What I have is an impeller part modelled in 3-d with ACAD. I took a dwg file of a simplified version of the part and ran it through the dwg editor and was able to output an sat file which I then imported to SW2006, sp2.
This is a disk .0315" thick. It has 2 spiral cuts on each side in the simplified version. In order to complete the part I need to do a circular pattern of these 50x.
I was able to get features of this part with FeatureWorks (?!?). I thought that meant that I would be able to pattern the cut features easily. However, my workstation locks up every time I try. Even though the geometry is fairly simple, just the sheer volume of it brings SW of it's knees. I also tried re-modeling the part by importing surfaces of the cuts and using those to re-create the part. I cannot pattern either version.
What is interesting is that there is a dwg file from the customer of the complete part, so ACAD was able to do this. SW cannot. I was able to generate an sat file of the total part with the dwg editor, but SW locks up when importing it. I get the message that SW is processing 51,750 trimmed surfaces, but it never completes it without locking up(not responding).
My machine is a 2-year old AMD 3400+ with 2gb ram, running Win2k. nVidia fx1100 card. This machine has been fine for all of my other work, but can't handle this part.
I have spoken to the mold-maker and all he needs are 5 copies in my mold design and he can generate what he needs for cutting the electrode. I can do that with no problem. However, the molder wants to run Moldflow on the total part, and I can't get one for him.
Anybody know any memory tricks I can try to get past this roadblock. I have read about the 3gb switch, but seem to recall that it's for XP, not Win2k.
Thanks.
jk