Revisions … so many printouts, which one is correct?
Revisions mean you can easily and efficiently keep track of what’s changing and why. Without a solid revision system, changes may be lost and items could be manufactured to old drawings.
- In the initial stages, drawings should be labelled Draft00, Draft01 etc. The purpose of draft revisions is that many changes are expected in the initial stages of development.
- Once the drawing is deemed suitable for release, the revision should be changed to Released to “re-set” the changes.
- Revision tables should show what has changed between releases.
This is used by the manufacturer to identify what he needs to adjust for the next item. - This title block clearly shows all the necessary information needed to keep track of the drawing revision changes:
For ultimate control of models and drawings, nothing goes past a PDM (Product Data Management) system. However, a PDM system is only as good as the processes you have in place. Without the backup of robust processes, a PDM will only automate a poor system … creating an even bigger headache! Setting up a PDM is a subject in itself and we’d be happy to provide advice as to how to implement one should you require.