How can I reduce the size of large parts?
How can I reduce the size of large parts?
(OP)
Does anyone has some tips for reducing the size of large parts?
In our company we use the parasolid conversion to reduce the size of our parts (we don't need the features anymore, just the surfaces and edges for mating). I am just wondering if there are other ways to facilitate the building of large assemblies (like factory and machinery layouts). In some Cad software it is possible to delete the "solid" information of the part and to save it as a set of surfaces. All tips about size reduction are very welcome and thanks in advance!
In our company we use the parasolid conversion to reduce the size of our parts (we don't need the features anymore, just the surfaces and edges for mating). I am just wondering if there are other ways to facilitate the building of large assemblies (like factory and machinery layouts). In some Cad software it is possible to delete the "solid" information of the part and to save it as a set of surfaces. All tips about size reduction are very welcome and thanks in advance!






RE: How can I reduce the size of large parts?
In SolidWorks, the size of the files is controlled by the number of features of the part. If you can reduce the number of features, modeling in the best way (sometimes it's hard to find the best way), the parts will be smaller.
Another thing you can do, is create configuration of the parts to use in the assembly. You can suppress the unnecessary features to make the part smaller.
The procedure of export the parts in Parasolid extension is a good practice, once you don´t need the parametric information of the part.
Also, you can load the parts in lightweight mode. In the Open dialog box, check the LIGHTWEIGHT option. SolidWorks loads just the visual information of the parts. Once you click on the part, SolidWorks loads just the selected part.
Another thing you can do is create a configuration of the assembly. For example, if you are working if the left part of the machine, you can make a configuration named "Left" or "Motor" and suppress the parts you aren't using. It makes the assembly faster.
I hope it can helps.
Regards,
MHendler
RE: How can I reduce the size of large parts?
BBJT CSWP
RE: How can I reduce the size of large parts?
If you are looking for performance gains in your larger assemblies (which is different that just reducing file size) there are several seetings that you can tweak in Tools>Options. You can also remove details like fillets, helix-based features, etc from your parts as these are major resource hogs.
"The attempt and not the deed confounds us."
RE: How can I reduce the size of large parts?
Marieke
P.S. Are there people that have investigated the impact of certain features on the size of the part? Because for me there was no directly need to do that, I haven't done it before, but I can imagine that there will be quite some differences (there are so many ways to create a final geometry and I sometimes get a littlebit spoiled by the amount of available memory space on me workstation)
RE: How can I reduce the size of large parts?
Can somebody please confirm this.
"The attempt and not the deed confounds us."
RE: How can I reduce the size of large parts?
RE: How can I reduce the size of large parts?
Question : What is the size of the "modeling space" in SolidWorks?
Answer : In order to maintain a high degree of accuracy, SolidWorks limits the area in which geometry can be created in parts and assemblies. The total space available in SolidWorks (part or assembly) is a 1000 meter cube, centered on the origin. Also, any linear or diameter dimension value must be less than or equal to 1000 meters. Radial dimensions must be less than or equal to 500 meters.
BR