Picture files used on drawings
Picture files used on drawings
(OP)
On a few occasions I have been asked to insert/embed a jpeg file onto a drawings sheet and with the exception of one time have told engineering that this is a practice I would like to stay away from for the following reasons:
1. Clarity, graphics files typically do not have the best resolution and when plotted appear dark (large amount of toner) and copies of the original are even darker
2. Cannot detail a graphics file using cad software, need to use a program like "paint" to put in leader lines and such.
3. Graphics files tend to make the file size large
We strive to follow the ASME Y14 specification series and I cannot find anything that covers this practice.
I would like to get some feedback on this practice and if it should be avoided.
Thanks
Lon
1. Clarity, graphics files typically do not have the best resolution and when plotted appear dark (large amount of toner) and copies of the original are even darker
2. Cannot detail a graphics file using cad software, need to use a program like "paint" to put in leader lines and such.
3. Graphics files tend to make the file size large
We strive to follow the ASME Y14 specification series and I cannot find anything that covers this practice.
I would like to get some feedback on this practice and if it should be avoided.
Thanks
Lon





RE: Picture files used on drawings
If the picture serves to clarify the features, helps the machinist visualise the part, and prevents errors, then use it. I often add shaded isometric views when detailing more complex part drawings, and they are usually appreciated in the machine shop.
RE: Picture files used on drawings
Y14.24M-1989 ¶ 1.4 does state that such methods "are a concern of this Standard only to the extent that the drawing satisfies its intended purpose."
I agree though that they are better avoided.
"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - Robert Hunter
RE: Picture files used on drawings
Big help, huh?
"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - Robert Hunter
RE: Picture files used on drawings
I do not have ASME Y14.4m either, but it got me thinking, and that might be dangerous.
I do have the Genum "Modern Drafting & Standards Manual" and in there it defines pictorial drawings as either isometric, trimetric or oblique drawn views.
It includes a paragraph referencing "photo inserts" and mentions, among other things, that "care should be exercised to ensure that it's reproduction qualities are unimpared when a photo copy or microfilm is produced."
I have a copy of mil-std-100g and mil-dtl-31000, but have not had the time to look through them yet.
Just trying to stay away from the slippery slope of doing this on a regular basis for the reasons mentioned in my original post.
Thanks again,
Lon
RE: Picture files used on drawings
If it can be interpreted in more than one way, or not allow for complete definition, such a method should be rejected. The key is that such methods have to satisfy the intent of the drawing.
"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - Robert Hunter
RE: Picture files used on drawings
Sometimes the compromise is to trace over the picture and create a line drawing.
RE: Picture files used on drawings
Jim Sykes, P.Eng, GDTP-S
Profile Services www.profileservices.ca
TecEase, Inc. www.tec-ease.com
RE: Picture files used on drawings
That said, for all but the simplest assemblies we often create detailed assembly instructions where we will often use a lot of photographs. However, even here line drawings often end up being clearer.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Picture files used on drawings
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RE: Picture files used on drawings
In many industries, engineering drives manufacturing, and full documentation per applicable standards is required whether by company mandate or governmental.
Other industries allow manufacturing to drive engineering, which leads to an extensive "tribal knowledge" type of documentation.
I much prefer the former.
"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - Robert Hunter
RE: Picture files used on drawings
I definitely agree - with your first point.
The 'tribal knowledge,' though does get the part made right. I don't know - after 20 more years experience maybe I can educate manufacturing, bit by bit, and get things the way they should be.
RE: Picture files used on drawings
"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - Robert Hunter