Proper method of drafting structural frames of welded tubes
Proper method of drafting structural frames of welded tubes
(OP)
I'm used to drafting precision mechanical components with well defined tolerances, feature positions and use of locating pins for assembly etc. Basically CNC machined components that fit together nicely and where each individual part can be separated out nicely and can be drafted easily.
But for jobs involving metal structural frames created from welded metal tube extrusions, whats the proper way of drafting these parts? I'm new to drafting welded stuff.
Say I want to draft the assembly of a metal frame comprised of welded metal tube extrusions. What is the proper way to draft them, especially if the structure is large and the tubes look like lines at that scane?
When I'm doing drafts of each separate part component. Should I have draft orthographic views for each individual tube, and then another draft orthographc view for when those individual tubes are welded together (into a welded single part)? Or just one for the final welded part showing where the weldments should go? Then comes the assembly. This can get messy when you have a large frame structure.
But for jobs involving metal structural frames created from welded metal tube extrusions, whats the proper way of drafting these parts? I'm new to drafting welded stuff.
Say I want to draft the assembly of a metal frame comprised of welded metal tube extrusions. What is the proper way to draft them, especially if the structure is large and the tubes look like lines at that scane?
When I'm doing drafts of each separate part component. Should I have draft orthographic views for each individual tube, and then another draft orthographc view for when those individual tubes are welded together (into a welded single part)? Or just one for the final welded part showing where the weldments should go? Then comes the assembly. This can get messy when you have a large frame structure.





RE: Proper method of drafting structural frames of welded tubes
Basically there are 2 ways to create your framework - either using individually modelled parts that can have their own detail drawings, or using Frames and just drawing the overall assembly.
Neither is the right or wrong way - it just depends on how your company works.
If possible I would use Frames and draw the overall assembly. You can then let the manufacturer decide how he creates the joints, makes weld allowances etc.
bc.
Core i5-3570 @3.4GHz , 8GB RAM
Quadro FX4600. W7 Pro 64-bit.
RE: Proper method of drafting structural frames of welded tubes
Tony
RE: Proper method of drafting structural frames of welded tubes
bc.
Core i5-3570 @3.4GHz , 8GB RAM
Quadro FX4600. W7 Pro 64-bit.
RE: Proper method of drafting structural frames of welded tubes
What is the proper way of presenting them in 2D orthographic and isometric views for engineering drafts for say documentation and manufacturing etc?
For precision components this is easy and I'm used to it. When it comes to frames I have little experience, since they are extremely unprecise. Also, they can be awkward and clunky looking, so an isometric view with all the dimensioning can be challenging.
If the frame is large, the isometric or orthographic view can look like a bunch of sticks. How do you properly provide good location between the components?
Do you know of examples of such engineering draft documentation involving welded frames that I can take a look at for reference. I am using ANSI standard, but ISO and or ANSI will be great.