ShapeSpace

ShapeSpace 3D model search software helps CAD/CAM designers, Engineering Managers and Parts/Component Suppliers search for duplicate parts, or specific parts locally on a CAD station or within a CAD department. There are three complementary strands to this technology:

Geometric Indexing

Proprietary algorithms produce a ‘signature’ for each model that acts as the part’s index. The similarity between signatures is indicative of parts’ similarity.

Efficient Retrieval Algorithms

Retrieval algorithms have been developed which allow similar parts to be found efficiently in very large databases of CAD models.

An Adaptive Browser

The browser presents the results of a query to the user, allowing hundreds of parts to be displayed in an informative and intuitive manner. The user can find the part required visually or can refine the query. Based on interaction with the user, the browser adaptively attempts to refine the similarity measures used.

The primary features of a ShapeSpace can be put in four categories, click for more details:

See

Visualize all your parts quickly and easily.

Search

Search by shape, by size, or by text.

Sort

Since a ShapeSpace understands the 3D geometry of your parts, it becomes possible to sort and classify the parts by shape and so identify duplicates and semi-automatically form classifications of parts.

Share

A ShapeSpace is fully network-enabled and can be deployed Enterprise-wide across a LAN or even over the Internet. This allows users within your organization to search your parts library and also opens up possibilities of allowing customers to search your library if so configured.

ShapeSpace reads files from all major mechanical CAD software, including CATIA, Siemens NX, Pro/ENGINEER, Solidworks, Solid Edge, Autodesk Inventor, and JT formats.