Is it possible to import a 3D scan (mesh) as a reference in SolidWorks?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — in SolidWorks, you can import a 3D scan mesh as a reference by opening STL, OBJ, or PLY data and using ScanTo3D tools or a mesh body workflow. The most common professional method is importing the mesh into a part and using it as visual and geometric reference. Limitation: direct parametric editing of dense meshes is limited.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: very dense scan meshes can make SolidWorks slow, unstable, or impossible to rebuild smoothly, especially on standard workstations. A common failure is importing an unclean scan with holes, self-intersections, or millions of triangles that cannot be used reliably for reference or conversion.

How to Import a 3D Scan Mesh as a Reference in SolidWorks

  • Command: Open

  • Shortcut: Ctrl+O

  • Quick Steps:

    1. In SolidWorks, go to File > Open, change the file type to STL, OBJ, OFF, PLY, or 3MF, then select the scan file.
    2. In the Open dialog, click Options and set the import type to Solid Body, Surface Body, or most commonly Graphics Body/Mesh Body for reference use.
    3. Open the file as a new part, then use standard sketch, measure, and section tools around the mesh for reverse engineering reference.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Import as Graphics Body / Mesh Body / Solid Body

  • Expert Setting: this import option controls whether the scan is lightweight reference geometry or converted geometry. For large scans, Graphics Body or Mesh Body is usually fastest and most stable; trying Solid Body on a complex scan often fails or creates unusable performance.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): the scan mesh is too dense, non-manifold, open, or self-intersecting, so SolidWorks cannot process it cleanly.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): the file may come from another system with bad orientation, extreme scale, or locked reference positioning after import, making it appear missing or unusable.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): the user tries to edit the mesh like a native parametric solid, but imported scan meshes are mainly reference data unless converted through reverse-engineering tools.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: reopen the file through File > Open > Options and import it as a Graphics Body or Mesh Body instead of a solid.
  • Manager’s Verdict: use scan meshes in SolidWorks mainly as reference for remodeling, inspection, or limited mesh workflows; avoid forcing heavy raw scan data into full solid conversion unless the mesh has been cleaned first.

FAQ

Can SolidWorks open STL files as reference geometry?
Yes, STL files can be opened and used as mesh or graphics reference geometry.

Do I need ScanTo3D to use a scanned mesh in SolidWorks?
No, basic mesh import is possible without full reverse-engineering workflows, but ScanTo3D helps with advanced processing.

Can I convert a scan mesh directly into a native SolidWorks feature model?
No, not directly in most cases; usually you remodel from the mesh or use specialized conversion tools.

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