3D CAD Model Simplification Steps

This guide will help reduce the polygon count in large models.

Using your CAD Software

1. Remove/suppress any components that are not relevant to your assembly. 
   1. Internal components can all be removed as long they are not needed for an explosion or animation.
   2. External components can be removed if they don’t add value.  For example, we often remove small components such as nuts, bolts, washers etc..
2. Remove/suppress any internal features that are not relevant to your assembly (threads, fastener shanks, chamfers, blends, holes, etc..).
3. Remove/suppress any unused curves/datums/csys.  This doesn’t reduce the polygon count but will reduce the size of your output file decreasing the time for mentor to convert it.
4. Curved surfaces require more polygons, where possible reduce curved surfaces.
5. If you have components that have the same geometry and have different (for example fastener_1, fastener_2, fastener_3…) rename them to use the same name (fastener).  This allows the converted file to use the same polygon set for each and just loads the respective locations.
6. Sort your assembly directory by file size.  Focus on the heavier components when working on items 1 & 2.