STEP to PLY Conversion
The list below contains valuable resources, complete with step-by-step guides and expert advice for converting STEP files to PLY format using our converters. Delve into them now to simplify your STEP files conversion later.
- Autoconverter Uses Vertex Normals to Display Smooth Meshes
- Convert 3D Mesh Files in the Batch Mode
- Automesher Desktop Application for Windows to Convert 3D File Formats
- Enhance BricsCAD V24 with Automesher and Automapki Applications
STEP vs PLY Comparison
| Property | STEP | PLY |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .stp, .step | .ply |
| Name | STandardized Exchange of Product | Stanford Polygon |
| Versions |
|
|
| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components |
STandardized Exchange of Product File
A file format used for the exchange of 3D data across various computer systems, including CAD, CAM, and CAE, in a standardized format. Some of the benefits and features of STEP files are:
- Compatibility: STEP is widely supported by many software applications and platforms, making it easy to share and collaborate on 3D models across different domains and industries.
- Accuracy: STEP preserves the exact shape and dimensions of 3D models, unlike some other mesh formats (SKP, OBJ, or STL) that may introduce errors or distortions during conversion.
- Materials: STEP file format supports colors per assembly. However, it lacks an alpha component. This means that any transparency effects applied to 3D models will not be visible or preserved in the STEP files.
STEP Files Converter: STEP files can be very large, especially when they contain complex or high-resolution 3D models. One way to reduce the file size is to use Autoconverter software, which can utilize the faceted BREP representation, potentially saving up to one-third of the file size. It uses the Open Cascade framework, ensuring compatibility with the latest STEP standards.
Polygon File
A file format specifically designed to store three-dimensional triangles along with additional properties such as color, normals, transparency, or texture coordinates. PLY is also known as the Stanford Triangle Format, as it was developed at Stanford University in the early 1990s. PLY has many applications and benefits for 3D graphics, such as:
- Rich and Customizable Data: PLY is a comprehensive and flexible format for 3D triangles, as it can store not only the geometric information of the triangles, but also the material and appearance information of the vertices and faces. PLY also allows for the definition of custom properties and elements, which can be used to store any additional data that is relevant to the 3D model.
- Binary and ASCII Formats: It’s worth noting that PLY files can be saved in either binary or ASCII text formats. The binary version is generally preferred due to its significant reduction in file size and faster loading speed. However, the ASCII version is more human-readable and easier to edit. Our PLY file converter can handle both formats and convert between them.
PLY Files Converter: Autoconverter allows you to convert your 3D models from various file formats, such as STL, SKP, OBJ, DAE, 3DS, STEP, and others, to PLY and vice versa.