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The Engineering Change Process

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1. General
Depending on the size of a business, the engineering change
process involves many facets. Contrary to conventional
wisdom, the change process does not always originate in the
engineering function. For example, marketing may deem it
appropriate to initiate changes in a product because of market
conditions or cost; however, engineering is the conduit through
which the changes are made. In the aggregate and aside from
the marketing and financial considerations, changes usually
originate within the engineering or drafting function.
The quantity of paperwork required to process an engineering
change is directly proportional to the complexity of the
product, the formality required to introduce the change, and the
size of the organization. For example, in military contracts the
revision process is highly structured because of funding and
trade-off assessments before effecting the change

Originator/Responsible Engineer
Scope Change
Determine Preliminary Impact
Review with Drafting
Prepare ECN

Drafting Specifications
Assign ECN Numbers
Perform Where-Used Check
Prepare Change Package
Submit for Review and Approval

Section K10.0
Page 1
November 1987*

and physically revising the drawing. Also, products such as

nuclear power systems that come under other regulatory review
require elaborate investigation, assessment, and determination
as to the feasibility of the change.
At the other end of the spectrum, small businesses may not
require extensive reviews before making a change. The
cohesiveness of the organization may well dictate a simpler
form of change procedure. With these considerations in mind,
the following algorithm (Figure 10-1) provides an abbreviated
but ready reference to the flow of engineering paperwork for a
typical engineering operation. It is intended solely as a reference guide. It may be altered to suit specific operations and
provided to other in-plant users.
This is the end of the text to Section K10.0.

{}

From the Site

From a Supplier
From a Customer
From Marketing
From Manufacturing
From Internal Reviews
From Drafting Errors

Administrative or nontechnical changes do

not require an ECN number but do require
engineering approval and reissue.

Responsible Engineer
Perform Review
Identify Reviewers and Verifiers
Identify Distribution Requirements

Review as Applicable
Engineering Interface
Materials
Procurement
Manufacturing
Cost Estimating
Quality Assurance
Document Quality
Spares and Renewal Parts
Technical Publications

Figure 10-1. An Algorithim for Engineering Changes. Need for Change Identified.

GENIUM PUBLISHING

* New

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1.0 General
This section defines practices for revising documentation such as a drawing, parts list, wiring list, data list, etc.
Drawing changes usually originate from suppliers, manufacturing, and inspection where errors have been found in
the documentation or due to the complexity of the product. The following is the flow of a typical change system:
A. A change is recommended by submitting a Document Change Request (DCR).
B. Engineering determines the impact of the change.
C. If a change is acceptable, engineering prepares a Document Change Notice (DCN).
D. A DCN number is assigned.
E. A change package is prepared.
F. The suggested change is reviewed and approved.
G. As applicable, the change is reviewed by:
Engineering
Materials
Procurement
Manufacturing
Cost estimating
Quality Assurance
Document quality
Spares and renewal parts
Technical publications
H. Distribution requirements are identified.
I.

The document is changed.

2.0 Applicable Documents

The following reference documents contain additional information and should be used when applicable.
Department of Defense (DoD) contracts must be in accordance with the Acquisition Reform Policy Memo 98-2.
ASME Y14.5

Dimensioning and Tolerancing

ASME Y14.24

Types and Applications of Engineering Drawings

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ASME Y14.34

Associated Lists

ASME Y14.35

Revision of Engineering Drawings and Associated Documents

ASME Y14.38

Abbreviations and Acronyms

Section 10.1
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ASME Y14.100 Engineering Drawing Practices

3.0 Definitions
Advance Document Change Notice (ADCN) The advance change notice is an approved revision that will be
incorporated on the drawing at a later date. A pre-released ADCN requires only the approval of the design
activity. It is used for rapid changes where an emergency condition exists or when other changes may be pending.
The ADCN is issued only for one drawing.
Approval An endorsement applied manually or electronically attesting to the correctness of a document or a
revision made to a document. Approval is different from the approval of the design.
Associated Documents General reference to documentation supportive of and directly related to drawing
content, such as a parts list, wiring list, etc.
Bill of Material (BOM) The "parts list" of components needed to complete an end-item.
Canceled Drawing A drawing that has been removed from the drawing system and from all next assemblies. A
superseded or obsolete drawing is considered a canceled drawing. The drawing number is no longer used.
Commercial and Government Entity Code (CAGE Code) A five digit numeric code listed in the Cataloging
Handbook H4/H8 which is assigned to commercial and government activities that manufacture or develop items
for the government. For the commercial sector, where there is no requirement for the CAGE Code; line through
the CAGE Code in the title block.
Configuration Management (CM) A discipline applying technical and administrative controls to:
A. Identification and documentation of physical and functional characteristics of configuration items.
B. Any change to characteristics of those configuration items.
C. Recording and reporting of change processing and implementation of the system.
Data List A compilation of all engineering drawings, associated lists, specifications, standards, and associated
data. A data list is a company document necessary to meet technical design disclosure requirements.
Design Activity, Current The current design activity is the party, be it a governmental entity, commercial
vendor, contractor, company, department, or other entity, currently and actively responsible for the product
design, preparation and maintenance of drawings, and related documents for the item.
Design Activity, Original The original party responsible for the product design, preparation and maintenance
of drawings, and related documents for the item. The original design activity may, or may not, be the same entity
as the current design activity.

