Linear vs Feature Pattern

[djw2k3]

Hi all,

I had a quick search on this topic but couldn't turn up anything on this forum.

I am wondering if there are any general guides as to when to use which tool. For something like a series of simple bosses or cuts, is it more efficient (in terms of computer crunching times) to use an array of the sketch or create an array of the feature?

Any comments?

Dave

 

[macPT]

If you have SW2003, you can do yourself some tests, and check the time in tools/feture statistics.

As a general rule, I think it's better to have one feature with a complex sketch, instead of a lot of features of simple sketches.

A simple test: compare a plate with round edges in the sketch with a rectangular plate with fillet features. You'll see that the first takes less time to rebuild.

But I think also that you should consider this:
- maintain your design intent
- make it simple to manage (even if it will take longer to rebuild).

It doesn't matter if you have a model that rebuilds in 5 seconds less than other, if you lose 5 minutes to figure out what to change. Regarding this, I think patterns of features are simplier to manage than the sketch features.

Regards

 

[BBJT]

I kind of sway the other way. IMHO the simpler the sketches the easier to modify them. Take something as simple as a fillet. If you have it burried in a complicated sketch it will probably take you longer to modify it because you have to rebuild the whole sketch. Also when you want to speed things up in complicated models I tend to suppress a lot of features that I do not need to work with or see at that time. If you have these features burried in a sketch you do not have that option. It is also easier to delete a feature verses deleting a sketch feature. With complicate sketches when deleteing, even something as simple as a line, it could take you along time to get the sketch fully defined again. I could go on and on and on.

This is BBJT CSWP