How do I dimension patterns for manufacturing?
There is a flower pattern I was given a task to design for manufacturing purposes. I want to ask what is the best way to provide enough dimensions? (I have attached an image of the pattern I am talking about)
Accepted answer
Since it’s a repeating pattern, just dimension one of the star shapes completely. Then give dimensions to indicate the spacing and quantity of the pattern. You might specify key dimensions to check on the final part. Not all of them. Just the ones that need to be actually measured to verify the part was made correctly.
This part will probably need to be made using some kind of CNC process. So the CAD file will be used directly as a source to generate the g-codes. With that, most dimensions will be somewhat superfluous with the exception of the check dimensions you specify. What is more important than the general dimensions will be the accuracy of the CAD geometry. Errors there will translate directly into errors on the final part.
