Gom Inspect 2019

In GOM Inspect 2019, a "solid piece" typically refers to the CAD model or a primitive geometry that serves as the theoretical reference (the "nominal" data) for your inspection. 

The software works by comparing a measured mesh (the actual scanned part) against this solid piece (the ideal part) to identify deviations.  How to Use a Solid Piece in GOM Inspect 2019 

Importing the Solid:You can import solid models in common formats like STEP, IGES, or JT. In the professional version, you can directly import native CAD files from CATIA, SolidWorks, or NX.

Role in Inspection:The solid piece is treated as the Nominal Data. Once imported, you align your scan data (the "Actual Data") to it using alignment methods like Pre-alignment or Best-fit.

Surface Comparison:Once aligned, you can perform a Surface Comparison on CAD. This creates a color map on the solid piece that visually represents where the scanned part is too thick (plus material) or too thin (minus material).  Common Tasks with Solid Pieces  Task  Description Creation

If you don't have a CAD file, you can create "primitives" (planes, cylinders, spheres) to act as your solid reference elements. Reverse Engineering

You can export sections or geometric elements from your mesh as IGES files to recreate a solid model in external CAD software like SolidWorks. GD&T Analysis Gom Inspect 2019

You use the solid piece's surfaces to define datums and check tolerances like flatness, parallelism, or position. Software Availability 

While GOM Inspect 2019 was a standalone version, the product line has since evolved into the ZEISS Inspect suite. You can still find resources and downloads through ZEISS Metrology or HandsOnMetrology for newer versions. 

If you are trying to create a solid piece from a scan or align a specific CAD file, let me know the file format you are working with!  Tech Tip Tuesday: Export IGES Geometry with GOM Inspect

GOM Inspect is a professional software used for 3D coordinate measuring, dimensional analysis, and quality control. It is widely used to compare physical 3D scans (point clouds) against CAD models (Nominal data).

Feature Name: Smart Anomaly Cause-Assign (SACA)

Step 5: Dimensional Inspection (GD&T)

You need to measure specific items like distances, diameters, and angles.

Creating Features:

1. Go to Construction > Features.
2. Select points on the scan or CAD to define:
   • Point: A single location.
   • Line: An edge or axis.
   • Plane: A flat surface.
   • Circle/Cylinder: Holes or pins.
3. Tip: You can fit these features to the "Actual" data to see the measured value vs. the nominal value.

Creating Dimensions:

1. Go to Inspection > Dimensions.
2. Select the features you want to check (e.g., distance between Point A and Point B).
3. The software will display the nominal value, the actual value, and the deviation.

📌 Verdict

GOM Inspect 2019 is a rock‑solid, free‑of‑charge inspection workhorse – provided you can work around its occasional clunkiness. If you’re on a budget and don’t require cutting‑edge automation or cloud features, it’s an excellent choice. For production environments needing speed and modern UX, consider upgrading to Zeiss Inspect (2023 or later).

Rating: 8/10
Recommended for: 3D scanning users, quality engineers, and students. Not ideal for real‑time team workflows or massive datasets.

GOM Inspect 2019 represents a significant milestone in the evolution of optical metrology software. While newer versions exist today, the 2019 release consolidated several critical technologies—specifically in mesh processing and inspection—that became the industry standard for quality control.

Here is a deep dive into the most interesting content and features of GOM Inspect 2019, suitable for users looking to maximize their workflow or understand the software's capabilities.

★★★★☆

Powerful, free inspection software – but with a 2019-era learning curve In GOM Inspect 2019, a "solid piece" typically

GOM Inspect 2019 remains a standout release in the metrology world. Even years later, it’s a go‑to tool for many quality engineers, especially because the free version still offers extensive functionality for 3D mesh and CAD comparison.

What is GOM Inspect 2019?

GOM Inspect 2019 is a powerful, stand-alone 3D inspection software developed by GOM mbH. Unlike its predecessors, the 2019 iteration bridged the gap between high-end professional metrology and accessible freeware.

Originally available in two tiers (Basic and Professional), the 2019 version—specifically the Basic edition—was offered free of charge. It allows users to analyze triangular meshes (STL, PLY) and CAD data (STEP, IGES) without a license fee.

2. Inspection Workflow: GDT (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)

For engineers, the shift in GOM Inspect 2019 toward a CAD-centric GDT workflow was a game-changer.

• Traditional vs. GDT: The software moved beyond simple distance/angle checks to fully support ISO/GPS standards (ASME Y14.5).
• Visual Reporting: Instead of a table of numbers, GOM Inspect 2019 allows you to generate "Picture Tables." These are snapshots of specific views with color-coded deviations. This is "interesting" because it bridges the gap between the Quality Lab and the Shop Floor—a machinist can look at a 3D PDF report and instantly see where a part is out of tolerance without interpreting raw data tables.

Learning Resources: Mastering the 2019 Interface

Because GOM Inspect changed dramatically after 2019, tutorials for "GOM Inspect 2020" do not apply to the 2019 workflow. To learn the classic version:

1. YouTube Search: Use exact phrase "GOM Inspect 2019 tutorial" (channels: Creaform, Capture 3D).
2. Manual: The built-in help file (F1) in GOM Inspect 2019 is excellent. It contains interactive "Learn" dialogs that walk you through a sample project (the famous "car door hinge" example).
3. Forums: The ZEISS Quality Forum has an "Archive" section for GOM Inspect 2019.