Inventor to AutoCAD - Creating a MONSTER!

[dzine14u]

Question: We are currently exporting files to a DWG from Inventor.  Is there a better way to convert these files without it creating such a massive file?

We have been converting simple 3D Inventor IPT files to AutoCAD Plant 3D DWGs. When you export the file to a DWG the file size becomes so enormous that it is extremely difficult to work with or to navigate in the model. Not to mention that these conversions take a tremendous amount of time to execute.

[TomislavGolubovic]

If you want to bring the models in as Equipment, then look at using an .adsk file, and utilising the shrinkwrap option as well?

[BuddyLegnon]

I agree with Tom,

Use the shrinkwrap to output to an adsk file and then bring those into Plant by using the button on the Equipment ribbon for importing inventor adsk files. I would also like to point out that using more than 3-4 of those inventor files per model will make the file sizes grow rather fast as well. Keep a good balance of inventor files per model so that performance is maintained.

[Rich.O.3d]

i find the adsk option a bit redundant and bloats the files

I do the shrinkwrap or LOD derive, then export as autocad objects...this is the best compresion i have found.

the adsk stuff doesnt map to plant objects properly anyway and some reassigning of nozzle info is always required. Plus every revision will require you to add all ports again and again.

I use the autocad info to create a block then use that block to convert into plant object.

then add nozzles in plant, that way, you can block edit the equipment to update to new geometry as required without loosing your nozzle info.

This is especially usefull for equipment with large quantaties of nozzle connections.

sorry if that sounded a bit garbled...im issuing a set of drwing for a surge bin (bin body weldment is over 250 t) deadlines deadlines deadlines

If your interested I can explain method a bit more clearly next week