Convert IGES to PLY

The IGES file extension, short for Initial Graphics Exchange Specification, was developed under the United States Air Force's ICAM (Integrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing) initiative in the late 1970s to enable standardized digital data exchange across diverse CAD systems. Primarily used for 2D and 3D engineering drawings, IGES files store vector-based design data in ASCII format, facilitating interoperability in aerospace, automotive, and defense industries. As an ANSI standard since 1980, IGES became essential for sharing wireframes, surface models, and circuit diagrams, especially in military and manufacturing applications requiring long-term accessibility and system-independent compatibility.

The Polygon File Format (PLY) is a versatile file format designed for storing 3D polygonal models. It originated at Stanford University in the mid-1990s to support the Stanford 3D Scanning Repository project. The primary purpose of PLY is to efficiently represent and exchange three-dimensional data, including vertex coordinates, colors, and normals. Its flexibility makes it valuable for various applications such as 3D scanning, computer graphics, and 3D printing. PLY files can store both ASCII and binary data, making them adaptable for diverse processing needs within computer technology.