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In Context Design

In Context Design

In Context Design

(OP)
I've been using SolidWorks for several years. On my last project, I thought I'd try in-context design. I have basically 2 plastic parts - a bucket and a lid. (Visualize 5 gallon paint buckets). Plenty of ribbing and circular patterns. since I've started the in-context work, my machine has been real, real, real slow. Is this common with in-context design? BTW - 3 GIG machine with 2 GIG ram.

Thanks.

RE: In Context Design

Performance shouldn't be affected by using in-context design, but heavy use of patterns will definitely cause slow-downs. Using the Geometry pattern option, where allowed, often results in faster performance.

cheers

RE: In Context Design

I've done many large in-context assemblies in the past without major slow-downs or performance hits.  The Limey and Jeff are probably right about the patterns.

Dan

www.eltronresearch.com

RE: In Context Design

As a test, break or delete the in-context links to compare performance.

cheers

RE: In Context Design

dadelar,
do you have some "stop lights" that won't go away even after you force a rebuild (cntrl-q)?

-Shaggy

RE: In Context Design

I think those last two posts might help--although I've never had good performance on a laptop.  Watch for circular references between your parts--one thing depending on another that then ultimately depends on itself again--takes a long time to cycle through multiple times on rebuilds that way.  I'd guess you're seeing that issue--or dealing with typical performance of a typical laptop.

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

RE: In Context Design

Here are some good rules of thumb for in-context design (straight from Matt Lombard):
http://mysite.verizon.net/mjlombard/incontexttips.html

This one is key:

Quote:

always be concious of the circular reference problem.  If you don't use the layout part/sketch scenario above, then organize your assembly tree so the driving parts are clearly identified and at the top of the tree.  Make sure that the relationships always go up the tree.

-Shaggy

RE: In Context Design

CBL is right you should test if not having external references makes your model faster...

Just one point, you may want to "LOCK" your external references see if it faster then "UNLOCK" them. If you break them they are gone for good, unless you have a backup of the file.

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