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Digital Data Data created and stored on a computer system that employs a display on which the user and the
computer interact to create layouts, drawings, numerical control tapes, CD-ROM, DVD or other removable or
permanent engineering data.
Document A drawing, specification, list, standard, pamphlet, report or other printed or typewritten material
pertaining to design, procurement, manufacturing, testing, acceptance or inspection of an item, process or service.
Document Change Notice (DCN) A document that gives authorization for changes that has been incorporated
on a drawing. The DCN is issued only against one drawing.
Document Change Request (DCR) A document used to officially request drawing changes. The DCR
constitutes a request until approved by the responsible design activity. A DCR may be initiated by personnel
outside or within the design activity. After the DCR is approved it is implemented by drafting as an ADCN or
DCN. The DCR is issued only against one document.
Document Management System (DMS) A computer system (or set of computer programs) used to track and
store electronic documents and images of paper documents. This is also called Document Control.
Drawing An engineering document or digital file that portrays, directly or indirectly, the physical and
functional requirements of an item. The drawing may be graphical, textual or a combination of both.
Drawing Change A change authorized and recorded on a Drawing Change Notice (DCN).
Engineering Change Notice (ECN) A document which records or authorizes a change to a design. The reasons
for the change may also be recorded.
Engineering Change Order (ECO) Same as an ECN.
Engineering Change Request (ECR) Same as a DCR.
Fit The ability of an item to physically interface or interconnect with or become an integral part of another item.
Form The physical parameters of an item such as shape, size, mass, and other physical properties.
Function The action(s) of what an item is designed to perform.
Inactivated Drawing Removing a drawing from active status and no longer using. Inactivate documents are
retained and may be reactivated for use in the future.
Interchangeable Items capable of being installed, removed or replaced without sustaining damage, or causing
misalignment, damage to, or interference with adjoining parts or portions of the complete assembly without
modification or selection. Interchangeable items are equivalent in characteristics of operation, performance,
durability, serviceability, structural strength, material, protective finish and safety.
Item A nonspecific item reference to any specific product, part, assembly, equipment or unit.

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Obsolete Drawing (inactive, canceled) An obsolete drawing is one which has been replaced by another
drawing with the same number, and shall be marked OBSOLETE. The replacement drawing shall have the next
higher revision letter and all previous revision entries removed and REDRAWN WITHOUT CHANGE or
REDRAWN WITH CHANGE with a description of the changes.
Original The design activitys original document.
Parts List A compilation of all parts and bulk materials used in an item. It does not include consumables used
to support the process, such as cleaning solvents or cutting fluids.
Product Definition The sum of the geometry, dimensional information and related documentation that
identifies the form and function of a part.
Redrawn A new original drawing with the same drawing number that has been substituted for a previous
original drawing that has been destroyed or lost.
Revision Changes made to an original or associated document, after release, that require the revision level to be
advanced.
Revision Authorization Document A document that is the recognized authority for making a change such as a
Engineering Change Notice (ECN) or Engineering Change Order (ECO).
Revision History Block A designated area on the drawing reserved for describing or summarizing revisions to
the drawing and for recording certain specifics regarding the revisions.
Revision Symbol A small circle approximately .375 inches in diameter placed near where the change is being
made. It encompasses the revision letter and change item number such as B3.
Superseded A notation in the revision block to indicate that a document has been replaced by another document
with a different document number or to indicate a new original.

4.0 Initiating a Change

4.1 Document Change Request (DCR) Form Design This is also called an Engineering Change Request
(ECR). The DCR is used to request a document change, and it may be initiated by any individual inside or outside
the project. Engineering has the primary responsibility for approving a DCR. On receipt of an approved DCR the
drafting organization determines the correct procedure for implementing the change. There is no DCR form given
in any standard. A company DCR form needs to be designed with the following suggested entries blocks:
Title
Document Change Request title
Company name, address and GAGE Code
Requestor
Name and E-mail address of person requesting the change
Document number, title, and revision letter or date of document

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Action requested with attachments if needed

Subject blocks:
Clarification
Cost reduction
Customer change
Drafting error
Design change
Maintenance
Manufacturing
Operations
Packaging
QC
Safety
Software
Document Owner
DCR number
Current revision letter
Date received
Action to be taken:
Accept DCR as is or with modification
Accept DCR and forward to reviewers
Reviewer name & signature with date of submitted comments
Reject DCR with reason
Final Action
Incorporated as written
Incorporated with modification
Not incorporated
Withdrawn by the originator
Signature and date
Official Approvals and Dates
Provide room for as many approvals as needed

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5.0 Drawing Advance Document Change Notice (ADCN) or Document Change Notice (DCN)
(Approval signatures on an ADCN or DCN are equal to those on the drawing).
5.1 Revisions On Drawings - Revisions incorporated on drawings are normally authorized by an ADCN/DCN.
5.2 ADCN/DCN Rules Rules relating to the revision authorization documents identified as ADCN and DCN.
5.2.1 A revision letter to be incorporated on the original drawing is assigned for each ADCN/DCN. Each change
is described on the ADCN/DCN using the drawing zones for the change location.
5.2.2 If there are several ADCN/DCN that have not been assigned revision letters, they shall be incorporated at
the same time as a group. The incorporation of several ADCN/DCN shall raise the revision letter by one level.

6.0 Drawing Change Classification

When considering a change to a drawing of an existing part or assembly, the change classification must be
determined as to whether a revision letter is advanced or a new drawing identity is given.
6.1 New Drawing Identity The following criteria is used for determining when a new drawing is prepared with
a new drawing number or given a new tabulated dash number. This is sometimes called a CLASS 1 change.
A. When performance or durability is affected to such an extent that items must be superseded for reasons of
safety or malfunction.
B. When parts, or subassemblies, are changed to such an extent that the existing items are not
interchangeable with previous items.
C. When replaced items are limited to use on specific models, while the new parts are not limited.
D. When a procured item has been altered or specified via a catalog number.
E. When changes affect interchangeable, repairable assemblies that contain non-interchangeable parts.
F. When non-interchangeable parts and their next progressively higher assemblies must be changed.
6.2 Changes Requiring a Revision Level Advancement Revisions may be made to existing drawings when
the conditions listed in 6.1 do not apply. Revisions are accomplished by adding, deleting, crossing out, or by
redrawing a drawing. This is sometimes called a CLASS 2 change.
6.2.1 Other Revisions Requiring a Revision Level Advancement and Recorded in the Revision History block:
A. Changing the Security Classification.
B. Changing the CAGE Code.
C. Changing the Rights in Data.

