Need to convert data from design optimisation (in the form of a .dat file) to .stl file using "convert voxels to stl mathworks script"

I am new to MATLAB. I am required to use the x,y,z, coordiinates from a .dat file (consits of 1000s of rows and 3 columns) to generate a 3D stl file to open in CAD.

I require someone (maybe who has used the mathscript before) to guide me as to what file inside the script folder to edit.

Problem is, there are many files like, "Convert_voxels_to_stl.m", "Convert_voxels_to_stl_example.m", "READ.m" and "WRITE.m", "convert_meshformat.m" and an example called "Convert_voxels_to_stl_example.m".

My questions are:

1. Which of the files should I edit or import my data into?
2. What sort of lines should I focus on editing? Like the function arguments, or just the patching?

Answer 1

[Jasvin]

As per my understanding, you have the X, Y, Z data for the grid in a .dat file that you want to convert to an STL file and you are using this FileExchange submission to do the same,

https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/27733-converting-a-3d-logical-array-into-an-stl-surface-mesh

If this is correct, then you should first read through the CONVERT_voxels_to_stl_example.m script to see how the function is being called and how a .stl file is generated.

The example uses a .mat file but you can use the same for .dat files, you'll just have to load it in the same way,

load(<Filename.dat>)

But if you get difficulties with this load call, then you can refer to the discussion on the following MATLAB Answer, https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/79885-how-to-read-tabular-data-from-dat-files-into-matlab

And then call the, CONVERT_voxels_to_stl() method.

This is what the inputs and outputs mean as per the FileExchange documentation,

Converts the voxelised object contained within the 3D logical array <gridINPUT> into an STL surface mesh, which is saved to the ascii file <STLin>. The x,y,z axes for <gridINPUT> are defined by <gridX>, <gridY> and <gridZ>. The (faces,vertices) data are optional outputs.

So you must write a new script (.m file) that first loads the .dat file which will give you the x, y and z data and then call the convert() function. And you don't have to edit any of the FileExchange files, they are intended to be used out of the box.

[Vikram]

Hello, thanks for the information and your time.

Your assumption is correct. The x,y,z rows are 3 row vectors of data I have are randomised, and they represent a domain (like a box) and the gamma values are a single row vector of data which represents the model inside it which I want.

Although I am able to understand the concept of using the data, I am unable to come up with a MATLAB code.

It would be really helpful if you could provide me with a sample code for like 3 rows of x,y,z and gamma data, using a "reshape" or "meshgrid" statement.

Thank you.