File Managment Structure for Design Change Updating 1

[rteich]

I am looking to minimize the amount of work that it takes to update the model of our product. We currently use solidworks for obvioulsy our parts, and drawings. But we are also using it for our assembly instructions/prints, parts manual and potentially our service manual. We are working on creating a change implementation process. When a product change occurs it could involve (probably will) updating the part models, drawings, assembly instructions/prints, parts manual and service manual. Does anyone have any pointers on creating a file structure that would minimize the amount of time spent on updating all of these models, assemblies and drawings?

Thanks in advance.

 

[MadMango]

About the only thing I can think of is the use of Configurations (I'm sounding like a broken record).

You would want to create configs in your top-level model for every instance of assembly image you are using for production, manuals, etc. Then when you change an item it should propogate throughout the entire top-level model, and related configs.

We do as you, but only control the model for Production use. Technical Publications manage thier own model structures for our service/owner manuals and assembly line documents.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[Standing]

MadMango,
What is a record? Anyway you are right about the configuration, which is what I would do. A star for you.


Bradley
SolidWorks Professional x64 2007 SP2.2
Intel(R) Pentium(R) D CPU
3.00 GHz, 3.93 GB of RAM
NVIDIA Quadro FX 3400

 

[MadMango]

Bradley, you are right... I sound like a skipping CD.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[J-C]

What's a cd?....is that like my flash mp3 player?

Jason

UG NX2.02.2 on Win2000 SP3
SolidWorks 2006 SP5.1 on WinXP SP2
SolidWorks 2007 SP2.1 on WinXP SP2

 

[JMirisola]

At my previous company, we used engineering's models and/or assemblies for the illustrations in the parts manuals. I'd create configurations that would then be used to create my illustrations. It worked out extremely well. Any time engineering made a change, my drawing was automatically updated.

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP
CAD Administrator
SW '07 SP2.0, Dell M90, Intel 2 Duo Core, 2GB RAM, nVidia 2500M

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog

 

[rteich]

Thanks for the pointers!

We have done some configurations, it seems to really slow down the computer. I am using a Dell dimension 4600 512 ram 2.8 ghz Pentium 4. I think the video card is made by etcha sketch(Jk). I know i have a run of the mill video card. I generally work with 300-400 component assemblies. Is my computer under powered or do i need to figure out a way to change my model tree around so i can work with smaller assemblies.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Increasing physical RAM to at least 1GB (preferably 2GB), setting the Virtual Memory to 4GB (max and min) and adding the /3GB switch should help.

 

[AnnaWood]

512 Megs of RAM is not enough. You need 1 gig minimum and preferably 2 gigs.

How old is your computer? I suspect is is time for an upgrade to a new workstation class computer for working with SolidWorks. Your old Dimension is probably fine for 2D AutoCAD. Any 3D CAD package will need a much better computer system, or you will spend your day waiting for the computer.

A Dell Precision 390 with a Core 2 Duo Intel processor, E6600 or E6700. Do not get a Pentium 4 processor, that is old technology. A Nvidia Quadro 550 video card and 2 gigs of RAM.

This would be a rocket ship compared to what you have now I suspect.

Regards,

Anna Wood
SW07 SP2.1, WinXP
Dell Precision 380, Pentium D940, 4 Gigs RAM, FX3450
WD Raptors, 1 Gb network connection

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/solidmuse