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Revision of Engineering Drawings

6.3 Changes Not Requiring a Revision Level Advancement The following revisions must be stated in the
Revision History block without changing the revision letter or having an ADCN or DCN:
A. Adding a CAGE Code within the Title Block.
B. Adding a Distribution Statement.
C. A drawing identified as redrawn without change is replaced with a drawing of duplicate requirements of
the original. Names of the individuals whose signatures appear in the original Title Block are lettered in
the new original Title Block. The notation REDRAWN WITHOUT CHANGE shall be added to the
Revision History block.
D. Weight information.
E. Misspelled words.
F. Missing arrowheads.
G. Missing dimensions.
H. When an item is changed in such a way that it necessitates a corresponding change to an operational, selftest, or maintenance-test program. In this case, the part number identification of the item and its next
assembly and all progressively higher assemblies must be changed up to and including the assembly
where the program is affected.

7.0 Revision History Block

The Revision History block contains the zones where the changes have been made in the ZONE column, change
letter in the revision (REV) column, the change(s) or reference to an ADCN/DCN in the DESCRIPTION column,
the date of the change in the DATE column, and the Checkers approval in the APPROVED column. See
Figure 1.

upper right corner

of the drawing

DRAWING BORDER

.50

REVISION HISTORY

.25 ZONE REV

.60

.40

DESCRIPTION

AS REQD

DATE

APPROVED

2.40

1.20

Figure 1
7.1 ZONE Column The zone coordinates are used to locate where the revision took place. Revision A states
that the change took place in B5 and C6. For revision B the zones are listed in the description block
because there is not enough room in the zone column. Revision C states that the change is on sheet 2 zone E4
See Figure 2.

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Revision of Engineering Drawings

REVISION HISTORY
ZONE REV

A
B5
C6

DESCRIPTION

DATE

APPROVED

DCN 123456
(1) R.19 WAS R.12
(2) ADDED POSITION CONTROL

07-6-9

G.Whitmire
J.Doe

DCN 123462
(1) DELETED RADIUS
ZONES C3, D3, C4, D4, C6, D6

07-10-22 G.Whitmire
J.Doe

DCN 123470
(1) 1.500 WAS 1.375

07-12-2

E4

G.Whitmire
J.Doe

Figure 2
7.2 REV Column The revision column starts with the letter A.
7.3 DESCRIPTION Column The DESCRIPTION column lists the Document Change Notice (DCN) number,
and a short description of each change (shown in Figure 2).
7.4 DATE Column The date is when the drawing change took place. The date shall be in the format YEAR
MONTH DAY as shown in Figure 3.
7.5 APPROVED Column The drawing checkers authorized signatures or electronically generated signatures
shall be added. Any approval indicator symbol adopted by the design activity to indicate approval may be used.
This signature system may change as new security technology is developed.

8.0 Revision Methods

Revisions shall be by removal or adding information, by crossing out, or by redrawing with the same drawing
number. When evaluating the method to be used to revise a drawing, consideration must be given as to how to
achieve and maintain the best possible quality, legibility and clarity without any ambiguity.
8.1 Crossing-Out Method When Permitted If permitted, a series of parallel or diagonal uniformly spaced
lines shall be placed on the face of the drawing over the item or text being removed. The new information shall be
placed near the portion crossed out and identified by a revision letter symbol as shown in Figure 3.
8.2 Dimension Scale Change In general, any change in a dimension should be made to scale. However, it is
permissible to leave the drawing unchanged when the new change is not noticeably different from the original. If
the drawing is redrawn, it shall be made to scale.
8.3 Revisions to an Existing Drawing Using the Original Standards The same original drawing practices,
even with out-of-date standards, shall be used for the changes unless otherwise directed by the design activity.
Copies of the out-of-date drafting standards are available from the internet. When the drawing being revised does
not specifically reference the applicable drawing standards such as dimensioning and tolerancing, the date of the

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drawing shall be used to dictate the standards to be followed. If there are critical design standards, it shall be
specified in the general notes with dates and revision levels to avoid any confusion as to which standard applies.
8.4 Recording of Revisions When Space is Limited Revisions may be continued on another Revision History
block format on the same drawing sheet where there is room or on another continuation sheet. When the
continuation of the revision record is on a condition sheet, the Revision History block on sheet 1 shall state SEE
SHEET X OF X FOR CONTINUATION OF REVISION HISTORY and sheet X of X Revision History block
shall state CONTINUATION OF REVISION HISTORY.
8.5 Revisions Located on the Face of the Drawing The Revision History block shall state where the revision
has taken place such as the border coordinates or a statement in the description block PARTS LIST, TITLE
BLOCK, GENERAL NOTES or whatever is applicable. Revision symbol on the field of the drawing such as
B3 would be revision B, change number 3. The revision symbol may have more than one leader with
arrowheads pointing to the changes. See Figure 3. Each revision balloon symbol for changes listed on an
ADCN/DCN is assigned a suffix item number such as revision B1, B2, B3, etc. The size of the revision
symbol is approximately .375 inches in diameter. Previous revision balloon symbols shall not be removed. Where
several changes are contained within a small area of one zone coordinate, they may be recorded under one suffix
item number. Revision balloon symbols shall not be used on book-form drawings, master art work, schematic or
wiring diagrams to list a few similar documents.

