We import a lot of data for use as reference geometry, purchased parts like sprockets, motors, plumbing fittings, etc. What are the best practices for handling files like this? Is it best to leave it as an Imported Body or should we be running the Import Diagnostic tool FeatureWorks? I ran some test on a rather complex imported body.
Single imported body:
Feature Stats: 1 Feature, 1 Solid, 0 Surfaces, Total rebuild time: 0.03 sec
After running Import Diagnostics (Automatic):
Feature Stats: 108 Features, 1 Solid, 0 Surfaces, Total rebuilld time: 7.61 sec
From the stats, it looks like its best to leave these files as a single imported body. To further reduce the rebuild time, these parts can be frozen with the Freeze tool.
Any cons in doing this?
Are you talking about Import Diagnostics or FeatureWorks?
All Import Diagnostics does is verify that the solid body information is valid. That will make sure that mass properties, appearances, etc. will work properly with the imported body. I have never seen Import Diagnostics actually increase the number of features in the tree unless the import is just so horrible that it creates a whole bunch of imported surfaces. However, in that case you wouldn't get a single solid body.
There is no need to run FeatureWorks unless you want to edit the feature definitions of the part. Usually, even if you want to modify a purchased part you can still just add to or cut from the original imported body.