Comparing 3D CAD models: Uses, methods, tools and perspectives

With the advancements of 3D modeling software, the use of 3D CAD in mechanical product design has become a standard practice. Methods and tools are continually being developed to improve designers' efficiency in the creation, modification and analysis of 3D CAD models. Among other advantages, comparing 3D CAD models to assess their relative shape similarity or to identify their differences leads to benefits in various CAD- and PLM-related areas such as design reuse, engineering change management and data exchange. As 3D data continues to be more frequently and intensively shared and used in the mechanical product development process (PDP), this paper describes the subject of 3D CAD model comparison from three related points of view. First, it organizes the wide variety of use cases for 3D CAD model comparison into specific application domains. Difference calculation methods and approaches are compared, identifying their key characteristics and limitations. Then, it presents an inventory of commercially available software tools that perform 3D CAD model difference identification (MDI). Finally, some research perspectives for 3D CAD model comparison applied to shape change transposition are contemplated.