B3

B3

B3

Figure 3
8.5.1 Omitting the Revision Symbol On drawings where the use of revision symbol(s) may conflict with other
symbols used on the drawing, thus creating a possible misinterpretation, the revision description in the Revision
History block will be adequate.
8.6 Drawing Revision Letters The letters X1, X2, X3, etc. are used for recording revisions to an
unreleased drawing. The initial release of the drawing uses a dash - in the revision (REV) block and there is no
statement in the description block. When the drawing is first changed, the revision level is identified by the upper
case letter A. Letters I, O, Q, S, and Z are never used. Upon exhaustion of the alphabet, revisions
are identified by letters AA, AB, AC, etc. Revision letters shall not exceed two characters.
8.7 When the ADCN or DCN Pre-assign the Revision Letter When the ADCN or DCN pre-assign a revision
letter in advance of changes being made to the document, and the ADCN or DCN describes the changes, only the
ADCN or DCN number and date needs to be identified in the Revision History block. If the changes are not
described in the ADCN or DCN, they must be described in the Revision History block. The Revision History
block must state the applicable revision letter given on the ADCN or DCN, and the ADCN or DCN number and
date.

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8.8 When the ADCN or DCN Does Not Pre-assign the Revision Letter When the ADCN or DCN does not
pre-assign a revision letter in advance of the changes being made to the document, and the ADCN or DCN
describes the changes, only the ADCN or DCN number and date needs to be identified in the Revision History
block. The next higher revision letter is used. If the changes are not described on the ADCN or DCN, they must
be described in the Revision History block and the next higher revision letter used. Note that the ADCN or DCN
number and date need to be stated in the Revision History block.
8.9 When Many ADCN or DCN Pre-assign Many Revision Letters When several ADCNs or DCNs preassign individual revision letters, they must be incorporated individually as separate revisions in alphabetical
order as stated in the ADCN or DCN. If the changes are described in the individual ADCN or DCN, only the
ADCN or DCN number and date needs to be stated for each revision letter in the Revision History block. If the
changes are not stated in the ADCN or DCN, they must be stated in the Revision History block for each revision
letter. Note that the ADCN or DCN numbers and dates need to be stated in the Revision History block to show the
change authorization.
8.10 When Many ADCN or DCN Do Not Pre-assign the Revision Letter When several ADCNs or DCNs
are incorporated at the same time and do not have pre-assigned revision letters, they shall be incorporated as a
group using the next higher revision letter. The changes shall be stated in the Revision History block in a logical
order. Note that the ADCN or DCN numbers and dates need to be stated in the Revision History block to show
the change authorization.
8.11 Complex Changes When a change description covers more than one ADCN or DCN or the changes are
extensive or complicated, but still do not require a complete redraw, a general description in the DESCRIPTION
column or on the ADCN or DCN may be used such as:
COMPLETELY REVISED THE LOCATION OF THE FUEL PUMP SYSTEM TO ZONES D3,
D4, AND D5. PREVIOUSLY IN ZONES B3, B4, AND B5.
The ADCN or DCN number(s) and date(s) needs to be identified in the Revision History block.

9.0 Revising General Notes

A general note may be changed if the subject matter is not changed. If a note is removed, the word REMOVED
must go into its place; the note number cannot be used for a different subject. If the subject matter is changed, it
must be given a new note number. A redrawn drawing must keep the drawing notes in the same order including
the REMOVED statement.

10.0 Security Classifications

10.1 Revisions to Security Classified Drawing The appropriate security classification is placed on the
ADCN/DCN. When the ADCN/DCN applies to a classified drawing, and the information contained on the
ADCN/DCN is unclassified, the following statement shall appear on the ADCN/DCN:
THIS DOCUMENT IS DOWNGRADED TO UNCLASSIFIED WHEN DETACHED FROM
THE DRAWING.
10.2 Upgrading and Downgrading Security Classification When upgrading or downgrading the security
classification of a drawing, the existing classification must be lined out, and if there is a new classification it is
added. This will require a change in the Revision History block.

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11.0 Transfer of Design Responsibility

Transfer from one design activity to another is made by a change in the Revision History block. In the title block
the drawing number will not change but the original CAGE code number will be lined out. The new design
activity CAGE code identification will be added above or near the title block using .25 inch high lettering such as:
CURRENT DESIGN ACTIVITY CAGE CODE 12345

12.0 Proprietary Rights Expired or Changed

When the rights to an item have expired or changed, the rights shall be explained in detail, including the contract
number that authorized the change. This shall only be stated in the Revision History block.

13.0 Revision Applied to Separate Parts List

The separate parts list is revised in the same manner as the revision of a drawing. The revision letter of the parts
list need not have the same revision letter as the drawing.

14.0 Revision Applied to the Removal of a Dash-Numbered Item

When a dash-numbered item is removed from the drawing parts list, the words Dash 2 REMOVED is inserted
in the DESCRIPTION column of the parts list, the dash number remains in the part number column, and all other
information on that line is deleted.

15.0 Multi-Sheet and Book Form Documents

There are two methods of specifying a revision level. The selected method shall be used for the entire document.
15.1 All Sheets Have the Same Revision Letter Method one is where the same revision letter applies to all
sheets. The drawing shall have a note adjacent to the Revision History block stating:
ALL SHEETS ARE REVISION ___
15.2 Each Sheet is Treated As a Separate Document Method two is when a change is made on any or all
affected sheets, the latest change letter is entered on those sheets being changed and to sheet one. Sheet one will
have a Revision Sheet Status Level showing the revision level of all sheets and sheet one will show the latest
revision level in the Revision History block. For sheets that have never been revised, a dash (-) shall be entered in
the Revision History block. See below for an example of a Revision Sheet Status Level. The Revision Status
Level should be placed near the Revision History block.
REVISION SHEET STATUS LEVEL
D

DEL

SH1

SH2

SH3

SH4

SH5

SH6

15.3 Adding Sheets Adding a sheet constitutes a revision letter change to the document and the Revision
History block on the new sheet shall state: THIS SHEET ADDED. Also, the Revision Sheet Status Level, as
addressed in paragraph 15.2, shall be upgraded.

