Convert PLY to 3DM

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.

The 3DM file extension, standing for "3D Model", is associated with the openNURBS initiative, which facilitates the exchange of 3D geometry across CAD, CAM, CAE, and computer graphics software. Developed by Robert McNeel & Associates, it serves as the native format for Rhinoceros (Rhino) software. Introduced to address interoperability challenges, 3DM files store precise 3D models using NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) and polygon mesh representations. This format is widely adopted due to its open-source nature, enabling developers to read and write 3DM files without proprietary restrictions, thus promoting seamless data sharing in 3D modeling workflows.