off topic: e-drawings, eps files, frame and pdf

[Alison Craig]

Jo:

I am currently incorporating SolidWorks (2009) mechanical drawings into an unstructured FM 9 Service Manual. I have not yet created a PDF of the entire book, but a PDF of a sample drawing page, opens quite quickly.

This is my process:

"My" mechanical engineer creates the drawings from a full rendition of our product - which is massively complex and involves dozens of SolidWorks files. However, when he has completed the view I need, he saves it directly to a much simpler AI file. 

I use Illustrator and convert the AI to an EPS and add all the markings I need re: part numbers, tool types, etc. 

The original AI file is maybe 1MB in size (the final EPS is larger) and whether in AI or EPS format, it allows me to manipulate any line within the drawing (I believe this is a function of SolidWorks 2009. In earlier versions, the Mechanical engineer had to manipulate the drawing for me as it was not nearly as AI friendly).

I then import the finished EPS by reference into the file I want (each drawing is a separate file, although they are all part of the same Appendix in the Book).

So far, I have no complaints with performance when I open a single sample drawing saved to PDF, although I think my completed Service Manual PDF will likely end up being huge.

HTH, Alison

Alison Craig, Technical Writer
Ultrasonix Medical Corporation
Tel: (604) 279-8550, ext 127
E-mail: alison.craig at ultrasonix.com
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Jo Watkiss
Sent: Friday, October 15, 2010 3:05 AM
To: framers at lists.frameusers.com
Subject: off topic: e-drawings, eps files, frame and pdf

Framers,  I know this is way off topic - but knowing how much knowledge
there is on here, I'm hoping somebody can point me to a good resource or
forum to help.

 

I'm trying to get vector images from Solidworks e-drawings into
FrameMaker and then to PDF.  However in the resulting PDF, the vectors
draw so slowly on the page that it is causing problems for our readers.


 

The path we are taking is:

Print from e-drawings to .ps file

Open .ps file in CorelDraw and save as .eps (or .wmf or .pdf - the end
result is the same)

Import .eps into Frame and then make PDF as normal

 

I think the source of the problem is the original .ps files, because
they are so complex (some images have 38,000+ objects in them).

 

If anybody knows how I can achieve better results, or can direct me to a
more appropriate forum or user group, I'd be very grateful.

 

Thanks,

Jo Watkiss

 

 

 

 

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