Recently in a machine shop, I saw a huge amount of wasted time due to performing manual calculations to interpret blueprints.
These were single piece prototype parts to be done manually so no programs were made, the parts were produced directly from an engineering blueprint.
Lathe parts, which were required to be made on the end of a shaft and then cut off were all had dimensions from the bottom part.
Many of the faces had incremental dimensions from each other instead of absolute from the face. Many dimensions were not even shown.
Angles required trigonometry, screw clearance and counter bore and countersink dimensions required referencing a chart.
Hole locations for bolt circles needed calculations. Depths to a drill point to avoid breakouts required calculations.
This causes a huge amount of wasted time and opportunity for mistakes.
Effective blueprinting with the manufacturing process in mind can save a great deal of time and ensure accuracy. Detailed cut away views and absolute dimensions can greatly improve the manufacturing process.
The math should be eliminated allowing the toolmaker to focus on the machining process.
I have encountered this many times and have created process blueprints from the model, offering appropriate datum points and dimensions for each operation providing all machining data clearly and visibly, eliminating costly mistakes and wasted time.
Try our Effective Blueprinting Service and see the improvements yourself
