaluations
.OBJ (WavefrontObject): Polygonal format with optional textures/color information, e.g. for design, visualization or animation
.PLY (Polygon File Format): Contains additional information such as color or surface normals, often used in research
.ASC / .TXT / .CSV: Pure point clouds (XYZ coordinates), suitable for special evaluations or individual further processing

Optimized CAD data

From mesh to construction - for technical processes

If you want to further design the captured geometries, integrate them into existing CAD systems or use them for production, we can also create processed, reverse engineering models on request. This involves generating technically usable solid models from the polygonal raw data – with smooth surfaces, defined radii and parameterizable geometries.

Typical CAD formats:

.STEP (.STP): The industry standard for cross-system data exchange in 3D CAD applications
.IGES (.IGS): Established format for free-form surfaces and geometries, especially in the tool and mold making industry
.SAT/ .XT: Format-dependent variants for import into specific CAD or CAM systems (e.g. SolidWorks, NX, CATIA)

Depending on the desired level of detail, we offer both “reverse engineering light” with simplified surfaces and exact reconstructions of complex geometries with free-form surfaces.

Our service - your data the way you need it

Whether you only need the raw data or would like a CAD-compatible model directly – we will adapt to your requirements. Please contact us if you require special file formats or processing stages. We will advise you individually on the best data strategy for your application.

Format

Description & use

Raw data (point cloud)

.ASC / .TXT / .CSV

XYZ coordinates, basic format for individual evaluations or special algorithms

Polygon net (mesh)

.STL

Triangular mesh, standard for 3D printing & geometric analysis, without color information

.OBJ

Polygon format with optional colors/textures, popular in design and visualization

.PLY

Polygon format with extended attributes (e.g. color, normals), e.g. for scientific use

CAD-compatible formats

.STEP / .STP

Industry standard for further processing in almost all CAD systems

.IGES/ .IGS

Older but flexible format, especially for complex free-form surfaces

.SAT, .X_T

Format for specific CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA)