Slow 3D drawing

[Menno]

Hey,

For projects at my University, I use Autocad solids to make my models (in ADT 3.3).
Using the ADT tools I just can't get enough detail into my drawings, or I just don't have the right skills to get them in there (not just a simple brick wall, but a steel sheet with isolation in it, a carrier on the side connected through a wooden block on which the outside plating is placed).

Using the solids, I usually get good results, but when I really start adding some detail, my autocad slows down to a crawl with 85MB dwg files (laptop 1.4 gig with centrino). I can't even use the shaded viewport anymore because I get an error.

For my current project I still want to make a 3d model. I've been reading some stuff about xrefs and/or blocks. Could this help me speed up my drawing? Because my previous cladding were all seperate solids. Are blocks or xrefs faster? Or can you really make detailed stuff with the ADT tools? The tutorials only explain making a simple brick house/floor.

And can I export them to 3d Max for making renderings?

So to conclude: When I make a 3d model, should I use blocks (or xrefs? what's the difference) for repetitive things such as wall cladding? And can I still use them for exporting?

Thnx

[f700es]

An 85 mb drawing!!!! :shock: Well no wonder it slows down. You HAVE to give us a screen grab of this model! :wink:

EDIT: Since you are using ADT 3.3 perhaps you should be using ADT's Mass Elements instead of true Solids?

[vizwhiz]

hi There Menno

This project got up to 84 mbs b4 i found a way to cut the bytes

here is a 3d sketch of a concept of a proposed remodel to an existing hotel Las Vega, NV
This project was done from an existing set of blacklines that were more than 34 years old

http://www.viz2000.com/proj/html/gary-maxi-0.html

The Architect never gave me NO DIMENSIONS ever NOT EVEN ONE

just some handsketches and redlines on top of whatever 3d
i was able to assemble off of the existing set etc and then some

i found out from a 3d friend locally (my 2d friends dont talk to me)
that by extruding a LINE vertically i could elimate ALL the WINDOWS

SOLIDS and then render the EXTRUDED LINE only with a bitmap applied
THIS ALONE cut out about 18 mbs, but as you can see There are a LOT

of boxes in This 3d model which is 360 etc not just a pretty front face

Post up a link or an Image of your project
maybe we can come up with some Ideas for you

(This is plain 3d solids modeling no ADT)

and watch out for Norton's Antivirus which will definately conflict with ottercad and VIZ especially

Thanks

Randy

[Mr T]

Well first of all what is the video card in your laptop ? If it's shared then that's a problem and go into OPTIONS Sytem and Graphics device and tweak settings there.

Enjoy

Nick