Convert IGS to PLY

The IGS file extension refers to the Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES), a standardized ASCII-based format developed by the United States Air Force under the ICAM (Integrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing) program in the late 1970s. Designed to facilitate interoperability among diverse CAD systems, IGS files store 2D and 3D vector data including wireframes, surface models, and engineering drawings. Widely adopted across aerospace, automotive, and defense industries, IGES became an ANSI standard in 1980 and was instrumental in streamlining digital product data exchange. Although superseded by newer formats like STEP, IGS remains relevant for legacy system compatibility and long-term archival of CAD data.

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.