Digital Conversion Road Map needed

[Fueler]

I have a digitized file from my Centroid machine shown in screenshot 

It is a point cloud file.

After much reading and mounting confusion I throw up my hands and ask....

I need a road map leading from converting this file and getting it into Fusion so I can clean it up, and ultimately machine it.

To be clear, in this case I am interested in the replicating the outer wall and bolt hole placement.

What other program do I need if it can't be directly accomplished via 360.

thanks

[I_Forge_KC]

Point clouds are difficult monsters. In the Autodesk family there is only one tool that does well with them - ReCap. The problem, though, is that even with a good tool (like ReCap), you're still left with mesh data. While entirely possible to machine from mesh data or get cross-sectional sketches, you're still talking about approximations at best.

In your case, what I would do is explore using Meshlab (a free mesh tool) to convert the point cloud into a mesh. From there, you can use a tool like InstantMeshes to convert that triangular mesh into a quad mesh. You could then use Fusion to convert the quad mesh to TSpline and then TSpline to BRep. This is a highly manual process that loses data integrity at every single step. The BRep data that you would get out the back side of this process will certainly not be all that accurate to the original - however, it will be easier to manipulate than the point cloud or the resulting mesh.

If all you need is basic profile and center point data, you might do alright with the generated mesh directly in Fusion (especially if using the mesh intersect add-in tool).

[Fueler]

Would you say that ReCap will shorten the trip rather than jumping through several programs?

[I_Forge_KC]

Nope. ReCap is designed specifically for point cloud processing and photogrammetry. It won't auto-covert anything to solids nor will it retopologize to quads. You'll find there was once a little brother to ReCap called ReMake that provided most of the photogrammetry side of the house. It also did a great retopo to quads for Fusion. Late last year ReMake was absorbed into ReCap and put behind a paywall with some of that functionality removed entirely.

There are other products out there that can do reverse engineering in a more automated fashion, but their results are largely the same as the manual process with price tags that would make Jeff Bezos blush (for what they are and the performance from them, anyway).

There are two upshots to the workflow I presented:

1) You're in control - This method leaves all the switches in your hands. Once you figure out what works and what doesn't, you can build that skillset into continuous point/mesh to BRep usage. The demand for this skill is growing explosively because mesh data is so stinking prevalent. It also means you can use your digitizer again and again, use photogrammetry systems (even free ones), and leverage 3D scanning tools. The other aspect of you being in control is that when you come across known details (e.g. a round hole), you can massage the TSpline form to match reality better than the mesh conversion tools can with their automated wizardry. It means more work, but the results are absolutely worth the added effort.

2) All the software I mention is free. Meshlab is free. InstantMeshes is free. Fusion 360 is free (for specific users, anyway). I mention this because ReCap is not. GeoMagic is not. SpaceClaim is not.

[Fueler]

Givng your way a shot. Got all the mentioned programs installed.

Meshlab: 1st problem. There is not a direct method for my file so it needs converted to something Meshlab likes.

I think a csv type file will work but so far it looks disjointed.

Is there something specific needed for the excel to display it correctly?

#2. Once the above is understood what should it be saved as?

OR

if I missed the dock here, feel free to steer this boat another direction.

Thanks

[I_Forge_KC]

What format is the point cloud in currently?

[Fueler]

They call it a .dig file.  Short for digital I assume.

I found that it can be read as .txt   excel can read it but it looks goofy.

Tried importing mesh as a txt file to meshlab. It indicates that it worked but nothing shows up so far.

[I_Forge_KC]

Can you share the point cloud?