Start beyond the part number.
Use geometric similarity when a name or classification is not enough.
Geometric discovery with TriStarMAIT ModelSearch.Find the shape.
MAIT ModelSearch.Find the shape.
Review the context.
Your next part may already exist. Find similar or identical 3D models by geometry, then bring the engineering information into the reuse decision.
Explore design reuseMAITModelSearch
Put existing work in view.
Bring candidate models into the conversation before creating another part.
Make a considered reuse decision.
Review the definition and intended use alongside the shape.
Discovery is the beginningSimilar geometry.
Similar geometry.
Different questions.
A mounting plate is a useful place to start. These three authored examples show how an overall shape, a hole pattern, and a longer envelope can lead to different review questions.
GeometryDefinitionIntended use
Look at the overall geometry.
Shape-based discovery can surface a useful part family even when records use different names.
Which envelope and interfaces matter?+
For the longer example, review the mounting space, adjacent components, and functional interfaces. A related shape is a candidate for investigation; its suitability still needs an engineering review.
Bring the hole pattern into focus.
A similar outline can contain different mounting features. ModelSearch also supports interactive hole-pattern search.
What has to connect to this part?+
The pattern variant shows six mounting holes instead of four. Review locations, sizes, tolerances, fasteners, and the mating definition.
Read the record behind the shape.
Before reusing a candidate, establish which managed definition and revision you are considering.
Which definition is appropriate for this use?+
Review material, revision and release state, associated drawings, approved uses, and the responsible owner in your managed records.
Open a question to highlight the related part.
Three ways to investigateSearch from the work.
Search from the work.
Keep the decision with your team.
ModelSearch creates geometric footprints so indexed part geometries can be compared. Choose the search approach around what the engineer knows and the question they need to answer.
Similarity search
Find similar or identical existing 3D models from their geometry.
Start with a representative model and review which candidate families are useful.
Geometry & hole patterns
Investigate with interactive geometric criteria and hole-pattern search.
Decide which features are useful search criteria, then review the full part definition.
ModelSearch Live
Receive suggestions of existing similar models as a design develops in a supported CAD environment.
Evaluate when suggestions should enter the workflow and how designers review them.
ModelSearch Live is a distinct component to scope. Confirm configuration, current compatibility, indexing and licensing with the supplier; avoid assuming every option is included.
Built around managed design dataConnect to your environment.
Connect to your environment.
Scope the actual configuration.
The supported CAD and data-management pairing matters. Review the product versions, model sources and access requirements before defining an evaluation.
Creo Parametric + Windchill PDMLink
Explore geometry discovery within the supported Creo and Windchill workflow.
- Confirm current CAD and Windchill versions.
- Define the model population and geometric indexing.
- Review record access and the reuse handoff.
Which engineering records must a candidate lead back to?
Explore WindchillCreo Elements/Direct + Model Manager
Evaluate the supported Elements/Direct Modeling and Model Manager pairing.
- Confirm the supported Modeling and Model Manager versions.
- Choose representative parts and indexing scope.
- Agree who reviews and maintains the reusable library.
Where do designers need to encounter existing geometry?
Review MAIT compatibilityMAIT also documents MultiCAD support for Windchill. Verify the required source CAD systems, versions and configuration for your project. ModelSearch is a separately selected product, not a universal filesystem search or an included Creo/Windchill entitlement.
ModelSearch with TriStarBring a part family.
Bring a part family.
Build a useful evaluation.
Connect the reuse question with your CAD and PLM environment. TriStar is a US distribution partner for ModelSearch; discuss the scope, people and representative data an evaluation should cover.
Define the reuse question
Choose a part family and a practical goal: finding existing work, reviewing variants, or investigating duplicate geometry.
Discuss your use caseReview the environment
Bring CAD/data-system versions, model sources and access needs. Confirm the supported configuration and indexing scope.
Review compatibilityEvaluate representative parts
Agree which models, criteria and engineering records will help your team judge whether the search is useful.
Explore the CAD workflowPlan the handoff
Define how candidates reach an engineer, who owns reuse decisions, and what adoption and support need to cover.
Talk with TriStarSee the workflow in contextA closer look.
A closer look.
A better starting conversation.
Review the supplier brief or TriStar’s geometric similarity-search replay, then bring questions about your own model population and workflow.
Understand the ModelSearch scope.
Supplier overview of geometric footprints, interactive search, ModelSearch Live and supported integrations.
Read the MAIT product briefExplore geometric similarity search.
A recorded introduction with use cases and a ModelSearch demonstration. Confirm current product scope separately.
Watch the TriStar replayBefore your first evaluationFind the candidate.
Find the candidate.
Ask what makes it reusable.
Keep these distinctions visible when scoping ModelSearch.
How is geometric search different from a part-number search?+
ModelSearch compares indexed geometric footprints to discover similar or identical models. Names, part numbers and attributes still provide useful context; geometric discovery offers another way into the existing model population.
Does a similar shape mean two parts are interchangeable?+
No. Review material, dimensions and tolerances, interfaces, revision, release state and intended use. Similarity discovery helps identify candidates; engineering review determines whether a part is appropriate.
Will ModelSearch work with every CAD system or folder?+
No universal compatibility is implied. MAIT documents specific Creo/Windchill and Elements/Direct/Model Manager environments, with MultiCAD scope for Windchill. Confirm current supported versions, indexing and access for your data.
What should we bring to a TriStar conversation?+
Bring a representative part family, the search or reuse question, CAD and data-system versions, and the record context an engineer needs to decide. Define licensing, configuration, data handling and evaluation scope before implementation.
Make existing work easier to findYour next design.
Your next design.
A considered starting point.
Bring a part family and a reuse question.
Let’s explore ModelSearch around your engineering workflow.