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-boun...@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 _______________________________________________ You are currently subscribed to framers as alison.craig at ultrasonix.com. Send list messages to framers at lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscribe at lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/alison.craig%40ultrasonix.com Send administrative questions to listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
