Skip to main content

CAD Standards

Version: v2025.0
Owner: CAD Lead
Last Updated: 2025-11-27
Reviewed: No
Deviations Allowed: Yes (with approval)

Why: fast collaboration, fewer errors, consistent releases. Use these to keep CAD clean and releasable.

Structure & naming​

  • Folder/doc structure, naming conventions, versions.

Libraries​

  • MKCAD, COTS imports, house parts; when to add vs reuse.

Release rules​

  • Drawings/BOM required; DXF/STEP exports; revisioning; approvals.

Visual example​

  • Annotated assembly showing mates, clearances, and datum callouts.

Common failure modes​

  • Missing constraints, wrong materials, no fastener access, outdated exports.

Instructions (numbered)​

  1. Define folder/doc structure and naming conventions; enforce versioning/release rules.
  2. Use MKCAD/COTS libraries; avoid re-modeling; add house parts with standards.
  3. Apply correct materials/appearances; set mass properties; check interferences/clearances.
  4. Ensure mates reflect real constraints; check tool access for fasteners; avoid over-constraints.
  5. Release with drawings/BOM and DXF/STEP exports; log revisions/ECNs.

Best practices​

  • Keep simplified configs for performance; use master sketches for key geometry.
  • Dimension to functional datums; avoid long chains of dimensions.
  • Include notes for hardware, threadlocker, torque where applicable.
  • Run interference/clearance checks before release; verify mate limits.

Common mistakes​

  • Wrong materials leading to bad mass; missing fastener access; stale exports.
  • Over-constrained mates; missing release state; no BOM/drawings.

Checklist​

  • Naming/versioning followed
  • Materials/appearances correct; mass checked
  • Mates realistic; interference/clearance checked; tool access verified
  • Drawings/BOM ready; DXF/STEP exported
  • Release/ECN logged
  • Onshape/Solid CAD with interference/clearance tools, drawing templates, BOM template, ECN log.

Sample log (template)​

  • Date:
  • Assembly/parts:
  • Checks run:
  • Issues/fixes:
  • Release state/ECN:

Photos/diagrams​

  • [Placeholder: CAD screenshot with annotations for mates, clearances, and access]

See also:

��� Reference the Glossary for definitions of common terms and constraints.