Geometry and placement
Separate translation and rotation from shape changes. Keep the original files and review the aligned result.¹
PartDatum — Compare capability
Compare STEP files. Review geometry and PMI changes.
Find geometry and PMI changes, track affected characteristics and carry the evidence into your next inspection.¹
Available in the pilotWhat it does
Left- and right-hand parts
Spot a possible left/right-hand change alongside the geometry comparison.¹
Feature labels
Read hole diameter changes (Ø → Ø), hole movement (Δx/Δy/Δz), circular pocket size and depth, radius and chamfer changes.¹
Assembly changes
Review component matches, placement changes, removals and local geometry changes.¹
Below-threshold observations
See “No changes above 0.01 mm” alongside the observed distance.¹
Result traceability
Keep the engine identity and input-file SHA-256 hashes with each result.¹
Supported inputs
STEP
STEP AP203, AP214 and AP242 are supported. The geometry and PMI available for review depend on the source export.
Multi-file STEP assemblies
Provide all files together or in a ZIP archive for assemblies that reference external STEP files, such as CATIA exports with external references.
Mesh formats and unsupported inputs
STL and OBJ are supported as mesh inputs only. IGES and native CATIA, NX, Creo and SolidWorks files are not currently supported. Export STEP AP242 from your CAD system.
Where it fits
PartDatum — Compare capability
Use Compare when a customer, supplier or engineering team issues a new model revision. Establish the changes before updating downstream inspection work.
Scope & limits
- Distances describe the recorded surface samples; review the sampling scope and numerical limits.
- Rigid alignment requires sufficient unchanged geometric support. Symmetric shapes may admit more than one placement; ambiguous or unsupported cases require review.
- Feature labels describe supported geometric observations. They do not recover the CAD feature history or prove design intent.
- STL and OBJ are mesh formats; they do not carry the semantic PMI available in supported STEP AP242 workflows.
- “No shape change · placement moved” describes supported rigid alignment and observed residuals below the reporting threshold, not exact shape equality.
- A mirror observation identifies a possible left/right-hand change from sampled surfaces; reflection is not applied to the measurement model.
- Assembly correspondence is not proof of persistent physical identity.
- The engine SHA-256 identifies Python engine sources, not the full application image or a certificate of correctness.
- The 0.01 mm display threshold is not an inspection tolerance or acceptance decision.
- Browser processing uploads data to the PartDatum server in Germany. Final inspection scope and acceptance remain with the responsible engineer and customer.