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How to convert STEP (.step,.stp) to PLY (Stanford .ply)?

PolyTrans|CAD+DCC performs mathematically precise CAD, DCC/Animation, GIS and BIM 3D file conversions into all key downstream 3D packages and file formats. Okino software is used and trusted throughout the world by many tens of thousands of 3D professionals in mission & production critical environments, backed by respectable personal support directly from our core development team.

STEP

STEP is the defacto 'go-to' MCAD translation file format when you do not have access to the original CAD part and assembly files. It is a long standing 'industry standard' that can be used to move MCAD/CAD file assets into many downstream 3D programs and file formats. Okino's PolyTrans|CAD provides for a defacto 3D STEP file conversion solution used by the world's primary & professional engineering, aerospace, military, corporate, animation/multi-media and VR/AR industries. STEP uses the .stp and .step file extensions.

STEP files are readable ASCII files which encode CAD parts and assembly information. Most respectable MCAD modellers will actively and correctly support the STEP AP203 and AP214 file formats. STEP was originally developed to supercede the IGES file format but has mostly supplemented but not replaced IGES. You would either want to export a "STEP AP214" file or an "IGES BREP solids" file depending on the MCAD modeller.

A much deeper overview plus explanation of STEP, and how it can be best used + understood, is outlined in this Okino WEB page.

Most people initially come to Okino asking for a STEP importer but it should only be used in specific situations as outlined in our "CAD Data Sourcing Suggestons and Rules".

PLY

PLY can generally be considered a simple, 1990s-era, university research oriented polygonal (mesh) 3D file format designed to store data from 3D scanners. It was developed by Greg Turk and others in the Stanford graphics. Its design was inspired by the Wavefront .obj format.

PLY was meant to be a simple, easily parsable file format and hence only conveys basic geometry information for a single object definition with polygon vertices, vertex colors vertex normals and UV texture coordinates. No materials nor hierarchy, lights or cameras are supported.

More information about STEP

STEP import converter's overview

PLY export converter's overview