Many customers have such questions. 3D drawings contain a lot of information. All the data of the shape of the part can be obtained directly in the 3D model, and the geometric shape of the part can be seen intuitively. 2D drawings. Including when using some automatic quotation systems, you can get quotations by uploading 3D drawings, but you still need to upload 2D drawings to make manual quotations. Why is this?

Let us answer for you!

2D drawings provide more accurate tolerances

If you have a 1/2 hole on your part, is it a through hole for the 1/2 bolt? Or adjacent tolerance bores for a pair of bearings? If any of these are incorrectly assumed, your part will result in scrapped or costly rework, project delays or additional costs. Accurate 2D drawings can easily eliminate this risk.

At the same time, if a relatively strict standard tolerance (EG0.010mm) is partially specified in the 3D file, it must be ensured that all dimensions/features are machined to this tolerance.

Part cost can be reduced if you create 2D drawings with tight and loose tolerances for features of increasing and less importance.

Moreover, for some machined parts with complex structures, or requiring special materials and special surface treatment, 2D drawings are required to check specific tolerances and other requirements, so as to accurately calculate the price.

Portability of 2D drawings

Printed 2D technical drawings can be easily moved, shared and read in various environments.

Familiarity with 2D drawings

All manufacturers are familiar with CAD, but there are differences among the different digital formats. Drafting is a mature technique and the standards and symbols used on 2D drawings are recognized throughout the industry. Also, 2D drawings are usually faster to get quotes from suppliers than 3D drawings.

2D drawing information expression is more concise

Although the structure of the 3D diagram is intuitive and clear, and the relationship between the parts is clear, it can help explain some structural problems. Even people who have not learned professional knowledge in machinery can have a general understanding of the parts through the 3D diagram. However, it is difficult to rely on 3D diagrams to describe the material selection, hardness requirements, dimensional stability requirements at different temperatures, fracture structure of welded parts, strength requirements, fusion dimensions, etc.
A 2D drawing is the best way to communicate the technology of a part. A 2D drawing with dimensions, GD&T, title block and annotations can contain all the information needed to manufacture a part.

2D drawings enable faster lead times

This is much faster than using CAD software to measure important dimensions and reference open files. Fast quotes translate into fast manufacturing lead times, so we can get your parts as fast as possible!

2D drawings are more useful for quality inspection

2D drawings are important reference documents during quality inspection. After the parts are processed, the quality inspection department of Sujia will conduct another 100% full inspection, and then deliver them to the warehouse for delivery. At this time, it is convenient for the quality inspection engineer to hold the 2D drawing, which will provide a brief reference of the tolerances required to meet the key dimensions, the assembly method of the parts, important inspection points of the parts, and important references for quality control. 3D graphics are useless.

What should I do if there is a lack of 2D drawings?

When your order cannot be processed due to lack of 2D drawings, you can use 3D software to automatically generate 2D drawings from the 3D model. Currently, 3D software that supports automatic generation of 2D drawings includes Solidworks, UG, ProE, etc.

In conclusion

In our experience, customers who provide both 2D drawings and 3D part files experience fewer design errors, manufacture parts faster, and are more satisfied with the parts they receive. The time saved by the aforementioned 2D drawings far outweighs the time and money lost in rework and project delays due to anticipated miscommunication.

Hope the above content can help you!