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If sheets are added between sheets 2 and 3, a decimal-number or alpha-numeric sequence shall be used such as
2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 or 2A, 2B, and 2C. The Revision Sheet Status Level on sheet 1 shall be updated and sheet 1 will
show the highest revision level, and the specific changes shall be described in the DESCRIPTION column.
REVISION SHEET STATUS LEVEL
D

SH1

SH2

SH2.1 SH 2.2 SH2.3 SH3

SH4

SH5

SH6

15.4 Deleting Sheets When sheets are deleted, the revision level on sheet 1 shall be advanced to the highest
revision level, and the specific changes shall be described in the DESCRIPTION column. The remaining sheets
after the DEL shall not be renumbered.
REVISION SHEET STATUS LEVEL
D

SH1

SH2

SH2A SH2B SH2C SH3

DEL

SH4

SH5

SH6

15.5 Cross Reference On the face of the drawing, any cross reference to another sheet shall be updated when
sheets are renumbered or deleted.

16.0 Revision History Removal

Revision histories are sometimes removed to save space for current and future revisions. The following methods
are used to remove items from the revision history.
16.1 One at a Time One line item in the Revision History block may be removed to provide space for the
current change. Records are removed starting with the oldest record, then progressing in ascending alphabetical
order.
16.2 All at Once All line items may be removed at the same time.
16.3 All but Selected All line items in the Revision History may be removed except one line item, which
records the ADCNs or DCNs and the appropriate dates.
16.4 All but Latest All line items in the Revision History block may be removed except those records
associated with the changes immediately preceding the current change.

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Section K10.2
Page 1
November 1986*

Redrawing and Retracing Considerations

Update 28
1.0 Redrawing and Retracing
As the design of a product matures, the related drawings are
frequently subject to extensive revision because of design
refinements and general handling of manually drawn tracings.
In turn, this results in general deterioration of the quality and
adversely affects the legibility and general meaning of the data
on the copies. Thus, it is very important that original tracings
be clean and uncluttered. This section provides guidelines for
the maintenance of high-quality drawings that are subject to
frequent change.

2.2 Drawings that are anticipated to endure extensive handling

and revisions may be prepared on polyester drafting film a
minimum of .003 in thickness. In addition, plastic leads or ink
should also be used. The pencil cloth has been phased out
because of the superior qualities of the polyester drafting film.
2.3 The purchase price of polyester drafting film is more
expensive, but the total cost of material use is often less than
for vellum. The principal advantages of polyester drafting film
are durability, quality of copies produced from the original, and
less frequent requirement for retracing because of extensive
handling.

2.0 Tracing Materials

3.0 The Microfilm/Microfiche Connection
Many older tracings in use were probably prepared on bond
paper. Unfortunately, all bond papers are not equal in quality.
Paper that was manufactured from new white cotton rags is a
premium-quality material that will better withstand the rigors
of frequent handling and the subsequent changes to the
drawing. Better yet is the vellum or polyester "Mylar" film
now commonly used.In general, this kind of drawing material
is the most economical for the broadest range of use.
2.1 If bond paper is used, a good-quality, resilient draftingboard covering should be used because it minimizes embossing
and resultant shadows.

The quality of drawing media used has an inherent effect on

the quality of reproductions derived therefrom especially
microfilm and microfiche and reduced-size reproductions made
from them. Thus, it is obvious that the initial quality of the
original drawing, its subsequent and frequent handling because
of changes, and the number of copies produced directly from
the original tracing or from intermediates such as microforms
provide a basis for ensuring that redrawing/retracing is
minimized while the overall drawing quality is maintained.

GENIUM PUBLISHING

* Supersedes issue of November, 1980

DRAFTING MANUAL

Change Document Guidelines

Update 28

Section K10.3
Page 1
November 1986*

1.0 Because each company is unique in its own operation,

products, and revision controls, a standard change-document
format is not practical. The use of one change document may
suffice in some companies, while in others many documents
are needed to control changes. Some typical kinds of informa-

tion that should be incorporated into change-document or

change request forms are shown in Tables 10.3-1 and 10.3-2.
Table 10.3-1 includes information generally required to effect
changes in drawings. Table 10.3-2 provides comparable
information to effect changes in parts lists.

Table 10.3-1
Revision Change Request, Drawings

Table 10.3-2
Revision Change Request, Parts List

Company name/address and CAGE code,

if applicable
Drawing number of document to be changed
Title of document to be changed
Revision number/letter of document
after change is made (normally
assigned by a revision control function)
Description of planned revision
Reason for the revision
Model/unit/assemblies affected by
new revision
Disposition of material affected
Other types of documents related to the
revision
Requesters name/date
Information/signature blocks for those
who will be affected by pending
revision (e.g., Materials, Quality
Control, Finance, Manufacturing,
Engineering, Underwriters
Laboratories, etc.)
Priority of change (routine, urgent,
emergency, etc.)
Desired effectivity of pending change
Control number, production order,
product line, etc.
Distribution key area
Approval areas
Date issued area

Company name /address andCAGE code,

if applicable
Parts list number of document to be
changed
Title of parts list
Model/unit/assembly name
Requesters name/date requested
Action requested (add; delete; change
from, to)
Item(s), number(s) requiring action
Drawing/PL number affected by item
being acted upon
Part/group/dash number of drawing of
PL affected
Description of item
Quantity (number of parts, groups, or
dash numbers to be added or deleted)
Group/dash assemblies (number of
the group[s] and dash assemblies affected)
Desired effectivity of requested change
Priority of change (emergency, urgent,
routine, coordinated, etc.)
Other types of documents related to
revision
Reason for change
Models/units/assemblies affected
Disposition of materials
Distribution key area
Approval areas
Date-issued area
Control number/production order/product
line, etc.

