Inventor Having a hard time exporting dxf, perforated panel

[coleWAS2B]

Hello,

This is my first time posting on here. I am working on a custom pattern perforated panel. The panel has more than 3,000 perforations, the perforations are cut extrusions / mirrors.

I have the part file complete (which took a while). I'm now trying to export to dxf so my vendor can cut it. I already sent them step file but they are unable to load it into their software because its too large. 

My computer is currently processing the dxf export but it's been going for about an hour already with no sign of completion. 

Is there anything I can do to reduce the file size?

I'm not sure how to proceed.

Part file is attached.

Thank you,

Cole

[Frederick_Law]

Only model partial perf in IV and add the rest in AutoCAD.

I have 8200 sq holes and even the punch software can't process it.

Have to manually g-code it.

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-forum/large-array-best-practice/td-p/11632308

[coleWAS2B]

Thanks for the explanation.

I'm sending the vendor a dxf with partial pattern to see if they can expand it over the surface of part.

[kacper.suchomski]

Hi

It seems to me that you are responsible for creating this pattern. Create a single cut (or a base of cuts if it's complex), export dxf, then duplicate the pattern cuts in AutoCAD.

[pcrawley · Accepted solution]

There's another 'current' thread on this subject here: Large array, best practice - Autodesk Community - Inventor

Sadly, the answer is essentially the same - Inventor, and almost every other 3d cad software, just don't like large arrays.

If it helps, your model is constructed of cut feature (containing multiple profile loops) that is mirrored multiple times to achieve the pattern.  A more efficient process is to model a cut feature and Pattern it, using the "Optimised" pattern option.  I just tried your model, roughly using the same shapes/dimensions (didn't get it quite right) but the file is 40% smaller than original, and much faster to work with (28Mb vs. 47Mb).  You still won't want to export the face though!

[coleWAS2B]

Thanks for the explanation. I will use the optimized pattern option in the future.

I also use Solidworks for rendering and simulation and can confirm it has similar issues with large arrays.