Control of drawing revision in title block

[guptara]

o make my query easy to understand, let’s assume a hypothetical situation:

I create a model of a part "A" and assign its drawing a number, say 001.

Now assume that over a period of 1 year this drawing (i.e. 001) is used in 5 different jobs J1, J2, J3, J4 and J5.

Also assume that the higher assemblies (where drawing 001 was used) were different in each job , say H1, H2, H3, H4 and H5 respectively.

Now, after one year, I modify the part "A" to cut down its cost or some other reason. I believe a CAD program will update the drawing 001 of that part incorporating the changes.

My question is:

How do we keep a track of all the higher assemblies/sub-assemblies where part "A" is being used (since it ws created)? The reason why we need to do that is to update their drawing revision to next level, as a part on those assemblies/subassemblies has been revised.

Any help ??

 

[ewh]

I have often seen a "where used" block on the drawing format which lists the assemblies which that part goes into. It is a procedure that works only if it is updated as it is used in later assemblies.

 

[ewh]

You might also try posting this question in the Engineering Configuration Management forum for more feedback.

 

[btrueblood]

In general, you need to update the higher level assembly drawings only if the lower-level part has changed in form, fit or function. If the new part rev. has not affected the 3 F's, then updating assembly drawings is optional.

 

[ctopher]

Same as btrueblood. But we update PL's either way the dwgs rev's are updated. Assy's don't change unless it is 3 F's. We inorporate "next assy" and "used on" in our formats.
In a lot of military/space programs in USA or Europe, if the revision is a major rev, it is one of the 3 F's, minor rev is not. A complete redesign of the part/assy requires a new part no. I use SolidWorks CAD. If the part changes, the dwg and assy will update. PDMWorks can keep track of the revisions for you.

Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP2.0 / PDMWorks 05
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[McLeod]

"Next assembly" blocks on drawings are the historical method used when the drawings are the only method available for traceability. Many manufacturers use a configuration management system instead - it maintains a database of part and assembly relationships. Ours is old, and not linked to our CAD system, but it works. The "where used" command would provide the information you're seeking.

Your CAD system may incorporate something similar. Solid Edge, for example, has a Revision Manager app which includes a "where used" command.

 

[drawoh]

guptara,

I have better things to do than to try to keep a "WHERE USED" block up to date. Follow a few simple rules...

1. Do not call up the drawing revision number of fabricated parts on parts lists or on parts bins.

2. When you need the part, order using the latest revision of the drawing. You can log the revision number on your purchase order.

3. Do not change form, fit or function of a part.

4. If a part must be modified, generate a new part number, either by tabulating the drawing, or by generating a new drawing.

Your drawing revisions will consist of corrections to errors on the original drawing, and perhaps one or two clarifications to something that was obfuscated.

Since the part does not change, you can use it in as many places as you want, and you do not have to keep track of it.

JHG

 

[aamoroso]

Your ECN system should address those issues. Perhaps it is time to look into having an ECN system, I wish our boss wasn't such a micromgr and let us implement one because not having one is more work to show the same results.

Fill what's empty. Empty what's full. And scratch where it itches.