GENIUM PUBLISHING

* Supersedes issue of November, 1980

DRAFTING MANUAL

Design Quality and Checking Practices

Update 33
1.0 GENERAL
Design quality is conceived and built into the product long
before it is manufactured. It is not a characteristic that can be
added to the product after manufacture; it must be a part of
the total design iteration at the outset of the design.
1.1 Importance of Design Specification
From the designer/draftsmans perspective, the foremost
consideration is that the layouts and detail drawings comply
with the design specification. The design specification
represents the textual requirement of the graphic output of
the designer. That specification evolved from the collective
inputs of marketing, finance, engineering, and manufacturing. Thus, while the overall quality of the product is based
on many interrelated factors, it is further expanded through
innovative and ingenious depiction in graphical form.
1.2 Depiction of Design Quality
At the layout and detail stage, design quality is depicted in a
variety of ways. For example, the selection of a material
with adequate strength for a part to withstand the various
kinds of loads it is apt to encounter will ensure its integrity.
The application of a quality corrosion-resistance treatment to
the part, where applicable, will avoid potential product
failures while protecting the product buyers investment. The
use of generous fillets in castings and forgings provide added
confidence in the quality of the part. Design for producibility
and maintainability are two of the most important aspects of
design quality. This is so because when a design is simpler
to produce and easier to assemble and disassemble, it is
generally simple to maintain. The in-process design review
discussed below is a prime vehicle for ensuring design
quality.
1.3 The Benefits of Built-in Quality
These considerations represent some of the many decisions
that must be made in the detailed design of a quality product.
It is obvious that unless the quality is built into the product,
in most cases it will be too late to add it in. Preventing
quality problems rather than fixing them should be the longterm quality- enhancement effort of the manufacturer.
2.0 IN-PROCESS DESIGN REVIEW
2.1 Rational for in-Process Design Review
The process of a design review while a product is under
development provides one of the most positive assurances of
the quality and integrity of the design. Moreover, its initial
acceptance by manufacturing permits use of many standard
features and processes with minimum downstream changes.
The procedure is quite basic. At the invitation of the design

Section K10.4
Page 1
July 1988*

engineer, the designer, planners, and key manufacturing

personnel are invited to review the design layout while it is
still in preparation. Input may also be solicited from others in
the organization such as procurement, logistic support, and
maintenance personnel. When the interests and views of
these contributors are aired in joint discussion, the impact on
the final design is most apt to be positive.
All of the diverse views are invited by the design engineer to
ensure that the legitimate interests of the reviewers are
properly weighed and coalesced into the final design. The
design engineer is not attempting to gain popularity with his
peers; rather, as a pragmatist he realizes that long after he
completes his assignment, others in the organization will be
implementing and selling his design many years afterward.
His objective, therefore, is to ensure that the design will
endure the many forces of change and will be produced at
minimum cost.
At the conclusion of the joint meeting of contributors with
the design engineer, it is the design engineers sole responsibility to accept or reject all advice offered. Because he is
fully responsible for the design, he must weigh all pros and
cons and make his decision as to the final design and accept
all consequences of his decisions. In short, the design
engineer no longer designs in a vacuum. The stakes are much
higher, and other organizational interests must be considered.
The advantages of an in-process design review are considerable; however, and the following are the most important
ones:
It opens many opportunities for alternatives and
frequently provides less costly solutions to problems.
It permits manufacturing to extend the useful life of its
machine-tooling and manufacturing processes and
procedures when its concerns are factored into the new
design.
It maximizes the standardization of disposable tooling
if features of the design can accommodate existing
tooling. This reduces machine-setup changes through
repetitive use of existing tools.
It maximizes the life of existing inspection gauging
and related setups.
It simplifies assembly and test activities through the
maximum use of existing facilities with or without
modification.
It effects a higher degree of parts standardization and
decreases unit production costs because of larger
production runs.

GENIUM PUBLISHING

*Supersedes Issue of September 1985

Section K10.4
Page 2
July 1988*

DRAFTING MANUAL
Design Quality and Checking Practices

It holds inventory control and related documentation

in check.
2.2 Procedure for in-Process Design Review
The design engineer is responsible for determining at what
point in the design process he will convene a design-review
meeting. Having determined this point, he must establish
what ground rules will be observed in conducting the design
review, who must participate, and at what level he wishes to
conduct the design review. For example, he may request an
opinion on the efficacy of using a specific material for a
given application. Thus, the metallurgist must be prepared
with a factual analysis of the material under consideration,
including, if necessary, values of a sample pull test from a
billet.
Generally, the in-process design review should occur at
approximately midpoint or possibly slightly beyond this. The
complexity of the design will usually dictate the optimum
time.
The design engineer must be cognizant of all personnel, i.e.,
technical, procurement, manufacturing, test, logistics control,
and maintenance, who can provide a contribution to the
design review. Having determined the potential contributors,
he should provide them with copies of the design layout and
other information he considers pertinent. This information
should be made available at least one week before the design
review.
Minutes of the design review must be prepared that address
the concerns and recommendations of the assembled contributors. Action items must be identified and assigned to
ensure that the assignments are carried out in a timely
manner.
In the event of an impasse concerning a specific matter, i.e.,
modifying the design to accommodate a specific manufacturing concern, such an event must be referred to the next
higher level of management for resolution.
In summary, the in-process design review must accomplish
two major objectives. The first is to provide the opportunity
for contributing functions of the business to make known
their concerns and recommendations to the design engineer.
In turn, this forum will provide the design engineer additional information to assist him in making reasoned judgments that may impact the design integrity and its
producibility and maintainability. The second objective is to
mitigate the potential for costly engineering and manufacturing changes downstream.

