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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
Geometry Explorer lets you inspect geometry at two levels — by category (all matching elements at once) or by individual instances (one or more specific features). Selections always update a metrics panel in the bottom-right corner of the viewer.
Inspecting by Category
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 category is selected, the metrics panel displays measurements related to that 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.
Inspecting Specific Instances
Expanding a category in the panel reveals every individual instance (for example, Circle 1, Circle 2). Selecting one or more instances changes what the bottom-right metrics panel displays.
- Single instance — Click one instance to highlight it in the 3D view. The metrics panel shows base measurements for that single feature. The exact fields shown depend on the geometry type (for example, a Circle shows Radius and Diameter).
- Multiple instances — Select multiple instances of the same type to inspect them together. The metrics panel switches to relational measurements between the selected features — for example, Axis Distance, Min / Max Edge Distance, and Overall Length for circles.
The same unit and precision controls remain available in all modes.
This is useful when you need exact dimensions for a specific feature, or when you want to verify spacing, alignment, or relationships between features — without leaving the viewer or opening native CAD software.
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.