RapidDirect Adds 2D Technical Drawing Features to its Instant Quote Platform

The instant quoting system was a massive improvement to the already high-class manufacturing platform at RapidDirect. The announcement of additional features to this instant quoting system throws the usefulness up a significant notch. The new 2D technical drawing features aim at optimizing the accuracy of CNC machining quotes, providing adequate solutions for getting high-quality parts within a short period.

The announcement of the instant quoting platform came back in June. The platform analyzes design data upon CAD file upload. It automatically generates quotations for customers to place orders and confirm details of their CNC machining services. It is a modern CNC machining system that can interpret the geometries of a part directly from the 3D CAD file.

Now, there are new features that drive the usefulness and sophistication of this platform up a significant notch. While they may not be prerequisites for requesting a quote, technical drawings are still of vast importance in the industry. They not only break down the specifications of the components but also improve the communication between engineers and machinists based on technical requirements.

Today, RapidDirect reveals an outstanding feature that allows engineers to upload their 2D drawings with desired tolerances and threads. At RapidDirect, there is a clear understanding of the importance of communicating manufacturing requirements with 2D drawings. While recent technological advances have seen CAD designs taking the central stage, 2D technical drawings also play crucial roles for special needs of tolerance and threads.

“At RapidDirect, we understand the rapid transition to digital workflow, which is why we created our instant quoting platform to help clients safe time while getting high-quality services,” said Leon Huang, CEO of RapidDirect. “Having to upload 2D drawings along with CAD files now make our platform even more valuable in helping customers reduce the hassle of stating components specifications. It also eases the friction in the communication process, enabling teams to fasten the production process without compromising quality.”

2D Technical Drawing and Its Importance in Product Development

The drafting process in manual 2D drawing can be tedious and time-consuming, leading to omission by some engineers at earlier stages of development. RapidDirect now automates and digitalizes the conventional manual process so that critical specifications can be communicated with ease. The result is higher quality components at every stage of production.

It is essential to include 2D drawings to orders whenever 3D CAD models include features of tolerances that may has special tolerance requirements. Besides, design that include internal or external threads will also require 2D technical drawings. It is impossible to convey these features in 3D CAD files. Best practices also require that CNC machining customers accompany their 3D CAD files with a 2D drawing when placing an order.

Now available through RapidDirect’s instant quoting platform is the new feature, enabling users to upload threads or tolerance 2D technical drawing. The combination of the 2D drawing and the 3D CAD model give a clear and detailed layout of the component, making it easy to understand. In case the tolerance is beyond the allowed standard, the algorithm would recognize it, and this would reflect as a change in price. Same applies to threads requirements that are beyond the standard.

An effective combination of both 3D model and 2D drawing files on a project gives a complete picture of the component in question. This helps to generate accurate quotations by providing complete or almost complete information about the component needed. The more information, the faster and more efficient the entire process of prototyping and low-volume production.

RapidDirect’s Instant Quote System Analyzes 2D Technical Drawings

Clients are allowed to upload 2D drawings that specify every important detail of a part. The details include how the part is expected to look, function, and feel. The 2D drawings will include at least a combination of the following:

• Physical tolerances and dimensions
• Types of threads, locations, and hole sizes
• Material type(s)
• Surface finishes
• Other critical dimensions

Right now our instant quote platform could allow users to specify materials and surface finishes, while the additional 2d technical drawing could help on threads, tolerance and more.

Threads

There are several different standards for threads. And these standards are either based on laid down standards or the choice based on special applications. The threads used in machining medical devices differ from those used for aircraft or in the automotive industry. The most commonly used threads are those found in the ISO thread (metric) and those in the UN (Unified National) series. Other standards include Whitworth, trapezoidal, knuckle, pipe, and buttress threads.

The algorithm on RapidDirect’s instant quoting platform could recognize ISO thread (metric) and UN (Unified National) series thread.

An example of the ISO thread (metric) standard in 2D technical drawing:

There are three basic classifications for the UN (Unified National) series thread standard. They include:

• UNC = Unified National Coarse Series
• UNF = Unified National Fine Series
• UNEF = Unified National Extra Fine Series

Below is a general representation of the UN series thread:

Currently, RapidDirect’s platform can recognize the Unified National Coarse (UNC) threads and the Unified National Fine (UNF) threads as well.

Tolerance

In terms of tolerance, the standard tolerance at RapidDirect is ±0.125mm (±0.005”). The algorithm in this platform could recognize “millimeters” and “inches.” Therefore, clients can note special tolerance requests in the 2D drawing. The smallest or tightest tolerance algorithm could recognize is ±0.025mm.

The Ever-Growing RapidDirect Instant Quote System

While RapidDirect’s instant quotation platform may be relatively young, it comes with a growing algorithm. Every feature added to this quoting tool is directed towards making it ideal. “We are devoted to bridging the gap between people and manufacturing,” says Leon Huang, CEO RapidDirect. “This way, we can make sure that the manufacturing process is easier and a lot straightforward. Meanwhile, every client can expect to see more features in the future to meet their unique needs.”

RapidDirect leverages the learning algorithm to quickly interpret the geometry of a 3D CAD design and provide a 2D drawing. Therefore, It becomes even easier to identify the main specifications, functions, dimensions, and many other critical features of the part. All in all, all of these make it easier to access the cost of the CNC machining services. Every aspect of the company’s operations is directed towards meeting specified standards and ensuring customer satisfaction, bringing ideas into reality.