BimScaler Blog – Working with CAD files can be a hassle. Without an efficient workflow, your file size can become bloated, slowing down and reducing productivity.
That is why file size must be considered in order to optimize workflow efficiency. You can significantly reduce the size of your CAD files without sacrificing quality by using techniques such as simplifying complex geometry, removing unnecessary layers, and utilising compression tools.
Let’s continue reading to find out more about the methods and best practices for CAD file size optimization in order to build an effective workflow.
Understanding CAD File Sizes
A CAD file, or Computer-Aided Design file, is an output of CAD software that contains information about a designed object. It can consist of 2D or 3D data and is used by designers, engineers, manufacturers, scientists, and digital artists. The size of this file can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the drawing, the level of detail, and the organisation of the drawing.
They can be stored in various formats, including neutral, native, and kernel formats, each with its own specifications and capabilities. CAD files can also contain metadata, such as object names and IDs, user-defined properties, layers, and Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI).
Autodesk AutoCAD files, such as DWG, can vary greatly in size depending on the complexity of the drawing, the level of detail, and the organisation of the drawing. A well-organised drawing with layers, text, hatches, and dimensions on separate layers can be managed on a fast PC with a powerful processor and sufficient memory.
However, there is no specific optimal file size for CAD files. The size can range from a few kilobytes to several megabytes, depending on the content. Factors influencing file size include the use of 2D or 3D data, the number of layers, the presence of paper space layouts, and the amount of old, unused data held within the file.
To manage large files, you can extract certain parts of the drawing into separate drawings using the WBLOCK command, leaving out unnecessary information like 2D architectural plans or topographic information if you’re working on only site elements. Additionally, purging old, unused references can help reduce file size.
Aside from increasing file size, rendering issues are another issue that may arise with your CAD software. Learn how to solve it with some of our troubleshooting tips in our article, CAD Rendering Problem: 5 Ways to Improve Your Rendering Process.
Problems Caused by Large CAD Files
Large CAD files can slow down your workflow, reducing overall productivity. They strain system resources, resulting in slow performance and software crashes. Furthermore, sharing large files becomes difficult, causing delays in project timelines.
Some of the known problems caused by large CAD files include:
- Performance Issues: Large CAD files can cause performance issues, such as slow loading times, lagging, and unresponsiveness, especially when working on older or less powerful hardware.
- File Translation Errors: Incorrectly translating 3D CAD files can lead to manufacturing problems, such as incorrectly manufacturing parts or damaging equipment.
- Storage and Transfer Issues: Large CAD files can consume significant storage space and may be difficult to transfer over slow or unreliable networks, leading to delays and inefficiencies in the design process.
- Data Management Challenges: Large CAD files can be difficult to manage and maintain, especially when dealing with complex drawings with multiple layers, blocks, and entities. This can lead to issues with version control, data consistency, and file organisation.
- Compatibility Issues: Incompatibility between different CAD software and file formats can cause problems when sharing or collaborating on designs, leading to potential errors and misunderstandings.
Large CAD files are sometimes inevitable, especially if you are working on a complex project such as a high-rise building or a large industrial plant. However, unnecessary large CAD files will definitely become an issue in your workflow. That’s why optimising it should be your priority, to guarantee a smooth workflow in your team.
Let’s continue to the next section, where we will explore several techniques to help you optimize your CAD file size.
Techniques for Reducing CAD File Sizes
There are several techniques that you can try to optimise, ultimately reducing your CAD file size. Removing unnecessary vectors, saving as a new image, and regular purging, are some of the techniques to keep your CAD file size under control.
Aside from that, here are all the known techniques to reduce CAD file sizes, according to Scan2CAD:
- Remove Unnecessary Vector Data: Removing blocks and layers that are not needed can help cut your files down to size. This can be done manually or by using purge controls in your CAD software.
- Save as a New Image: This can help keep file sizes down by getting rid of unnecessary data and settings. Saving the image with a different file name after every edit also means you can keep track of revision history.
