Compare Geometry - can anyone get this to work?
Compare Geometry - can anyone get this to work?
(OP)
I often try to use this to see if changes I've made to a model have resulted in any subtle 'unexpected' changes elsewhere, but never have much success.
If they're really simple parts, fine, but as soon as I try running it with any semi-complex parts (mainly plastic mouldings) it take ages to compute and more often than not results in failing to compute the volume removed/added (which is what I need).
It'd be a really useful tool if it worked properly. Anyone have any suggestions?
If they're really simple parts, fine, but as soon as I try running it with any semi-complex parts (mainly plastic mouldings) it take ages to compute and more often than not results in failing to compute the volume removed/added (which is what I need).
It'd be a really useful tool if it worked properly. Anyone have any suggestions?






RE: Compare Geometry - can anyone get this to work?
What are your computer specs?
RE: Compare Geometry - can anyone get this to work?
1. Perhaps you could post a set of parts for others to try the same thing and share our results.
2. Are these different part files you are comparing or are they different "ages" of the same part?
3. Have you tried saving both files out as a parasolid and running the geometry comparison on those version?
- - -Updraft
RE: Compare Geometry - can anyone get this to work?
PC spec:
Intel Core i7 CPU 920 @ 2.67GHz
12GB RAM
ATI FireGL V7600
SW2010 SP
So I'd hope this'd be enough?
1) I'm afraid I can't post parts due to IP, but think injection moulded casings; similar to a pressure washer casing; curved geometry (but not ridiculous) with lots of internal rib/boss details, draft angles and radii on everything.
2) Yes, I'm comparing different 'ages' of the same part
3) I've just tried saving both as a parsolid, but the volume comparison still fails
RE: Compare Geometry - can anyone get this to work?
Rob Stupplebeen
https://sites.google.com/site/robertkstupplebeen/
RE: Compare Geometry - can anyone get this to work?
Since you are comparing two different generations of a part AND you are apparently familiar with the Cavity function you have available an option that will at least show you where there are differences. You can subtract version one from version two and then reverse it - version two from version one. If you have anything left from these subtractions then that is simply where you have differences.
- - -Updraft
RE: Compare Geometry - can anyone get this to work?
Updraft; I'm not sure how the cavity function can be used. Simply putting both bodies in the same part file and attempting a subtract results in the error:
'The feature failed to cut the body'. I guess the cavity command may try to do essentially the same thing, but may be wrong.....
RE: Compare Geometry - can anyone get this to work?
Rob Stupplebeen
https://sites.google.com/site/robertkstupplebeen/
RE: Compare Geometry - can anyone get this to work?
I have never used compare geometry. From the OP description I imagine it is a nice interface on the combine/subtract tools, so will suffer from the above.
The only method I have ever used that works but is very labour intensive is to put both parts into an assembly on top of each other and slowly work through sections on all 3 axes. By slowly stepping through the part looking at critical areas you will find these issues. It will help if the parts are different colours.
The above method has also been used extensively as a design check tool for electronics enclosures. When checking clearances etc in complex mouldings it is amazing how long it take to find some of these problems.
Craig Pretty
Tru-Design Plastics
RE: Compare Geometry - can anyone get this to work?
Matt Lorono, CSWP
Lorono's SolidWorks Resources & SolidWorks Legion
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RE: Compare Geometry - can anyone get this to work?
-Kirby
Kirby Wilkerson
Remember, first define the problem, then solve it.
RE: Compare Geometry - can anyone get this to work?
Use one version to create a cavity in a solid block.
Insert the other version into the cavity.
Use interference detection.
This would probably have to be done in both directions.
Eric
RE: Compare Geometry - can anyone get this to work?
Doug
RE: Compare Geometry - can anyone get this to work?
Yep, I too use the ad-hoc zebra stripe method which is pretty helpful, but easy to miss some small changes.
I'm suprised this hasn't been refined more by SW as it'd be really powerful if it worked properly.
I'll give the cavity/interference check idea a try; many thanks.
Cheers,
Simon