How to Create Technical Drawings in 10 Steps

Supporting files or technical drawings are essential for some manufacturing orders, depending on their complexity, to ensure the precise execution of any part or product.

Although most manufacturing orders don't require these kinds of files, it is true that in other cases, it can be undoubtedly essential to be more specific about certain features. These specifications usually refer to dimensional tolerances, surface finishing, threading instructions, standards, or any other intricate design aspect.

Primarily used in CNC machining and Sheet Metal Fabrication orders, technical drawings help ensure the final product meets your design perfectly.
This article will help you understand the importance of technical or engineering drawings, specifically focusing on tolerances and holes and how to create them.

What are Tolerances, and when do I need to specify them?

Manufacturing tolerances refer to the allowable deviation from the intended dimensions of a part. By default, we base tolerances on the international standard ISO 2768. However, different or tighter tolerances may be necessary for specific parts for particular reasons. If this is your case, not specifying tolerances may result in unfitting parts.

Consider your chosen material and types of manufacturing when determining tolerances, as some materials may require tighter tolerances than others. When you manufacture a part with us, we use ISO 2768 tolerances by default when no tolerances are indicated, guaranteeing international tolerance standards.

Indicating Tolerances

Here are some things you may need to indicate:

1. Dimensional Tolerances.

2. Geometric Tolerances.

3. Surface Finish.

4. Material Properties.

5. Functional Requirements.

To learn more about how to indicate tolerances, please visit our supporting files help article here.

What do I need to specify about holes in technical drawings?

Holes are a common feature in many manufactured parts, and indicating their location, type, and size is critical for proper execution.
There are different types of holes, including clearance holes, threaded holes, and counterbored holes, and they can impact the function, strength, and overall aesthetics of a final product, making it important to get them right.

Indicating holes means providing information about their diameter, depth, tolerance, countersink, chamfer, type, and thread hole.

Indicating Holes for Precise Manufacturing

When you indicate holes on a technical drawing, it may be necessary to specify some of the following:

1. Hole diameter.

2. Hole depth.

3. Hole tolerance.

4. Hole countersink.

5. Hole chamfer.

6. Hole type.

7. Thread hole.

Please visit our supporting files help article here to learn more about indicating holes.

Ten Steps to Making an Accurate Technical Drawing

To ensure a comprehensive and accurate technical drawing, we advise you to follow these ten steps:

01. Create a CAD model

The first step in creating a technical drawing is to start with a 2D or 3D CAD model of your design. A model will serve as the basis for making the drawings and ensure that accurate measurements and dimensions are present. Ensure that settings like units are set correctly.

We suggest you use adequate cad software for your 2D and 3D modeling. Here's a list of the top 8 cad software we recommend for your production process.

02. Determine the required views

The next step is to determine the necessary views for the technical drawing. Typically, front, top, and side views are included, but the manufacturer may require you to add additional views. Make sure to communicate clearly about it.

03. Determine the scale

The scale determines the size of the part in the technical drawing. It is crucial to choose the appropriate scale to make the drawing easily understandable. You can even include zoom-in details to improve readability.

04. Add dimensions

Dimensions provide the exact measurements of each feature on the part and its exact location in relation to other features. Including dimensions on the technical drawing will help ensure your finished product has the required specifications.

05. Indicate tolerances

Remember that tolerances refer to the allowable deviation from the intended dimensions of a part. Indicating tolerances on critical parts and assemblies of your product ensures that every part will fit together and work correctly.

06. Indicate surface finishes

Surface finishes indicate the allowable variation in a part's surface roughness or texture. Only indicate when it is particularly important to match a very specific finish; in most cases, this variation won't affect the result, so you don't need to worry about it every time you produce something.

07. Indicate material properties

Material properties, such as hardness, flexibility, and strength, can affect the tolerance requirements for a specific part or feature. Indicating material properties will help ensure that the part functions as intended.

08. Indicate holes

Holes are a critical part of many manufactured parts, and indicating their location, type, and size is necessary for proper execution. Marking holes include indicating hole diameter, depth, tolerance, countersink, chamfer, type, and thread hole. Make sure every annotation is correct and easy to read.

09. Add Notes

Adding notes is a great option to provide additional information that must be clear from the views and dimensions on the drawing.

10. Review and Revise

Before submitting your technical drawing, please review it carefully to ensure you include all the necessary information and that the dimensions, tolerances, and notes are clear and accurate. It is also essential to check for any errors or inconsistencies in the drawing and make revisions as necessary.

These steps will help you create a technical drawing that will result in a more efficient, cost-effective manufacturing process by reducing the risk of errors or misunderstandings.

When to use technical drawings

Creating technical drawings or supporting files can be a key part of a manufacturing process, as they may be fundamental to achieving a correct production. However, technical drawings are only sometimes necessary, so only do them if needed since this may slow down your manufacturing process.

Creating a high-quality technical drawing is an investment of time in the success of your product. Whenever you feel ready to produce, you can count on us to support your process.

Upload your part file here and then add the supporting files or technical drawings later in the process. Don't worry, we'll ask you for them when they are necessary. You don't need to upload everything on the first go.

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