I have a large machine assembly that takes forever if I need to make a change. I have it opening in large assembly mode and I've tried resolved. Resolved was significantly less stable so I've stayed with Large Assembly Mode. The assembly consists
Is there anything I can do to make changes as fast as if I opened individual parts?
Computer: i7 CPU, 12GB RAM, Radeon HD 4550 (needs upgrading but is not the issue, recommendations?)
Less stable = crashes by second rebuild
Takes forever = each rebuild is 3-5 minutes
Work = Image below, this is built from scratch, HMI for size reference
Hi Ryan,
Are these 3 large modules set up as subassemblies? Are they subassemblies that are constantly changing inside and out (size etc…) Are you only working on specific modules at a time?
I ask these questions because those 3 modules look they are great candidates to create a ‘Speedpak’ configuration. Speedpaks of modules like these greatly reduce the assembly rebuild overhead while you only care about layout or working with other modules.
Or, create display states of only showing the module(s) you need to work on at a time. That way when you open the file you can use the option to “Not load hidden components’ and choose the display state corresponding to that zone you will work on.
Also, create simplified configurations of any parts, especially internal these subassemblies in which you can suppress undesired detail such as large hole/feature patterns, fillets, complex helical sweeps and lofts etc.. All this can greatly reduce the amount of open time and rebuild time which working with these large datasets.
Good luck,
Don
Yes, each one is its own sub-assembly, there are roughly 4 big sub-assemblies and a few small ones. They don't move all the time, everything is mated exactly as you see, nothing should move. For the large assembly, I really only need to change all the piping. How do I create a speedpak or display state?
Ryan,
If you are only working on the piping then I would encourage the use of creating speedpaks and only include the faces/bodies that you will be mounting all the piping to with your details and/or geometry. I'm attaching a ppt that walks through some large assembly best practices as well as creating speedpaks (The models of course are not included but you should get the idea).
Also, keep in mind that speedpaks are not really meant for working in the context of a drawing but mainly for assembly use.
Don
What operating system, XP, Windows 7, Vista? 32 bit or 64 bit?
Windows 7 64-bit
Ryan, my suggestion would be to make it load lightweight. Large assembly mode sometimes doesn't always toggle this on so go into options and turn it on. It also depends on what you're trying to do when you get it opened. I'm working in SW2010 so I don't know how it worls but have you tried selective open (I think that's what it is called) too?
Ryan,
Thanks for the images. Looks very nice.
What specific model of Core i7 cpu?
What is the part count in the assembly? Can you show a screen shot of Tools > AssemblyXpert.
You really want to get rid of the Radeon card. Why do you say it is not the issue?
How much memory does the large assembly use? 12 gigs may not be enough RAM.
Are you doing modeling or drawings when you have your troubles?
As Don says assembly structure can go a long way to helping make large assemblies workable. Being able to surpress anything not needed to be worked on or only working on sub-assemblies makes the computer work a lot less. Speedpaks would probably help a lot in your use case. Also creating a configuration where you can supress as much as you can in the assembly so it is not loaded into memory.
Cheers,
Anna
Anna, you forgot your freeze option, that was a good one.
Peter..... Yes, Feature Freeze is also a new useful tool. I forgot about that one.
Cheers,
Anna
You have given us no information to go on.
What are your computer system specs?
Define less stable? What is not working? Define takes forever?
Describe the type of work you do and the assemblies you create in detail? Define what you consider a large assembly? How may parts, how feature rich, what type of features?
Once we understand what you do and with what computer hardware, then we can offer advice.
Cheers,
Anna