With digital technologies and 3D modeling taking the lead in the industry today, 2D drawings might seem obsolete. However, 2D drawings still play a crucial role in sourcing custom components.
Manufacturers that provide custom part services based on 2D drawings make for faster communication of design requirements and flexibility, among many other benefits.
In this article, we’ll dive into the top three reasons why 2D drawings still matter when ordering custom components.
What Is a 2D Drawing?
A 2D drawing is a two-dimensional representation of a design. These drawings include all the details for a part, such as:
- Dimensions
- Geometric dimensions and tolerances
- Material
- Surface treatments
- Hardness requirements
- Surface roughness requirements
- And other important specifications
A 2D drawing can contain all necessary information for a manufacturer to fully understand a design and bring it to life.
2D Drawings vs. 3D Models
2D drawings, as mentioned above, are two dimensional representations of designs. 3D models are three-dimensional models of a design that are created in a 3D modeling software like SOLIDWORKS.
Both types provide guidelines for a manufacturer create custom parts.
3 Reasons 2D Drawings Are Still Used by Manufacturers
Both 2D and 3D drawings each have their advantages. Specifically, 2D drawings allow a design to be communicated with clarity and precision, ease, and flexibility.
1. Clarity and Precision
A 2D drawing allows for all requirements to be noted and clearly laid out on the drawing, providing a clear picture of the design for a manufacturer. These notes could include surface roughness, surface treatment, material, tolerance, and documentation requirements.
Having specific requirements listed on the 2D drawing creates a clear and precise outline of the parts requirements.
2. Ease of Communication
All the details of a design are laid out for you in a 2D drawing without having to do any measuring or digging into a 3D model to find it. A 3D model has these details, but you have to know how to use the software to find it yourself.
A 2D drawing allows for a manufacturer to understand the expectations quickly and easily for a design and provide an accurate quote for the cost of manufacturing the design.
Having a 2D drawing also allows for a manufacturer to easily make notes on a drawing with questions or conditions to be communicated to the designer.
3. Flexibility
A 2D drawing allows for flexibility in the way it is shared and reviewed. A 2D drawing can be printed out and taken anywhere from a shop floor to a meeting room to be reviewed without needing a computer.
A physical copy of a 2D drawing can be marked up with notes for design changes and used as a reference during the redesign phase.
Need a Custom Part? Easily Upload a 2D Drawing
MISUMI offers custom services for both modifications to standard parts and fully custom components based on 2D drawings. To get started, you can submit a request at any time.
Once we receive a request, you’ll receive a quote in 1-3 business days. You will be given a MISUMI custom part number to be able to place your order. This part number will stay the same and can be requoted and reordered at any time.
To get started, you can submit a request at any time. Have questions? Reach out to our team at customparts@misumiusa.com.
