One of the things I find a very large plus with Shark FX is its never talked about print layout options. This little dialog box is very powerful, I not really sure if someone makes CAD/drawing software exclusively targeting the patent guys, but the combination of ignoring the patent / child associatively back to the model at drawing time, and this print layout, makes this CAD system a must look at if your thinking about any patent work.

Now for my moan:
My latest project will be to use shark FX to model and create a patent drawing from a model, but I had a rather large file size model error in the converting to drawing process. I believe it accrued after creating bolts with threads, so I decided to take a good look at the installed (Symbols) 3D fasteners thinking these may be less RAM intrusive. But It did not take me long to be totally befuddled, the 3D fasteners do not render, material cannot be applied to them, they just sit there--they certainly look good, but don't do anything. Am I misunderstanding the purpose of these (object?) are they not intended for solid modeling?

Can someone help me out here, I just have to have something wrong...

To try out:
Make a new file, be in 3D mode, drag N drop a 3D fastener into the file and try to see it on a render, try to apply a material. If neither of these make them visible, why are they there?


Thanks,
P