Hello, I have a problem printing my Solidworks documents.
Let me explain: As a reminder, I am currently working on a large project to build a building, my job is to implement HVAC networks (HVAC) in this building, I have a lot of problems with the volume of files, especially because I work with non-native Solidworks files which have a lot of import problems. Unfortunately, given the time wasted trying to solve these problems, I am forced to deal with it. I made several drawings so that companies that don't work with 3D can visualize the layout of my networks. The problem is that Solidworks struggles a lot with my drawings, they make monster sizes and slow down my workstation to such a level that with each recording I have time to go pour myself a coffee, drink it and even, sometimes, go smoke a cigarette in between... That's to say.
Brief. The scene set, I explain my problem:
I transformed these drawings into PDF format because my MEP .slddrw format weighs from 30MB for the smallest to 120MB for the largest while the pdfs weigh from 3 to 10MB (which is already huge I think for a simple A0). We have a plotter that prints in A0, with which there have never been any problems. Except for this project... Indeed, when I try to print my plans, whether from Solidworks or PDF, they never reach the plotter... It is impossible to take out a single leaf on the first try... I often have to do it a dozen times before a plan comes up... At first I thought that the tracker or the network had problems but we called a technician and everything works fine, he couldn't tell me where the problem came from (he doesn't know Solidworks). So, after several tests from other stations than mine, from Autocad and other software, that's when I realized that the only plans that don't come out on the plotter come from my assembly which weighs a ton... I don't know what to do anymore...
Does anyone have any idea about these printing problems? Have you ever encountered this type of problem?
Thank you in advance for your answers, I'm starting to despair :'(
Hi, I had the same problems with an HP Designjet 500, on close-ups it froze, (not enough memory to store all the info in the plotter) the solution was to go through the properties of the plotter during the print menu, then Service / Troubleshooting menu / Check the 2 boxes.
Where I worked before, we had put a pc dedicated to the plotter for close-ups. a small gigabyte box type pc with 16G of ram and a 64GB ssd that took care of printing the plans.
It's a bit tedious because you have to go to the PC to start printing but it doesn't monopolize the workstations.
On the other hand, it's true that he only printed PDFs and DXF/DWGs. it doesn't solve the problem of exporting to these formats
I've already had this problem with a simple printer. As David be3 says , it's likely that your printer doesn't have enough memory and therefore you won't be able to do anything more...
The method of printing in pdf is very good but have you set the resolution settings correctly?
Maybe you can reduce the size of your A0 pdf a little more and without playing too much on the loss of quality?
Concerning your SW drawings, it is also not recommended to make several pages if your set is "heavy". Instead, choose one sheet = one file. Also to lighten the SW mep, play with the hidden/disabled objects.
Well the tracker doesn't recognize the usb keys, every time, it tells me "The inserted device is not recognized, disconnect it and try again"... So it's not possible to print directly with a usb key...