- Detach Unneeded Xref Files: Use the XREF command to detach all unneeded xref files.
- Use the OVERKILL Command: Select all objects in a drawing and enter the OVERKILL command. This could be needed more than once.
- Purge Unnecessary Data: Enter the -PURGE command and choose Regapps. Enter the PURGE command and select all options.
- Reset the Scale List: Enter the -SCALELISTEDIT command and reset the scale list.
- Delete Layer Filters: Enter the FILTERS command and delete layer filters.
- Convert File Format: Converting CAD files to more efficient formats, such as STL, OBJ, or GLB/GLTF, can help reduce file size while maintaining compatibility with web-based applications.
- Blockify: Tools like Blockify can automatically detect and convert repeated geometry to block definitions, simplifying the drawing and reducing file size.
- Convert to. dwg: Saving CAD files in the .dwg format can help reduce file size without losing information.
- Simplify Geometry: Tools like decimation, subdivision, or smoothing can reduce the number of polygons or triangles in the mesh, making the CAD model lighter.
Best Practices in Managing CAD Files
Managing CAD files effectively is important to maintain the integrity of project data and create efficient workflows. Here are some best practices for managing CAD files:
1. Implement a PDM or PLM System.
Product Data Management (PDM) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems are two types of software solutions that help companies manage their product-related data and processes.
Product Data Management (PDM) systems are designed to capture and manage all product information, ensuring that it is presented to users correctly and consistently throughout the entire product lifecycle. Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, on the other hand, cover a wider range of product data and processes, including design, engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance.
They provide a centralized platform for all product-related data and activities, ensuring that everyone involved in the product development process is working with the most up-to-date information. PLM software offers capabilities like BOM (bill of materials) management, change management, revision control, and synchronisation to downstream manufacturing teams via integrations with MES (manufacturing execution system) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning
2. Store all models and drawings in one location.
If no PDM system is in use, then make sure to store all models and drawings in one folder location, preferably a shared network drive.
Developing an effective product structure tracking system is important. Instead of making changes directly to the models in the shared location, when making changes to a file, first copy the file locally.
This will ensure that documents that have been made public are not updated before their time without first undergoing the data control procedure. Move approved modifications to the models and drawings to the shared location and update any references that should refer to the publicly available data.
3. Maintain Consistent Naming and Revision Naming
To avoid confusion when multiple parts have the same name, make sure all file names are unique and have a prefix or suffix for the project name or customer number. To make sure that everyone is working with the most recent version and to make tracking changes easier, include a revision number or date in the file name.
Implementing a consistent file naming convention will also help streamline collaboration and organisation within your CAD files. Additionally, regularly updating and communicating any changes to the file management system will ensure all team members are on the same page and working efficiently.
3. Consistent Tidy-Ups
Regularly clean up your CAD files to ensure that your system remains efficient. This will help prevent clutter and confusion, making it easier to locate and access important files. Additionally, regularly archiving older files that are no longer needed will help optimize storage space and improve overall system performance.
That’s all you need to know about optimising your CAD file size. As technology advances, CAD software evolves alongside it. Learn more in our article, Future Trends in CAD Software: 5 Innovations That Will Change the Industry.
Conclusion
Optimising file sizes is essential to effective CAD workflows. Designers and engineers can reduce the problems brought on by large CAD files by understanding the causes of file bloat and taking proactive steps to address them.
You can avoid clutter and confusion by properly organising your files and archiving older ones, which will make it simpler to locate crucial files. This storage space optimization boosts the overall CAD workflow in addition to system performance. In order to collaborate effectively, especially when using a BIM process, designers and engineers must be aware of file sizes and take proactive measures to manage them.
So, are you ready to implement the BIM process for your construction project?
BIMscaler’s consulting and management services will provide you with end-to-end BIM usage for your project, starting with BIM/model management, content management, project start-up, project meetings, and end-user support, including as-built documentation creation.
As a leading Australian provider of BIM services, BIM Scaler assures you of a professional and effective BIM implementation for your building project.
