Scaling Symbols

[jwlynn64]

Is there any way to scale a symbol. I am trying to put a surface finish symbol in my Drawing formats but it is too big to fit within the line of text that I would like to put it in.

Thanks,

John

 

[ctopher]

Not to be picky, but I don't know why SW calls it "Surface Finish". It's really called "Surface Roughness".

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)

 

[jwlynn64]

Update:

The service pack didn't fix this problem for me. I guess it must be some combination of hardware vs. software that is causing this not to work on mine.

Jason, I have already drawn the symbol because that is the only way I can get it to work. It just bothers me that for the cost of the software, this simple task should be just that: simple.

I find that SolidWorks is a great design tool, but it has a lot of bugs when it comes to drafting. The drafting should be the easy part. Since most parts are made from drawings, this is extremely important.

Why do I work with people who would much rather create drawings with AutoCAD? Because drafting with SolidWorks is way too complicated.

Don't get me wrong, I like SolidWorks and enjoy using it but even I get a little frustrated when my 25 piece assembly (plus hardware) takes over a minute to save or render. Yes I understand that nuts and bolts are parts too but maybe someone should figure out how to make SolidWorks handle them better.

Drawings that would take about 30 minutes to modify in AutoCAD sometimes takes me 2+ hours to do using SolidWorks just because of the slow render and save times.

Not a rant, but just a response to why I have spent so much time trying to figure out the Surface Finish delima.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

"takes over a minute to save or render"
What do you mean by render ... are you using PhotoWorks?

"Why do I work with people who would much rather create drawings with AutoCAD?"
Probably because they can't get the ACAD philosophy out of their minds. I've recently been working with a veteran ACAD user & ALWAYS beat the pants off her (figuratively speaking of course) when creating drawings ... and that includes creating the model first.

"sometimes takes me 2+ hours to do using SolidWorks just because of the slow render and save times."
Why are you rendering a drawing?

What video card and driver are you using?
How much RAM?
What are your VM settings?


Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091

 

[ctopher]

I agree with CBL.
I use ACAD & SW. I can create a detailed drawing in a fraction of the time I can in ACAD, and I have been using ACAD longer.
One thing you have to keep in mind, it is 3D vs 2D. The 3D files use more recources. Also IMO, knowing machining practices, inspection and CAM helps a lot with creating parametric models.
Working in 2D, well, anybody can do that.

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)

 

[jwlynn64]

When I said render, I was referring to the rebuild. No I am not using photoworks.

My computer has an Intel Xeno 1.7 GHz, with 1 Gig of Ram.
My video card is a 3Dlabs Wildcat II 5110 with version 5.2.1.12 driver. ( I just upgraded to 5.5.6.18).

My virtual memory is set at 1536 MB.

John

 

[jwlynn64]

Sorry, I also want to clarify that I know that designing with SW is much better than with AutoCAD. In addition to the time saved in design, the errors virtually disappear.

What I was referring to in my previous post is when you have to go back into a finished drawing and make a change. In many instances, the AutoCAD file is easier to modify.

Also, any help that I can get to make handling assemblies easier and faster I am willing to take. I once posted asking this same question and did not get a response that helped.

Thanks,
John

 

[ctopher]

Try upgrading to the latest driver (06.05.06.18).

http://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/videocardtesting.html

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)

 

[jwlynn64]

I just upgraded. I'll see if this helps.

John

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

The 05.05.06.18 driver is for Win2K. Is that the OS you have?
Win-XP needs the 06.05.06.18 driver.

Try turning of the Verification On Rebuild option in Tools > Options > System Options


Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091

 

[jwlynn64]

Yes, I am using Win2K.

Our IT guy says that we don't need to upgrade for a couple of more years.

John

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Better update your IT guy ... Win2K will NOT be supported for SW2007 ... which has just been released.
See

http://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/SystemRequirements.html?PID=252

That's not to say SW07 will not run OK, but if you have any problems with it, SW support will probably just tell you to upgrade the OS before they can help.


Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091

 

[J-C]

It's been confirmed that swx2007 will not install on a system running Win2000.

Jason

UG NX2.02.2 on Win2000 SP3
SolidWorks 2006 SP4.0 on WinXP SP2

 

[jwlynn64]

Will do. Thanks for the heads up.

John