3D Model Search

[BillS01]

First off sorry if this is the wrong forum, if so please point me to the correct one.

Is anybody using any kind of search engine that searches 3D models based on geometry and not metadata? We have over 300,000 3D models and I would like to identify duplicates and similar based on geometry not descriptions or text.

Thanks,

Bill

 

[ctopher]

Depends on your software. I have heard of others writing code and setting up their models to search for certain types of geometry. Each model needs to be setup in advance up front. We don't have this because most parts are unique.

Chris, CSWP
SolidWorks '16
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SolidWorks Legion

 

[drawoh]

BillS01,

This sounds like a huge programming challenge. Let's look for hex socket head cap screws modelled by two different people. One person models the profile of the screw and head, and rotates it. The other extrudes a cylinder for the head, and another for the threaded section. Both apply chamfers and model the hex, creating two externally identical models of a cap screw. Neither bothers to model the threads. If your intelligent software looks at the models, they will be different, even though they both identically model the part. If the two people are disciplined about filling in the BOM metadata, you might search on that, but how many people are disciplined about filling in BOM metadata?

My standard line about 3D[ ]modelling is that there are fifteen ways to do anything, twelve of which are wrong. This will affect your search.

--
JHG

 

[KENAT]

Talk to your CAD vendor. I seem to recall some of them using such tools when implementing PDM/PLM systems etc. A quick google search found:

https://www.cadenas.de/en/products/geometric-similarity-search/intelligent-finding/geometric-search

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[JohnRBaker]

Siemens PLM Software offers a product called 'Geolus Search' which will do what is being asked. You can learn more about this product at:

http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/products/open/geolus/index.shtml

John R. Baker, P.E. (ret)
EX-Product 'Evangelist'
Irvine, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

The secret of life is not finding someone to live with
It's finding someone you can't live without

 

[BillS01]

Thanks for the replies. I will take a look at the provided links.

 

[BillS01]

KENAT,

What did you search for when you found Cadenas? I recall seen it before but in all my searches today it never popped up. I found a few others though. Thanks for the link I will be checking it out.

I was really hoping there would be others out there that are using one of these tools that could provide feedback with there experience.

Thanks again to all he have replied.

 

[KENAT]

Something like "3D CAD model geometry search engine" - if you don't have 'CAD' in there you get stuff from artificial reality/computer games etc.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​