Rhino 3D

Have you tried using blocks and block manager ?

Not yet. Would that still work if all components are different sizes and shapes?

I often deal with this. Blocks are the way to go.

I will break up what im working on into components then create a clean file as an “assembly file” then insert the component files as blocks. This keeps the file size small but it doesnt really help with gpu performance. That unfortunately is all dependent on your video card.

If you go to the rhino community forums you will find more help there.

best of luck to you

Hi Joshua,

My suggestion is that you can separate each department from the whole factory floor, e.g. you can separate CNC department, lath department, and general office from the whole floor.

To block and group parts cannot benefit to reduce saving time. If you separate different parts, you will not lose all data even in system hang.

I agree with employing blocks, it helps with so many things.

I also employ the following to reduce file size…

1)   Remove all meshes!

   - If you can’t find a solid file (I prefer .step) to replace a mesh, recreate it in solid form. You will have to figure out what aspects are important and need to be accurately modeled and   what can be represented with something as simple as a bounding box. Do not just create a solid from the mesh (Polysurface from mesh), the file will be way too large.

2)   Reduce the complexity of existing solids.

   - I usually do this by “Boolean-ing” all solids down to the simplest model possible. If I am trying to add a whole new production cell to a shop floor I don’t need the thread pitch of a panel mounting bolt. It takes some practice on knowing how simple to make the model but what I try to do is think about maintenance procedures. If someone will need to remove a faster I model the head of the fastener but nothing else.

3)   I make full use of Grasshopper.

   - Similar to Film Designer, I pull other files into the Rhino file I am working on, but I tend to do it with Grasshopper. I only do this if I need a “Big Picture” layout but have to dive deep into detail on certain parts. This is generally only for presentations.

Also, I keep all my files in a simple Access database and can pull up the high density files if I want clarification.

I hope this helps.

That's a huge file (or a very busy factory). My whole house design including all components, fasteners & furnishings is 85Meg.

It is likely the machine models are too complex for a floor plan model, you only need simple models for fitout. It's unlikely? 2D is the issue.

1. (If you don't have the imported models anymore to check)

First you need to identify the culprit(s), here's what works for me.

Save as a new file name, Select suspect model & export as rhino. delete the model(s) in your drawing after export & re-save.

Look at the file size of exported model(s) & main file.

If you identify model(s) with too much detail, open in rhino, explode & start pruning. I have done this with some stepper motor models, (I love the detail) but only need a simple skin & accurate mounting holes for a CNC machine design.

If there are multiple 'same machines' in your floor plan then block these as advised.

2.

Dont know about V7, but I sometimes get BIG files. The fix is to open another instance of Rhino, set the grid & copy/paste stuff across & re-save. (or export/import) This is not ideal as will lose specific settings. (there's surely a better way, but its a test anyway)

File > Save Small can also help.