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Technical drawing for CNC machining
From the drawing to the CNC program: Find out how a CNC drawing is produced and how you can have a CNC drawing created.
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Technical drawing for CNC machining
Despite sophisticated technology and the wealth of information that a 3D CAD file may contain, the delivery of a CNC drawing is advantageous in many cases. For complex components, such a drawing is even a must and sometimes your assurance that your components will be produced exactly according to your wishes. Never created a CNC drawing before?
We’ll show you how!
What is a technical CNC drawing?
The CNC drawing describes and documents a CNC design in detail so that it can then be implemented seamlessly.
A technical CNC drawing consists of several components:
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The title block
The title block is located at the bottom right of the document. This contains basic information about the CNC drawing, such as the names of the designers, project managers and inspectors responsible for the component to be produced. Of course, the company name is also included. It also contains important information on materials, scales, projection angles and instructions for surface processing.
The coordinates
Coordinates are particularly useful as a means of communication if the component exceeds a certain size or has complex specifications. In this case, the coordinates are set at the edges of the drawing.
Orthographic views
The orthographic data is geometric information about the component. They can also describe additional features using hidden lines that are crucial for the design. They are displayed in either 2D or 3D. More viewing angles are often an advantage, but two to three orthographic views are usually sufficient.
The isometric view
The isometric view is a 3D representation and although it is not absolutely necessary for some components, it is beneficial for the high-quality production of the component. This is because the isometric view can be used to obtain detailed data on the orientation of the component and the installation direction.
The sectional views
As the saying goes, it’s the inner values that count! Sectional views in 2D provide a cross-section of the interior of the parts to be produced. In the best case, they are positioned in line with orthographic views. The orthographic view makes it clear exactly where the cut was made for the sectional view.
The detailed view
If special attention needs to be paid to a certain area of the component, for example because it is particularly complex or difficult to dimension, it is advisable to create a detailed view. Practically any area can be highlighted as a detail. Use a letter to make it clear to the viewer exactly which part of the orthographic view is involved. Additional notes for the product manufacturer can be filled in and placed either directly above the title block or at the bottom left of the drawing.
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Good to know
Why is a CNC drawing important?
A professionally prepared CNC drawing plays an important role in the manufacturing process as an additional document. If a component has threads, tolerances or different surface finishes, it must also be submitted. There are several reasons for this:
Surface structures
Certain requirements, such as internal and external threads or individual surface structures, cannot always be fully captured and conveyed in a 3D CAD file. A two-dimensional CNC drawing does.
Explicit notes
Further information such as dimensions, capacities and tolerances allow a better, visual imagination of the manufacturer. They help to fully understand the detailed objectives of the component.
Tolerances
In the event of any deviations from the standard, such as tolerances, CNC drawings provide all the necessary information. As a result, no questions remain unanswered and nothing stands in the way of a fast production process.
Many CNC suppliers enjoy working with CNC drawings and in some cases even prefer them to 3D CAD drawings. This is because geometries can be quickly adapted from 2D drawings and all details are easy to read. The 3D CAD file is used to program the machine, while the two-dimensional CNC drawing can be useful as an additional reference within the individual production steps.
Brief description
How can you create a CNC drawing?
It took a few years from the drawing to the CAD program. But don’t worry, you no longer have to create CNC drawings manually. There are now a number of software tools for this. A modern 3D CAD program already has a function for creating CNC drawings based on the existing 3D model of the component to be manufactured.
The following seven steps can help you to create a CNC drawing:
Step 1Select a template
Most programs have either standardized ASTM, DIN or ISO templates that you can work with. If you have the know-how, you can also create your own from scratch. Make sure you have enough space to add the dimensions.
Step 2Create orthographic, detailed and sectional views
Now the orthographic view of your CNC drawing is important. Place it in the center. If your component has complex features or you want to make sure that a detail that is difficult to see is not overlooked, also create detail and section views.
Step 3Set the construction lines
Now draw the construction lines in all views. The center lines are essential to show planes and symmetry axes as well as center markings and center marking patterns for the representation of hole centers and circle patterns.
Step 4Specify all dimensions
Particular attention should be paid to this step, as incorrect information or discrepancies on the part of the client can cause the production process to stall or even necessitate a new production run. Specify the overall dimensions first, followed by the dimensions of the key features and finally those of the remaining features.
Tip: Several identical features with the same diameter can also be indicated simply for a better overview. For example, if your component has 5 holes with a diameter of 3 cm next to each other, the specification 5x ø2.0 cm is sufficient.
Step 5Add details to your threads
Now the details of your threads are required. This requires the position, length and size of all threads.
Step 6Mark tolerance deviations
Are there details in your drawing that need to be emphasized because they deviate from the standard tolerances at this point? Then now is the time to add them to the features.
Step 7Complete and check your drawing
Add information in the title block. It is also important to provide the manufacturer with special instructions in the section provided. These include specific requirements or requests regarding the surface finish. You can then upload the file.
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Conclusion
Have a technical drawing for CNC milling created now
Would you like to save time and money? Then why not leave the creation of your CNC drawing to us as part of the CNC milling process? We are your partner when it comes to modern CNC manufacturing and offer all services and manufacturing processes under one roof. Our fully digital order process makes ordering components easier than ever and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback is even included!
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