A good engineering drawing should make the manufacturer’s job easier.
It should answer the questions needed to make and inspect the part without forcing people to guess.
## Put dimensions where they make sense
Avoid unnecessary crossing dimensions and confusing references.
Dimensions should communicate the design intent.
## Use views strategically
Do not add ten views just because the CAD software can generate them.
Use the minimum number of views needed to describe the part clearly.
Add section views when internal geometry needs explanation.
## Separate critical from non-critical requirements
A drawing filled with tight tolerances everywhere becomes difficult to manufacture and difficult to inspect.
Identify the features that actually matter.
## Include material information
Specify the material grade and relevant condition where required.
A generic note such as “Aluminium” may not be enough for a production part.
## Think about surface finish
Only control surfaces where function or appearance requires it.
## Add useful manufacturing notes
Depending on the part, useful notes may cover:
– Deburring – Edge breaking – Surface treatment – Welding – Heat treatment – Plating – Coating – Inspection
## Make the drawing inspectable
A dimension that cannot reasonably be measured is a communication problem.
Consider how quality will verify the requirement.
## Final drawing check
Before release, ask a manufacturing engineer or experienced technician to look at it.
Sometimes one practical comment from the shop floor can improve a drawing more than a long CAD review.
The drawing is not decoration.
It is the manufacturing instruction.