A man using a pencil and ruler to create drawings by Thirdman
Fabrication drawings are one of the most important parts of the construction process, as they define elements and minimize damages. It paves the way for a detailed understanding of the building and bridges the gap between design and construction.
In this blog, we will learn what the different types of fabrication drawings are and how they can help to streamline processes in your next construction project.
Table of Contents:
What are Fabrication Drawings?
Fabrication shop drawings are a type of detailed drawings in the steel industry that are made by the fabricator, manufacturer, or contractor.
These drawings represent fabrication standards, elevations, and sections with welding data and dimensions.
Every functional information of the building is present in these drawings which is in the form of construction documents.
Say if the documentation is created for staircase fabrication drawings, it will incorporate the list of material parts, the bill of these materials, and different methods that will be used to work on the fabrication.
The relevant codes and standards are used to ascertain the materials that will be used for construction.
The drawings are made with a high level of accuracy and help in ensuring there are no delays or damages during the construction of the structure.
It is an asset to the construction of the building as the software used ensures that there are no errors and that promises a better quality. The work is done only after the shop drawings for steel fabrication are ready.
Let’s give you a lot more clarity on the types of fabrication drawings and how each one of them impacts the quality of the building structure.
Image by A man using a pencil and ruler to create drawings by Thirdman
Types of Fabrication Drawings
There are 3 primary types of fabrication drawings. Each of these drawings plays an instrumental role in successfully carrying out the construction project. The 3 types include:
Single part drawings
Assembly drawings
General arrangement drawings
Single part drawings
Single part drawings mostly attend to the intricately complex information of the fabrication work. These drawings are done on A4 sheet paper and contain the specific details for the weight, cutting, and dimensions of the materials in use.
The document incorporates the part that needs fabrication by the welder. It specifies the material and surface finish.
To ensure good quality, the drawings shouldn’t incorporate more details than necessary. It often comes with this list of very precise information
Material Specification
Weld Location and Type
Angular Dimensions incorporating Tolerances
Linear Dimensions incorporating Tolerances
Flat patterns incorporating bend lines
Weight
The details given should be enough to allow the component to be built without referring to different resources
It should incorporate tolerances wherever required and indicate the location and size of the different features.
The structural steel shop drawings also incorporate details about the heat treatment that might be necessary for different materials along with the finishing details.
Image by Instruments and Paper containing measurements of the house by Anete Lusina
Assembly drawings
These fabrication drawings provide every detail to the welder with regards to the assembly of all the different parts for a single assembly. The documentation is done on larger A3 sheet size.
This includes the core part and then the different secondary parts that need to be welded and bolted into the primary part.
Once the individual constituents are done, the welder is required to assemble all of them by using the assembly drawings.
You will find the demonstration of a product or structure with its specific elements connected in their indicated working positions.
The different components are assembled at the utility sites and the fabrication drawings ensure that every part matches and fits with the other.
Image by A man working on his office desk by Tima Miroshnichenko
General arrangement drawings
The general arrangement (GA) drawings are perceived to be the master plan drawings that showcase how effectively the various parts fit together.
It also incorporates several drawing angles. These drawings display the structure’s model created in BIM from the most fitting direction.
BIM workflow or Computer-Aided Design is used to create these fabrication drawings and demonstrate what the structure looks like. It provides a superior view of the complex details and areas.
A few refer to the GA drawings as location drawings as they illustrate the locations of different components and assembled structures.
Image by People sitting and having a discussion by Pixabay
Why are Fabrication Shop Drawings Necessary for Your Next Project?
There are several advantages of fabrication shop drawings that refrain things from going wrong at the construction sites.
Your engineers and architects will have access to the same set of drawings, giving them an insight into the entire structure of the building.
Not only will they be on the same page, but it will also help them to compare the specifications through these drawings.
The detailed view and complete clarity of the materials required will help in avoiding any shortage of supply during the construction process. This will help in avoiding delays and keeping the project in alignment with the timeline.
The rectifications and revisions are first done on the drawings and this aids in avoiding any major mishap.
All stakeholders on the project will have access to them, ensuring there is no miscommunication.
Of course, the most critical benefit of these fabrication drawings is the high level of precision. All the measurements are taken way before the construction begins. This certifies extreme accuracy in execution and saves a lot of time and money.
Fabrication drawings are the core strength of the construction process and can aid in affecting the profitability of your next construction project.
Image by A person using a compass by Tima Miroshnichenko
Conclusion
Fabrication drawings are significantly essential to reduce the complexities and perplexities of the construction process.
The advantages of outsourcing superior quality fabrication shop drawings from a shop drawing company are boundless. It makes the entire building process way smoother and aids in saving resources by minimalizing or eluding any alterations during the construction.
Does your next construction project require Fabrication drawings? We highly recommend hiring a great shop drawing services provider who can provide the most accurate and good quality shop drawings.
BluEntCAD offers superior quality drafting services and works closely with every stakeholder involved in the project. We ensure the fabrication drawings go through a rigorous review process. Our company has a team of experienced designers, architects, and drafters who can assist you in successfully delivering your next construction projects.
Let our detailed fabrication drawings and shop drawing service experts speak for themselves. To know more about our services at BluEntCAD or get a free consultation, connect with us!
