I've been doing quite a bit of work since my "Design Approach help" and "Solidworks is a Dog" threads of about a month ago. I thought I'd at least owe the group a short update.
I'm happy to report that Solidworks and me are at peace now. It hasn't crashed in weeks. And files haven't been exploding into a million pieces or growing out of control at all. How?
[1] I do not use ANY external relations whatsoever.Each and every part is designed as an isolated entity, as though the sofware did not have the ability to do in-context or external relations.
If an in-context bit of geometry is needed, the relevant points or sketches are brought across with external references turned off.
Yes, if you move a hole in one part you have to remember to manually move it on all affected parts. Same thing if you change the diameter. Same thing if you alter any geometry that would otherwise be linked through external relationships.
[2] Any library or toolbox parts used get saved locally. A copy is saved within the directory structure of the part/assembly. No external (to the directory structure) references are allowed. Any part or assembly must survive the "zip test": Zip the design directory. Send it to someone with SW. They should be able to expand and open the part/assy without seeing nuts the size of a SUV or any other anomaly due to library issues.[3] Exporting geometry back out to DWG/DXF for CNC was solved by purchasing Kent Contract's excellent utility.
[4] Lastly, a little more understanding of what Solidworks likes and does not like.The tool is very useful, of course. The ability to crank out twenty sheets of blueprints (some people still need them) from a model in two hours flat is just amazing for those of us who actually learned to draw isometric projections and cross section views by hand, without computers and with judicious use of electric eraser guns (raise your hand if you still own one).
At the same time, it's a damn shame that SW, the company, doesn't seem to address some of the imporant issues the software has. Not being able to use in-context/external relations for fear of making your life a living hell is truly sad. This is supposed to be one of the key advantages of this sort of sofware.
Also, their customer service and support --so far, and for me-- leaves much to be desired. I've had a support problem filed with my local VAR (GoEngineer in Los Angeles) for over a month now. They escalated it to Solidworks corp. and we have not heard a word back yet. Thankfully I --not them-- figured out a way around the issue and was able to finish my design on time. The prototypes will be out next week. I fully expect to get an answer from SW then. Just to make the whole thing nicely ironic.
When I get the time I'm evaluating ProE. Just to avoid living in ignorance. Hell, I might even take a look at this VX thing!
Thanks all for your help.
-Martin