Convert .stl to .dat point cloud to import as a surface

[rutled36]

I am currently developing a model of the cervical spine from data obtained from CT-scans which I would like to import to an FEA program after assembly in UGNX 6. The geometries of the vertebra derived from the CT-scans are .stl files and I have had some issues dealing with the faceted bodies. I would instead like to import the geometries as a point cloud (.dat) and utilize the 'insert surface from a point cloud' ability in UGNX 6 to obtain a non-faceted body. My hopes is to import all of the geometry data as parts into UGNX, assemble the parts, and then export the assembly to Ansys Workbench.

Is there a way to import an .stl file as a point cloud (.dat) or is there are any other suggested ways to utilize the .stl files to create solid geometries? I have imported the .stl as solid bodies in SolidWorks, but the faceted faces are causing me issues and SolidWorks can only import a minimal amount of nodes.

 

[JonSelby]

Do the STL files contain "slices" of data simliar to MRI scans?
If so I would have thought that the STL was the best start ... however ...

If you have access to MatLab you can read in STL files and could write a program to slice them up. The slices could then be used to do a through curve mesh. We do this to convert STL's to Dicom's for our MRI software.
I'd be happy to have a play over the weekend if your happy to post the STL's on here.

Jon S

Medical Design Engineer - Glos. UK
NX 6.0.4.3 / TCE V10.0.3.8.6

 

[rutled36]

All files were obtained from The Living Human Digital Library; downloaded from Biomedtown.org to PSLoader (the client application of PhysiomeSpace)as .vtk files. The surface files (.vtk) were then exported as a geometry file (.stl) from the PSLoader software. Other geometry export formats available include .inp and .mtr (I am not really familiar with these formats).

My primary problems with the .stl format are issues with the geometry due to the faceted faces which are ultimately making the FE meshing process more difficult then necessary for my model. Through some research, my understanding is that UGNX 6 has the capability to import a point cloud file (.dat) and then create a surface from the points that will be more 'smooth' and considered a solid part as opposed to the .stl file which is a faceted body and can't be treated as a solid part.

Attached is the .stl file exported from PSLoader for cervical vertebra C4. Any suggestions for utilizing this file (and others like it) in creating a model and conducting a FEA would be much appreciated.