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3D Scan File Outputs for Design, Engineering and Manufacturing Workflows
Point clouds, mesh models, STEP files, CAD geometry and technical drawings — delivered in the formats your software requires, processed and structured for immediate use.
The Right File Format for Your Workflow
3D scanning produces raw spatial data. What makes that data useful is how it is processed, structured and delivered. The same scan dataset can produce a point cloud for a BIM workflow, a mesh model for 3D printing, a STEP file for CAD import, a deviation report for quality inspection or a technical drawing for manufacturing — depending on what the project requires.
3D Walkabout provides professional scan data processing and file output services across Australia. We capture precise scan data of buildings, objects, parts, vehicles and equipment — then process and deliver that data in the file formats your design, engineering or manufacturing software requires. Our team works with architects, engineers, designers, manufacturers and asset managers to ensure every deliverable is structured, registered and ready to use from the moment it is received.
Whether you need a single file format for a specific workflow, a complete deliverable package for a complex project, or advice on which output type best suits your intended use, our team can define the right approach and deliver outputs that work in your environment.
OUPUT TYPES
File Output Types
FORMAT REFERENCE
File Format Reference
E57
Open standard. Compatible with most laser scanning software, CAD platforms and BIM tools.
RCS / RCP
Autodesk native. Used in AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks. Optimised for BIM and AEC workflows.
PTX / PTS
Raw scan formats from Leica and other manufacturers. Used for processing and registration.
LAS / LAZ
Geospatial and survey standard. Compatible with GIS software and large-area datasets.
STL
Standard mesh for 3D printing. Supported across all major CAD, slicing and manufacturing platforms.
OBJ
General-purpose mesh with optional texture and colour. Used for visualisation and downstream modelling.
PLY
Supports colour and intensity from scan capture. Used for visualisation and intermediate processing.
FBX
Autodesk exchange with mesh, texture and animation. Used for VR, game engines and visualisation.
STEP (STP)
Most widely used neutral format for exchanging CAD geometry between different software platforms.
IGES
Legacy neutral exchange format. Still widely used in aerospace, automotive and industrial applications.
Rhino 3DM
Native Rhino format for surface and solid models in industrial design, architecture and product design.
SLDPRT · CATPart
Native SolidWorks and CATIA formats for direct use without conversion in those platforms.
Revit RVT
Native Autodesk Revit format for BIM models in architecture, engineering and construction.
IFC
Open BIM exchange format. Compatible with all major BIM platforms for cross-discipline sharing.
DWG / DXF
AutoCAD drawing formats for floor plans, elevations, sections and technical documentation.
Drawing and documentation format for sharing with clients and stakeholders who don’t use CAD.
FORMAT SELECTOR
Choosing the Right File Output
Design in CAD
A STEP or IGES file for maximum compatibility, or a native format if you work in one platform. For BIM, request a Revit RVT or IFC file.
3D Print or Additively Manufacture
An STL mesh model. For higher-resolution geometry, an OBJ file may be preferable depending on your slicing software.
Inspect Against Nominal CAD
A deviation report with colour maps and GD&T measurements, produced by aligning the scan data against your provided CAD model.
Measure and Reference Spatial Data
A registered point cloud in E57 or RCS format — a complete spatial reference for measurement, section extraction and downstream modelling.
Produce Drawings for Manufacturing
2D technical drawings in DWG or PDF format, produced from scan-derived geometry with full dimensioning.
Unsure Which Format You Need
Contact our team with a description of your project and intended use — we will confirm the most appropriate output format before scanning begins.
Why Quality Matters
Why File Output Quality Matters
Receiving a scan file and receiving a usable scan file are not the same thing. Raw scan data requires registration, cleaning, processing and structuring before it is genuinely useful in a design or engineering workflow.
Common problems in unprocessed data
Poorly processed point clouds may contain noise, misaligned scan positions and missing areas. Mesh models produced without care may have holes, non-manifold geometry and inaccurate surfaces. CAD models produced without engineering knowledge may not capture the design intent of a part correctly.
How 3D Walkabout processes every deliverable
Point clouds are registered and cleaned. Mesh models are processed to remove noise and close gaps. CAD models are produced with an understanding of how the geometry will be used. Technical drawings are produced to standard drafting conventions. Every deliverable is checked before it leaves our team — resulting in scan data that works in your software from the moment you open it.
COMPATIBLE PLATFORMS
Compatible Software Platforms
CAD & Engineering
BIM & AEC
Point Cloud Processing
Inspection & Metrology
Visualisation & Animation
3D Printing & Additive
Start Your 3D Scanning Project
Speak with our team or request our 3D Scanning Information Pack & Price Guide.
Whether you’re planning a reality capture project, need accurate point clouds, BIM modelling, or are exploring digital twin solutions, our team can help. Complete the form below and we’ll send you our 3D Scanning Information Pack & Price Guide, along with details on how our scanning process works and typical project costs. If you’d prefer to talk it through, feel free to call us on 1300 00 3392
Frequently Asked Questions
What file formats do you deliver?
We deliver a wide range of formats including point clouds (E57, RCS, PTX, LAS), mesh models (STL, OBJ, PLY, FBX), CAD files (STEP, IGES, native formats), BIM models (Revit RVT, IFC), 2D drawings (DWG, PDF) and inspection reports. The formats delivered depend on the project scope and your intended use.
Can you deliver multiple file formats from the same scan?
Yes. The same scan dataset can be processed into multiple output formats — for example, a point cloud for reference, a mesh model for 3D printing and a STEP file for CAD import. We confirm the required outputs before scanning begins.
What is the difference between a point cloud and a mesh model?
A point cloud is a dataset of millions of individual measured 3D points representing the scanned geometry. A mesh model is a continuous surface produced by connecting those points into a network of triangular polygons. Point clouds are used for measurement and reference; mesh models are used for CAD modelling, 3D printing and visualisation.
What is the difference between a STEP file and a native CAD file?
A STEP file is a neutral exchange format that can be opened in any major CAD platform. A native CAD file — such as a SolidWorks SLDPRT or CATIA CATPart — is produced in the specific format of one software platform and may offer additional functionality within that platform, such as editable feature trees.
Can you deliver a Revit BIM model from scan data?
Yes. We can produce Revit BIM models from point cloud data at agreed levels of development — including architectural geometry, structural elements and MEP systems as required.
How are scan files processed before delivery?
All scan datasets are registered, cleaned and structured before delivery. Point clouds are aligned and noise-filtered. Mesh models are processed to remove errors and close gaps. CAD models are produced with reference to how the geometry will be used. Every deliverable is checked for quality before it is sent.
Can you deliver scan files compatible with my specific software?
In most cases, yes. We deliver files compatible with all major CAD, BIM, inspection and manufacturing platforms. If you use a less common platform, contact us with the software name and version and we will confirm compatibility before scanning begins.
What is an E57 file?
E57 is an open standard file format for storing 3D point cloud data, images and metadata produced by laser scanning equipment. It is widely supported across CAD, BIM and point cloud processing software and is the most commonly used format for sharing point cloud data between different software environments.
Can STL files from scan data be used directly for 3D printing?
Yes. STL mesh models produced from scan data can be used directly in 3D printing and additive manufacturing workflows — provided the mesh has been properly processed and is watertight. We produce print-ready STL files as a standard deliverable where 3D printing is the intended use.
How large are typical scan file deliverables?
File size depends on the size of the scanned area or object, the scan resolution and the output format. Point cloud datasets for large buildings or facilities can be several gigabytes. Processed mesh models and CAD files are typically smaller. We advise on file sizes and delivery methods — including cloud transfer, hard drive and USB delivery — based on the project scope.