Has anyone done a study of the file size changes using dynamic blocks in relation to using conventional blocks ?
Kerry,
I've wondered the same thing since we started using them. I haven't done any official testing however our dwgs are much bigger than they ever have been before (although our current job is a much bigger one). It only seems natural that the total number of blocks would have to increase drastically. Take for instance a 3'-0" door. If I set a rotation param for the door, then insert it at 0 deg.. If I copy it 4 times(total of 5 copies) still at 0 deg but change the rot. params each to 0, 30, 45, 60, and 90 that would technically be 5 different blocks because their properties would all be a little different so AutoCad would have to remember each one individually in the database. Now do do this over a whole job that may have 300-400 doors. Now apply that to windows, reference markers, furniture, etc... The total number of blocks in our files goes through the roof when this occurs. We are currently working on a High school with 600 doors, 100 windows, over 400 stl columns, 300 rooms, ... 180,000 sf bldg.
.. or the development time/costs in relation to conventional blocks ?
The development time to combine most of extg blocks to new DBs I feel is worth the effort. The special ones that you don't use all the time but would be 'cool' are the ones that might not be worth the time.