Convert bodies/components/timeline

[javelin_exile]

So I have large assemblies made of a couple of hundred components that I've made and want to use them for illustrations and thins where I don't need all the functionality. can I turn the whole thing into a solid tool body somehow? this would also save memory if I use a lot of them as a demonstration somewhere.

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

Take a look at this Blog Article and Video, it will tell you how to do what I think you are describing.  I am not sure about the saving memory question.

[javelin_exile]

That worked perfectly thanks! Takes a long time though. This unit had 1400 components. The other one was around 400 components and finished quickly.  The last one I need to do is much bigger, hopefully, it completes ok.  I always remember the first place I worked at. They used to quote machines by weight +motor. Sure wouldn't work these days

[javelin_exile]

I've had a few problems with this. But I muddled through some of the ones I had to do. I was expecting the final part to be just one body but I wind up with a lot of bodies. not as many as the parts I started with so I'm not sure what's happening or how to make it more efficient. I think it might be because these units are all toleranced and there's clearance for everything so this method doesn't take 2 parts that are close and make them one.  Any ideas?  Also, there doesn't seem to be a way to see files sizes so trying to get a file down in size is problematic if theres not way to check what you did for improvement

[jhackney1972]

I do not think internal model clearances has anything to do with the process.  The Combine - Cut command is the key to whole process.  You must be sure to have Body Priority turned on and Select Through to make sure you are removing every body from the casting block.  Otherwise you will get a lot of extra bodies when you do your Boundary Fill.  I did another sample, with internal clearances, and it made no difference.  You model you used is probably too large for me to test on, if not, I would love to check it out myself.

 As far as checking file sizes, that is easy.  Just File, Export each model to your local drive and check the file sizes there.

[javelin_exile]

Yes, I keep getting the same thing. Bade sure body priority is selected.  this is a smaller unit .. 1142 parts I think. how could I get this to you without making it public?

[TrippyLighting]

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@javelin_exile wrote:

... this would also save memory if I use a lot of them as a demonstration somewhere....

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Depending on how you designed/structured this, the exact opposite can be the result.

If your design includes a lot of repeated component instances, then converting the geometry into one flat structure just containing solid bodies will consume a lot more memory.