Physna
Geometric search and 3D part intelligence for manufacturers
About Physna
Physna is a browser-based geometric search engine that indexes 3D CAD models by shape rather than by file names or part numbers. Engineering, procurement, and sustainment teams use it to find duplicate and near-match parts, reuse existing designs, and locate alternate suppliers. It runs standalone or underneath PLM, PDM, ERP, and CAD systems, and is sold to manufacturers and US defense organizations.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Searches by geometry, so it finds parts that keyword or part-number search misses
- Builds a searchable catalog from raw 3D models without a BOM or manual tagging
- Detects parts within parts and sub-assemblies within assemblies
- Works in a browser and sits on top of existing CAD, PLM, and ERP systems
- Published case material cites large cost avoidance from part reuse in manufacturing
Cons
- No public pricing; access goes through sales and an approval-gated trial
- Very few independent user reviews on G2, Capterra, or PeerSpot
- Aimed at enterprise manufacturers and defense, so it is a poor fit for individual designers
- Value depends on having a large existing library of 3D models
Key Features
Geometric part search
Search a 3D catalog by shape, so parts are found even when they are mislabeled or carry mismatched part numbers.
Duplicate and similarity detection
Visualizes geometric similarity across parts and assemblies to surface duplicate parts and approved alternatives.
Automatic catalog building
Upload models and Physna builds a searchable catalog, including sub-assemblies and parts within parts, without a BOM or manual tagging.
Design-time reuse checks
Flags reusable parts and near matches while engineers design, to avoid recreating parts that already exist.
Multi-input search
Find parts by keyword, part spec, image, estimated measurements, classification, material, or cost.
Where-used and fit analysis
Shows where each part is used and where it could be used, including non-perfect fits for engineering review.
Supplier and sourcing insights
Ties geometric matches to suppliers and inventory to find production alternatives and consolidate procurement spend.
System integrations
Integrates with existing CAD, PLM, PDM, and ERP systems, or runs as a standalone web application; available on AWS.
Pricing
- Request-based trial, subject to approval
- Test geometric search on your own models
- Personalized demo analyzing sample models
- Standalone web platform or integration with CAD, PLM, PDM, and ERP
- Geometric search, duplicate detection, and reuse analysis
- Supplier and inventory matching
- Commercial and government deployments
- Pricing through sales
Best For
Part reuse in engineering
Engineers search existing models while designing to reuse proven parts instead of creating new ones.
Duplicate part cleanup
Manufacturers find and consolidate duplicate or near-identical parts across product lines to cut inventory and tooling costs.
Procurement and alternate sourcing
Procurement teams match parts to suppliers and inventory to find second sources and consolidate orders.
Defense sustainment
Military maintenance teams identify legacy or mislabeled parts quickly to keep equipment mission-ready.
Legacy CAD data organization
Teams turn unstructured 3D archives into a searchable catalog without manual tagging.
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