*Supersedes Issue of September 1985

2.3 Limitations on in-Process Design Review

The need for an in-process design review should be carefully
weighed before committing resources to this activity. Not all
design work merits in-process design review. Generally, such
reviews are conducted when systems, subsystems, and costly
items such as an accessory gear set are being designed or
redesigned. Small assemblies of items such as an oil cooler
may not require an in-process design review because of the
high degree of similarity with other coolers and the lower
value of the item. However, even though a formal in-process
design review may not be necessary in such an instance, it
should not preclude the design engineer from seeking
selected input from those who can contribute to the design or
its producibility. Alternately, such limited reviews may be
accomplished at the point of detail drawing signoff.
3.0 CHECKING PRACTICES
3.1 General
Checking is the act of verifying, examining, or comparing to
ensure accuracy and completeness. Every new or revised
drawing should be checked.
An experienced checker must be familiar with manufacturing
practices and have a thorough knowledge of in-house
engineering and drafting standards. The quality and manufacturing economy of the product depends to a large extent upon
the checkers experience, knowledge, and thoroughness.
Bear in mind that the checkers verification of a drawing may
be the final check before it is released for manufacture. For
this reason it must be thorough and accurate.
3.2 Responsibility
Drawings should be checked by a person other than the
original draftsman. However, even though the preparer is not
the official checker of his own work, he is as responsible for
his drawing as the checker. Therefore, he should always
check his own work before it is submitted to a checker.
3.3 Drawings Submitted for Checking
When drawings are submitted to a checker, applicable
layouts, calculations, catalogs, design memoranda, reference
prints, and other pertinent data used to prepare the drawing
should be provided together with check prints. This will
ensure that the drawing will be checked to the same data
baseline used for its preparation.
3.4 Drawing Corrections after Checking
Drawing corrections after checking should be made by the
original draftsman in order to avoid making the same or
similar errors in the future. Final corrections of the drawing
should take precedence over other work.

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DRAFTING MANUAL

Design Quality and Checking Practices

Update 33
3.5 Design and Manufacturing Improvements
A checkers ideas for improvements in design and manufacturing should be discussed with the responsible design
engineer and approved by him before they are incorporated
into the finished drawing.
3.6 Review Responsibility
Although the draftsman and checker are responsible for the
technical information specified on the drawing, items such as
materials selection, heat-treatment requirements, and applied
finishes, etc., are the sole responsibility of the design
engineer. Usually such information is shown on the layout,
and the checker must verify the authenticity of the data on
the detail drawing. The checker will be responsible for
obtaining signoff on the original drawing after corrections
have been incorporated.
3.7 The Checkers Responsibilities
1. The checker must ensure that the documentation
requirements of the project, work order, etc., have
been fulfilled.
2. The checker must verify the dimensional accuracy
and completeness of drawings and ensure conformance to design standards. He must also ensure that the
documents referenced on the drawing are current and
available.
3. The checkers approval of correct information should
be indicated by a yellow check mark or line drawn
through the data.
4. Incorrect data should be either circled or marked in
red, and the correct information provided adjacent to
the point in question. For extensive changes, suitable
explanation and references to support the request for
changes should be provided.

Section K10.4
Page 3
July 1988*

to stimulate recognition of as many applicable checking

attributes as possible. Only the most important ones are listed
and are therefore subject to further expansion. The draftsman
and checker, who are intimately associated with the project,
will undoubtedly encounter other checking attributes that
may be unique to the project; therefore, there is no possibility
that all attributes are always applicable to all drawings.
4.2 Conformation to Design Layout and Applicable
Specifications
Applied surface finish requirements are completely defined.
Balance-control note and values specified for components
are required to be balanced.
Expansion and contraction of items because of thermal
effects during operations must be reflected in the applied
tolerances. This should include differences in expansion
coefficients of different and adjacent materials.
Grain flow of a part made from a forging or sheet metal
should be indicated if the direction is important to the
durability of the part.
Inspection processes such as magnetic particle, fluorescent
penetrant, X-ray, etc., must be noted where it is required.
Interchangeability requirements must be closely scrutinized.
Layout conformance of detail drawings must authentically
portray what is shown on the layout.
Locking-feature holes and slots for items such as lockwire,
locking pins, cotter pins, tab washers, etc., must be clearly
specified.
Lube, drain, vent, and bleed holes may be required.

5. The checkers suggestions, general comments on

design features, simplification possibilities, manufacturing enhancements, or his notes for his own use
may be shown in blue or black.

Material and heat treatment must be carefully selected and

specified.
Pressure checks should be specified where required.

6. The original tracing must never be used by the

checker as a substitute for a check print.
7. Rechecking corrections is not required if the original
drawing was prepared by an experienced draftsman.
4.0 CHECKING GUIDELINES
4.1 General
The following checking guidelines are provided with a view

Production or service parts should be used in the new design

where possible to prevent the proliferation of parts.
Protective finish requirements such as painting, plating, etc.,
should be specified.
Register marks such as timing and mating parts may be
required.

