Efficient CAD Design Weight Reduction : Strategy and Tool
Designing complex machinery and equipment for process plants and ship building requires the integration of multiple CAD assemblies. These assemblies can be incredibly large, often reaching hundreds of Megabytes or even Gigabytes in size, making it difficult for receiving systems to handle. This is where weight reduction methodologies come into play, as they allow designers to reduce the file size of their CAD models, making them easier to integrate into larger systems.
There are several strategies that process plant and ship building designers can employ to reduce the weight of their CAD assemblies. The following are some of the most effective methods:
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Remove small components: In many cases, small components such as screws or bolts may not be essential to the overall functionality of the machinery. By removing these small components, designers can significantly reduce the overall size of their CAD assemblies.
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Remove non-visible entities: Objects that are not visible to the user, such as the cogs in a gearbox or objects in a cupboard, can also be removed from the CAD assembly to reduce its weight.
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Suppress unnecessary details: Details such as small holes, fillets, imprints, and other features that are not critical to the overall function of the machinery can also be suppressed to reduce the size of the CAD assembly.
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Reduce the number of triangles: Decimation is a technique used to reduce the number of triangles in a 3D model. This can be a highly effective way to reduce the file size of a CAD assembly while still maintaining the overall shape and functionality of the machinery.
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Simplify geometry: Another strategy for reducing the weight of a CAD assembly is to simplify the geometry by using a bounding box. This technique involves creating a simple box that encompasses the entire assembly, rather than including every detail of the machinery.
In addition to these weight reduction strategies, there are also several software tools and plug-ins available that can assist with the process. These tools can help automate the process of reducing the weight of a CAD assembly, making it faster and more efficient for designers to integrate their models into larger systems.
When it comes to dealing with intricate CAD assemblies, the model file size can become an obstacle. Large CAD files can bring difficulties in importing them into software used in shipbuilding or plant design. Not only does this slow down the project but also increases costs.
Enter CADfix. A potent tool designed to minimize CAD model complexity and reduce file sizes effectively.
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