STL import

[rstupplebeen]

I routinely have STL files that I can not import into SW because there are too many facets to create a solid. Are there any settings that I should change or 3rd party softwares such as an STL to IGS translator that are proven to be robust? Thank you.
Rob

 

[rollupswx]

STL files are heavily faceted faces. There might be some software out there that will smooth the facets into nurbs surfaces but then you would be two geometry changes from the original with no way of knowing how much of a change has been made from the original geometry.
I would request a neutral file format like STEP or IGES

 

[rstupplebeen]

rollupswx,
I am aware of the limitations of STL's but I am also exploiting the simple format. I am performing postprocessing on the STL in Matlab to manipulate the geometry. Yes a software that could smooth over the facets with nurbs surfaces would fit my bill. Ideally there would be a tolerance for accuracy of the fit. Thank you for your help.
Rob Stupplebeen