This area is common to all three types of point generation (along a series of curves, on a surface by distribution, and on a series of surfaces on a grid).

Coordinates are exported using the units and number of decimal places defined in the part document options.


 


 


By default, the coordinates of the points created are relative to the part origin. You can select a coordinate system, a sketch point, or a vertex; the coordinates will be calculated relative to that point.

This point cannot be the same as the starting point. If this is the case, you need to create a on this point (or vertex) and select it.


  • " Enable Preview "—by checking this option, every time you change and save a piece of information, you'll instantly see a preview of the result in the graph window.

However, there are two default limits for this preview:

    • Up to 500 points, the preview displays correctly; beyond that, a confirmation window asks the user whether to display the points or not.


 


    • If the score exceeds 2,000 points, a message will appear indicating that the preview has been automatically disabled for performance reasons.


    


You can, however, continue to modify values (without seeing the results). When you confirm the settings, the points are calculated and created.


  • " Create points in SOLIDWORKS"—this option is usually checked and will generate a 2D or 3D sketch depending on the selected geometry and settings. For example, this option should be unchecked if you only need to export the data to a file.


 

  


If this option is not checked, only the file will be generated. This can be very useful if the user wants to generate hundreds or even thousands of points. In this case, SOLIDWORKS performance will be poor, but it will still be possible to re-import the point file using ScanTo3D.


  • " Export points to a file"—by checking this option, you can export the calculated points to a file in the following format:
    • Select " Excel." Then simply save the file by giving it a name and choosing a location.

Example - Export to an Excel file to create 20 points on a 3D curve relative to the global coordinate system.

By clicking on the reverses the direction (start or end) of point generation on selected entities .


    


    • " Text " type. When exporting to a text file, you can select the delimiter from the list. Choose from ", ", "; ", or " Tab ". Then simply save the file by giving it a name and selecting a location.


 


Example - Export to a text file to create 20 points on a 3D curve relative to the global coordinate system.

By clicking on the reverses the direction (start or end) of point generation on selected entities .


 


 


  • " Coordinate system ":

By default, the coordinates of the generated points are calculated relative to the part's global coordinate system (origin). You can select an entity to change this coordinate system. The entities that can be selected are:

    • A 2D or 3D point in a sketch.
    • The end of a 2D or 3D sketch entity.
    • A summit.
    • A coordinate system that has been created in advance.


Example - Export to an Excel file to create 20 points on a 3D curve by selecting, as the new coordinate system, the 3D vertex that coincides with the first point on the curve. The new coordinate system retains the same orientation (X, Y, Z) as the global coordinate system.

By clicking on the reverses the direction (start or end) of point generation on selected entities .


  


Example - Export to a text file to create 20 points on a 3D curve by selecting, as the new coordinate system, the 3D vertex that coincides with the first point on the curve. The new coordinate system retains the same orientation (X, Y, Z) as the global coordinate system.

By clicking on the reverses the direction (start or end) of point generation on selected entities .