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MEMORY ISSUES

MEMORY ISSUES

MEMORY ISSUES

(OP)
I'm using Solidworks 2006, my questions is memory usage.

Does anyone know if creating patterns on a part (sheet metal example) to put like features use more memory then just detailing all the items.

Like holes or cutouts?

RE: MEMORY ISSUES

(OP)
Thanks,

My panel that I am doing unfortuately has over 1000 slots (which probably do not need all be shown).  I created one, then pattered them.  WOW, did it jump up in memory usage, about a couple hundred times

Even holes, I created one, then figured I could just pattern the other 6 about the panel, no problem.  MORE MEMORY....

RE: MEMORY ISSUES

If you need it for looking nice, you can create your main part in SolidWorks and then save that part as a parasolid (.x_t) for use in assemblies.  It won't be associative, but it won't be as memory-intensive, either.  So changes would require editing your seed SW part and re-exporting to parasolid--and then replacing the component in your assembly again (if it's even in an assembly).

Depends what you really need.

Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reason trumps all.  And awe transcends reason.

RE: MEMORY ISSUES

(OP)
Theophilus,

Yes it is used in an assy, which I use the patterns for attaching components.  

By doing what your saying (parasolid), does the associated parametric dimension stay with the main part?

RE: MEMORY ISSUES

Are you wanting comparisons of manually placing multiple instances of the same feature vs using a feature pattern of a single instance vs using a Linear Sketch Pattern (LSP) within a sketch?

In general a feature pattern creates a smaller file & reload/rebuild time than the other methods.

I prefer to use feature patterns because they are easier to modify. Individual instances (or all) of a Feature Pattern can be suppressed. Also it is usually easier to understand the design intent.

cheers

RE: MEMORY ISSUES

(OP)
CorBlimeyLimey,

Yes I was trying to compare....

I like patterns myself, to me, saves a lot of time in placing like features.

RE: MEMORY ISSUES

Scott's post confounded me... so I did this:
http://webpages.charter.net/tatespace/ENG_TIPS/SIMPLE_PART_REBUILD_COMPARISON.htm

I'm not expert at interpreting the results... but It seems to me that the largest PART3 still will rebuild faster... hence, better performance from a pattern.

Does this conflict with your post, Scott... or did I miss something?

Windows XP / Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 5000 / SolidWorks 2007 SP2.2 / SpaceBall 5000
www.Tate3d.com "Right-click. It's friggin' magic!"... Jack L. Tate
FAQ376 I'm famous.

RE: MEMORY ISSUES

No you would lose your feature history if you go with a parasolid part--but the geometry would be totally intact.  This method won't work if you need your part to stay associative (editable) with the rest of the parts in your assembly, since a parasolid is a "dumb" solid--just a body with no history.  (Much less RAM needed, however.)

Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reason trumps all.  And awe transcends reason.

RE: MEMORY ISSUES

(OP)
So, to gain speed, you give up memory..

I tried the parasolid, works good, cut the part size in half.  So, not something I care for...

At least I understand it, and might come in handy sometime

RE: MEMORY ISSUES

I seem to have talken over this thread... sorry about that.
This sort of question has come up before & has been one of those... "One of thse days, I'll figure that out"... sort of things.
This time I followed thru... I would like your comments on my "experiment" & the results.
Is what I've done consistent with your knowlege & experience?

Please tell me if I'm missing something... Jeff (Theophilus) knows I have a thick skin & can take the critique.

Windows XP / Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 5000 / SolidWorks 2007 SP2.2 / SpaceBall 5000
www.Tate3d.com "Right-click. It's friggin' magic!"... Jack L. Tate
FAQ376 I'm famous.

RE: MEMORY ISSUES

(OP)
TateJ,

Hey, no problem, I asked the question.

To me using patterns is always easier.  

Someone here at work, created a circuit board type part.  There were hundreds of holes done on ONE feature, you could even see the part.  Sure it was a small size part memory wise, but WOW.  I would have tried to do it with patterns and different features.

Thanks again.

RE: MEMORY ISSUES

Jack, you may want to add that as a FAQ--I think it's quite helpful in making a decision of this sort.

Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reason trumps all.  And awe transcends reason.

RE: MEMORY ISSUES

I want to wait to get Scott's input before I FAQ it... since his post "encouraged" me to investigate.
Also... there's still a good chance I'm missing something.

Windows XP / Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 5000 / SolidWorks 2007 SP2.2 / SpaceBall 5000
www.Tate3d.com "Right-click. It's friggin' magic!"... Jack L. Tate
FAQ376 I'm famous.

RE: MEMORY ISSUES

Well TateJ, I have found from my experience that patterning can cause slow downs. Its been like this for years and the more complex the pattern and/or sketch profile the slower it becomes. The model you use is a small model with a basic hole pattern and that speed is going to be faster by far. If you can provide and example of a more complex part and see if your results are the same, better, or worse I would be interested to see what you find out.

Use a simple box is a great start, but most people are using this function in a much more complex manner. For example making an electrical connector with numerous cut features in it.

I think making and FAQ on this would be a great addition, but I would add a comparison of a simple part and a advanced part as an example.

Best Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP pc2
www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies

RE: MEMORY ISSUES

OK, Scott... I'm game... But what would be you consider the "minimum" qualifications of an advanced part? It should be something that can be modeled with feature patterns, vs individually detailing each feature.

Windows XP / Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 5000 / SolidWorks 2007 SP2.2 / SpaceBall 5000
www.Tate3d.com "Right-click. It's friggin' magic!"... Jack L. Tate
FAQ376 I'm famous.

RE: MEMORY ISSUES

Matt Lombard has done similar testing and mentioned it at the last user group meeting here in Phoenix.  I found some reference to that at his site (or, one of his sites):
http://mysite.verizon.net/mjlombard/

Whatever that's worth. ..

Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reason trumps all.  And awe transcends reason.

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