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Trying to reduce file size

Trying to reduce file size

Trying to reduce file size

(OP)
My project is to make a simplified installation model of an engine. I have a crankcase model that is very complex, so my thought was to simplify it to reduce the model size.

I removed all the interior features and several exterior features that are not functional. Here is the result:

Casting model                          24.0 MB
Casting with machined features added   16.1 MB
Simplified casting model               23.8 MB

I am baffled about why the model was reduced only .2 MB, and why the machined model, which is actually the casting model with lots more detail added, is even smaller.

Could someone clue me ? Thanks.

RE: Trying to reduce file size

Because the MS shade file is the reason the files are so big. There isn't much you can do about it. The SW file itself is small compared to that number, MS adds all the crap to the file and causes it to grow. You can do a file\Save as and the file size will drop a lot. But as soon as you resave the file, the size will return.

You will see some people tell you about Unfrag or Ecosqueeze. Be aware SW does not support those Apps and if for some reason they corrupted a file, then SW will not support the repair of that file.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
3DVision Technologies

www.3dvisiontech.com
www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376
FAQ559-716 - SW Fora Users

RE: Trying to reduce file size

jlwoodward,

The first thing to look at if trying to make a simplified representation of a part is to go to: Tools\Feature Statistics. This will show you how much time is needed to build each feature, therefore tell you which feature(s) you should target at simplifying/suppressing. With each iteration you can actually see what percentage of rebuild time you just saved.

Ken

RE: Trying to reduce file size

You could turn off the "save tessellation with part" option under Document properties, if the part is complex looking the file size is reduced.  The tessellation refers to the preview screen you get before opening the model.  This is only for parts.  Another way, if the part is a dummy would be to write out the file as an STL or something and read it back in without the features.  Depending on the shapes and complexity this might work.

But, you know 23MB isn't that big anymore.  I've been working on some individual files that blowup to over 120MB.  With the tessellation off.

Geometry patterns can have a big effect too.

But like Scott says, after a save as the file size is reduced, but after you open it, it will increase again.  Not much you can do about that.

Later,

John

RE: Trying to reduce file size

Don't save it as an STL, save it as a Parasolid then read it back int if you are going to do that. Parasolid is the Kernal SW is built on. So when reading it back in you don't take a chance on lossing something on the data translation.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
3DVision Technologies

www.3dvisiontech.com
www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376
FAQ559-716 - SW Fora Users

RE: Trying to reduce file size

(OP)
Something else that puzzles me is that the complete assembly with many parts added, is only 3.27 MB.

When I send out the engine for people to fit in their products, should I save it as a lightweight or some other format?

RE: Trying to reduce file size

If you are simply interested in smaller file sizes, here is a trick taught to me early in my SW days: On part and assembly files, zoom out until the part/assembly cannot be seen any longer, then save the file. It seems that a large portion of the SW saved information is visual in nature. By eliminating the visibility of the part/assembly, you will be surprised as to how much the saved file size will reduce. This technique is effective, but be careful to not forget that you have to zoom extents when reopening the files. Otherwise, you may be tempted to think that the files have been corrupted, or even that features have been lost. Hope this helps.

I bless the name of my Lord Jesus the Christ!

RE: Trying to reduce file size

tz101,

That option doesn't work as well as it used to. The reason it did was because of the Bitmap file that is saved for the preview (which is included in the MS shade file).

Extruding a block around your part helps control the file size, but the file save as will blow your mind when you check the file size between each file.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
3DVision Technologies

www.3dvisiontech.com
www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376
FAQ559-716 - SW Fora Users

RE: Trying to reduce file size

I am going to assume that the machined model is a configuration of the casting model. In that case SW will save a "body" for both configurations. Example:

Complex Casting of exhaust manifold with 5 configurations

Regenerate model in all configurations: 138Mb
Convert model to newer release of SW using conversion wizard and then open in new release and SaveAs: 7.38Mb.

All the bodies, display lists, etc. were stripped out through this process leaving essentially the feature tree information.  As soon as I start working on the model it will swell up again, especially if I work on each configuration before a save.

SaveAs Copy should do a good job of stripping out the shadow files.

RE: Trying to reduce file size

(OP)
Scott,

I don't know who the model will be sent out to so it could be SW, ProE, or anything else. I guess I would handle each case as it comes up and save it in the format they want.

It would be best if they could not access the model to change anything. It is only intended to be placed in their piece of equipment so that they can figure out clearances and how to mount ancillary equipment.

RE: Trying to reduce file size

Quote:

It would be best if they could not access the model to change anything. It is only intended to be placed in their piece of equipment so that they can figure out clearances and how to mount ancillary equipment.

Then I would export the files out in an appropriate data translation for each CAD system that they have.

Parasolid, STEP, IGES, ACIS.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
3DVision Technologies

www.3dvisiontech.com
www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376
FAQ559-716 - SW Fora Users

RE: Trying to reduce file size

Also you could send them an "exterior surfaces only" or "exterior components" only model.


Making the best use of this Forum.  FAQ559-716
How to get answers to your SW questions.  FAQ559-1091
Helpful SW websites every user should be aware of.  FAQ559-520

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