Reducing file size

I have a part file called "ribs". It is a complicated part with about
80 different configurations, about 67 mb. I suppressed all the features
in one of the configurations, then saved the part and it is now 2.2
mb. When I zip it, it drops to 450 kb.

Has anyone else tried this? At first, I was very happy that I could
reduce the file size by so much without losing anything. Now I wonder:
Why was the original file was so huge to begin with?
--
J Kimmel

www.metalinnovations.com

"Cuius testiculos habes, habeas cardia et cerebellum." - When you have
their full attention in your grip, their hearts and minds will follow.

 

I think this has been discussed before...But yes.

I have a file at about 100megs that is my master screening component with
about 50 configurations. (basicly, different wraps of numerals around a
wheels of different sizes for counter assemblies). I think you'll see the
same file reduction if you simply "save as" a different copy from within
Solidworks, but when you open if up and start changing configs, the file
size shoots right back up... I think someone said it was the way SW stored
the geometry data...It was a while ago. Someone?

Scott

 

My favorite as well, and in my (extensive) experience in sharing files
with clients it has caused absolutely zero problems. I personally
believe SolidWorks does not recommend EcoSqueeze or Unfrag for one of
two reasons (or both):
1) It eliminates some of the data that can be used to identify problems,
if problems exist
2) It might tend to give them an alibi in a problematic situation if
someone has used an unfragmenter -- they can shrug it off

Mark 'Sporky' Stapleton
Watermark Design, LLC
www.h2omarkdesign.com

 

I ran a trial on a part with many configs and found the following:
On first creation on the many configs with a design table did not increase
the file size by much; however activating each of the configs to check for
errors made the file blow out to about 60MB.
Running EcoSqueeze reduced the file size by about 50%
Doing a 'save as' reduced the file size by about 90%
Running Ecosqueeze after 'save as' reduced the file size again
Zipping the file reduced it even further.

Merry