GENIUM PUBLISHING

*Supersedes Issue of September 1985

Section K10.4
Page 4
July 1988*

DRAFTING MANUAL
Design Quality and Checking Practices

Seizure of materials because of galvanic action or similar

effects should be avoided.
Service accessibility, inspection, and adjustment must be
provided.
Special and functional requirements should be stated where
required.
Standard parts should be used to the maximum extent.
Standard practices pertaining to design, materials, processes,
etc., should be used.
Strength of design must adequately meet all stress requirements such as those dictated by thermal,
dynamic, and fatigue stresses. Deterioration (embrittlement
and corrosion) and wear must be considered.
Surface texture (roughness) values must be shown for all
surfaces required to be controlled. The values shown should
be compatible with overall design requirements and be as
liberal as possible.
Tolerances indicated by linear and angular dimensions and
by local, general, or title block notes must ensure the proper
assembly and functioning of the parts. Tolerances must be as
liberal as possible consistent with design requirements.

Draft angles and related radii should be specified on castings, forgings, plastic moldings, and punched sheet metal
parts.
Drawing numbers assigned only from approved blocks of
numbers should be used and shown in appropriate blocks on
the drawing form.
Surface texture values must be shown where required.
Geometric surface relationships covering necessary relationships such as straightness, flatness, runout, squareness,
symmetry, and parallelism must be shown where applicable.
Identification of part numbers, nameplates, and other
identification markings should be shown. Markings must not
deface critical surfaces.
The part number callout of each item of an assembly or
subassembly must be shown.
The proprietary and security legend must be shown, if
applicable.

4.3 Drafting Considerations

Abbreviations must conform with company or national
standards.
Angular relationships must be specified preferably with
tolerances.
Comparison of drawing should be made to a drawing of a
similar part.
Conformance to company drawing standards is required with
respect to sheet size, format, zones, microfilm alignment,
arrowheads, arrangement of views, line characteristics, scale,
letter and dimension heights, notes, general appearance, and
cleanliness. Lines and lettering must be distinct and opaque
to ensure legible reproduction, including microfilm reduction. The size and form of letters and numerals must be
compatible with microfilming and reduced-size prints
reproduced therefrom.
Dimensions must be complete and clearly shown. Trueposition designation must be shown where applicable.
Dimensions must not be repeated (except those indicated as
references) or shown in a manner that constitutes double
dimensioning. Dimensions should not result in an accumula*Supersedes Issue of September 1985

tion of objectionable tolerance. Dimensions should emphasize function of design in preference to production operations
or processes and should be such as to minimize shop
calculations. Datums should be used and identified to the
maximum extent possible. Developed lengths and stock sizes
should be specified as applicable.

Revisions must be properly recorded. All lines, text, dimensions, etc., that are obliterated by erasure must
be restored. All related drawings that are affected by the
change must also be revised.
The scale should be identified. Where drawings are not to
scale, this should be indicated.
Spelling must be correct.
Symbols used should be derived from national standards. If
not, they must be clearly explained.
Symmetrically opposite parts must be properly identified.
The drawing should show the correct hand consistent with its
assembled position in the assembly.
The tide block, including approval signatures, must be
completely filled out. If a block is not applicable, a dash
should be shown in that block.
Views (full, sectional, partial) must be in proper relation to
each other to the extent possible. Cross-sectioning must
agree with company standards. Directional arrows on cutting

GENIUM PUBLISHING

DRAFTING MANUAL

Section K10.4
Page 5
July 1988*

Design Quality and Checking Practices

Update 33
planes should be properly shown. Direction and/or location
notes should be shown where sectional views are not
properly oriented with respect to the cutting plane. Sections
and views must be identified by letters used in proper
sequence.

for cleanup without having an excessive amount of finish

stock.
Tooling dimensions produced from standard tools such as
drills, reamers, cutters, etc., should be used to the maximum
extent to avoid purchase of special tools for special features.

The weight of the part must be shown, if required.

4.5 Installation Considerations
4.4 Fabrication Considerations

Assemblies should be designed so that there is no possibility

of misassembly. Often a dowel, offset hole, or similar feature
can be provided to ensure correct assembly. Also, such
features facilitate servicing without undue complications.

Brazing, soldering, or welding symbols and notes, if

applicable, must be included and properly specified.
Castings must show sufficient tolerances to compensate for
draft, warpage, core shifting or crossing of parting lines.
Check to see if coring can be simplified or eliminated. Make
certain that the cast part number has been placed in a location
such that it will not be confused with the finished part
number.
Centers for machining must be provided and specified if
required by manufacturing and is acceptable to engineering.
The exception may occur where it is not desired for the sake
of appearance.
Economy of design may dictate a redesign if this can be
achieved without compromising quality.
Forgings or molded parts must provide sufficient tolerances
to allow for warpage, die shift, and die closure.

Clearances should be adequate to permit ease of assembly

and disassembly.
Driving features of threaded parts should be provided with a
hex, square, slot, etc.
Puller design features should be provided where a tight fit is
encountered. This may require a puller lip, a jackscrew
thread, a knockout hole, or another similar extraction feature.
Tool clearance must be provided for wrenches or other
assembly/disassembly tools.
Torque values should be specified where items are assembled by means of bolts, cap screws, nuts, or similar
items.

Holes should provide adequate depth and tolerances to

permit economical drilling. Blind holes must be sufficiently
deep to permit threading and reaming without tool breakage.
Machining lugs should be provided for cast and forged parts
if this will facilitate manufacturing. Their removal after
machining must be indicated on the drawing.
Numerical control machining may require that certain parts
be dimensioned to facilitate programming.
Processing clearances must be provided in the design if
required by manufacturing to facilitate use of processing
tools such as drills, cutters, grinding wheels, welding,
riveting, and other similar tools.
Special considerations such as sand blast, vapor blast, and
other special operations should be covered by a note.
Sheet metal stamping requires that all dimensions be given to
the same side of the metal where practical. Die lock should
be avoided.
Stock removal for machining operations should be adequate

GENIUM PUBLISHING

*Supersedes Issue of September 1985