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Using Geometry Explorer to Inspect Parts
Geometry Explorer helps you analyze and understand the underlying geometry of a part without modifying the model.
It breaks down complex CAD data into recognizable geometric primitives, making inspection, validation, and communication easier.
This tool is available for Parts in CAD ROOMS Viewer.
Use Geometry Explorer when you need to:
- Understand how a part is constructed at a geometric level
- Inspect curves, surfaces, and analytic features
- Validate geometry before manufacturing or quoting
- Quickly isolate and highlight specific geometry types
Geometry Explorer is especially useful for complex, imported, or vendor-supplied parts where feature history is not available.
Open Geometry Explorer
- Open a Part in CAD ROOMS Viewer
- Click Geometry Explorer on the top of the left toolbar
- The Geometry Explorer panel opens on the left side of the viewer
The panel lists all detected geometry types in the part, grouped by category.
Geometry Categories Explained
Geometry Explorer classifies part geometry into standard CAD primitives.
Each category shows the total count detected in the part.
Common geometry types include:
- Circle – Circular edges and profiles
- Cone – Conical surfaces
- Cylinder – Cylindrical surfaces (e.g. holes, bosses)
- Ellipse – Elliptical curves
- Line – Linear edges
- NURBS – Freeform curves and surfaces
- Plane – Planar faces
- Sphere – Spherical surfaces
- Torus – Toroidal surfaces (e.g. fillets, blends)
This breakdown provides a fast overview of part complexity and geometric composition.
Inspect and Analyze Geometry
Click any geometry category to inspect all matching elements in the viewer.
- Matching geometry is highlighted directly on the model
- Non-selected geometry remains visible for context
- Patterns and structure become immediately obvious
Example use cases:
- Highlight Cylinders to inspect all holes and bosses
- Highlight Circles to understand hole density and distribution
- Highlight NURBS to identify freeform or complex surfaces
When a geometry category is selected, a metrics panel appears in the bottom-right corner of the viewer, displaying measurements related to the selected geometry type.
Depending on geometry type, available metrics may include:
- Total length (for curves and edges)
- Total area (for surfaces)
- Unit selection (e.g. mm)
- Precision control
These values help support manufacturing feasibility checks, cost estimation, and geometry validation during review.
You can also use the visibility toggle next to each category to temporarily hide specific geometry types, reduce visual noise in dense parts, and focus on only the geometry that matters.
Practical Use Cases
Geometry Explorer is commonly used to:
- Identify excessive freeform geometry before manufacturing
- Spot unexpected geometry types in imported STEP files
- Communicate part complexity during reviews
- Support early-stage DFM discussions
- Prepare parts for downstream processes like CNC or inspection
Best Practices
- Start with high-level categories (e.g. Cylinders, Planes) before inspecting detailed curves
- Use visibility toggles to simplify dense geometry
- Pay attention to NURBS-heavy parts, which may impact manufacturing
- Combine Geometry Explorer with visual styles (e.g. Wireframe or X-Ray) for deeper insight
After using Geometry Explorer, you should be able to quickly identify geometry types, assess part complexity, and validate designs before manufacturing.