An increasing number of CAD programs are requiring 3D model-based drawings and installations. This eliminates the need for paper drawings and reduces errors. Even though the transition to modern software is slow, companies still rely heavily on legacy systems. They also use 2D drawings.
Drawing mistakes are part of the learning process, you will agree. The lack of collaboration can lead to many errors that could affect the final design of different structures. These errors can lead to costly delays and additional work. Engineers make mistakes when drawing. To avoid making the same mistakes in the future, it is important to recognize the problems and understand them.
These are 20 common pitfalls 2D drawing & 3D engineers and drafters should avoid
- Different dimensions shouldn’t be extended along the sides of the model. Engineers should ensure that the lines do not cross over components or features that are being dimensioned. This does not mean you should reduce the length of your extension lines.
- Wherever possible, avoid inconsistent geometries. For controlling the geometric allowance of a feature, it is beneficial to have basic measurements and proportions. These dimensions should be kept to three decimal places in drawings. These dimensions should be packaged and used with a geometric tolerance guide.
- A dimension should never meet another dimension or feature.
- If you don’t intend to use them as reference points, don’t create double dimensions. You should arrange dimensions in a chained fashion.
- Crossing dimensions should be avoided as much as possible. Short dimensions should be close to the model, while long dimensions should be at the farthest point.
- It is not a good idea to place any dimension in the model area. It should be outside the model.
- Hidden lines in 2D drawings should be avoided as they are difficult to supervise.
- Make sure you highlight and identify electric ports, along with their clocking angles. This is crucial for ensuring that installations are done correctly.
- To avoid any inaccuracies in drawings, make sure you check the scales.
- Insufficient opening spaces, or doors facing the wrong direction, should be checked.
- You should inspect for spaces that are too small or difficult to fit components.
- Due to inconsistencies, designers often leave out certain details such as window or roof details in drawings.
- Different teams may create engineering drawings that are not coordinated. This can lead to vital information, such as details about structural details, not being consistent with the ductwork design. This can lead to mistakes in the design of ventilation ducts and structural beams or insufficient space for maintenance. To avoid these problems, review all 2D drawings that have been updated and work together.
- Be consistent between drawings and written information, including schedules and specifications. Information should not be duplicated in multiple documents. Notes for such details can be included in a 2D drawing.
- Do not add objects to the definition points layer that you do not want. This practice could lead to unexpected changes in your drawings that are impossible to undo.
- You’re likely to have a lot of confusion if you assign object properties instead of layer properties. Engineers often follow this practice: assign the object properties first, then assign the object to the layer. Because the properties are retained but not transferred from the layer, it leads to messy drawings.
- Another bad practice is not defining the drawing units. Users who don’t specify or limit their drawings can be confused when changing units in AutoCAD.
- Inaccuracies can result from different naming regulations if you don’t follow the layering standards set by your company or AIA. Layering standards are a way to maintain consistency in drawings handed to contractors.
- It is best to avoid copying data from different engineering drawings. This can lead to redundancy in drawings and may result in errors with unwelcome DGN line types. These cannot be deleted even if the purge command is used.
- Be sure to check all drawings before you send them to avoid placing objects on the wrong layers. Make sure you check all objects to ensure the correct placement. You may not place all doors on the same layer of a drawing.
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