Method of comparing parts

摘要

A method of comparing parts by comparing metadata representing the part topologies to identify identical or near identical parts. Metadata representing the geometry of a plurality of parts is compiled into a database. Corresponding metadata of a subject part may be determined and compared to the metadata stored in the database. The metadata may include values representing the volume, surface area, and principal moments of inertia of the parts. The metadata may additionally contain values representing the location of the cross-sectional center of gravity with respect to the point of intersection of the principal moments, for each of the planes of the principal moments, thereby allowing mirrored parts to be differentiated. The comparison of complex parts may be performed by comparing as few as five metadata values using simple database management tools.