3.5.10.  Perform a geometric search

The following describes how you can perform a geometric search for components in your CAD system. The reference parts to be searched can be standard and purchased parts as well as your own parts.

Functional description

The geometric search (3D) [Geometric search (3D)] is suitable for text-independent searches, also as a supplement to the full text search, especially for searching in the own parts pool, for unclassified parts or parts that are not recorded in ERP/PDM. Thanks to its precision, you can find the proverbial needle in a haystack.

Procedure

Click In the ENTERPRISE-3dfindit menu (or in the toolbar) of your CAD system on Geometric Search [Execute Geometric Search] .

Call "Perform geometric search [Execute Geometric Search]" as an example in NX

Call "Perform geometric search [Execute Geometric Search]" as an example in NX

-> If the target is unique and the search part is unique, the search is executed immediately and the focus goes to 3Dfindit.

If it is an assembly group, a dialog appears:

"No valid component selection. Use the current document?

  • Yes: The system searches for the assembly.

  • No: The "Select model" dialog appears.

    -> Select the desired item.

    If the target application is unique, the focus goes directly to it and the search is executed. If the target application is not unique, the Select application dialog appears.

Select application [Choose Application]

Select application [Choose Application]

Results

-> The search part is loaded into 3Dfindit, the search is executed immediately and the results are displayed.

Results in 3Dfindit

Results in 3Dfindit

When you open a part, you can export it by clicking on the CAD button.

Details on the 3D search [3D Search] can be found under Section 5.5.2, “ 3D Shape Search ”.