Creating a Drawing for the Factory
A SolidWorks Drawing is the final deliverable that communicates the exact specifications needed to manufacture a part or assemble a product. It bridges the gap between the design process and the manufacturing floor.
1. Creating Views (Projection Views)
Drawing views are 2D representations of the 3D model, presented according to drafting standards (usually Third-Angle Projection).
Standard 3 Views: The initial setup usually involves projecting the Front, Top, and Right views of the part.
Isometric View: A 3D pictorial view is usually included to help visualize the final part, but it is not typically used for dimensioning.
Section View: This view cuts through the model to expose internal features (like internal holes or slots) that are hidden from the outside.
Detail View: This view creates a magnified, cropped area of a specific section of the model to clearly show small, complex features and dimensions.
2. Dimensioning (Adding Manufacturing Information)
Dimensions provide the critical size and location information required for manufacturing. The goal is to make the drawing Fully Defined so that the machinist knows the exact measurement of every feature.
Smart Dimension (Model Items): The most efficient way is often to import dimensions directly from the 3D model (Model Items command), then clean up and rearrange them.
Tolerances: Critical dimensions must include tolerances (e.g., $10.00 \pm 0.05$mm) to specify the acceptable range of error, ensuring the part fits the overall assembly.
Annotations: Includes adding surface finish symbols, weld symbols, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) notes.
3. Bill of Materials (BOM)
The BOM is a critical table used only in Assembly Drawings. It lists all the parts needed for the final product.
Function: Lists every component, quantity, material, and part number (or description) required.
Balloons (Item Numbers): Each line item in the BOM is linked to a Balloon (a numbered callout) on the isometric or main assembly view, pointing directly to the corresponding component.
Value: It's essential for purchasing materials, tracking inventory, and guiding the final assembly process in the factory.
| Main | SolidWorks, Drawing, Drafting, Work Order, Manufacturing |
| Level/Target Group | Factory, Manufacturing, Technician, Technical Drawing |
| component | Views, Dimensioning, BOM, Bill of Materials, Material Table, Balloon |
| Specific commands | Section View, Detail View, Model Items, Tolerance, GD&T |
| language | English, English Tutorial, Thai |
Figure 1: Creating Standard Drawing Views
Image caption: Shows the start of creating a drawing by placing the Standard 3 Views (Front, Top, Right) and the Isometric View of the 3D model on the drawing sheet.
Image text: "SOLIDWORKS FOR FACTORY", "1. CREATING STANDARD DRAWING VIEWS", "DRAG & DROP STANDARD 3 VIEWS", "ISOMETRIC VIEW (3D)"
Figure 2: Adding Dimensions for Manufacturing
