DAE think automatic drafting software makes lazy drafters?

I've been hand drafting for 8 years and everyone in my shop swears by AutoCAD 2024, but last week I caught a junior guy relying on auto-dimensioning and his tolerances were off by 0.015 on a steel frame job in Denver. That mistake cost us a reorder on $200 worth of angle iron. Has anyone else noticed new drafters skipping the manual checks because the software does too much thinking for them?

3 comments

3 Comments

foster.tessa9d ago

0.015 off on a steel frame? That's insane. I can't believe someone would trust auto-dimensioning that much without double checking.

phoenix_bailey9d ago

Tbh I kind of get it though. If your software has been dialed in and you've got the right tooling, a .015 deviation on a steel frame isn't the end of the world. It's more about knowing your machine's limits than blindly trusting the numbers.

annajenkins9d ago

0.015 off on a steel frame" yeah I've seen that exact number bite people. The thing is auto-dimensioning is great until your machine relaxes after a heat cycle or your tool holder has a tiny bit of runout you didn't catch. I always do a quick check on the first part of any new setup. Measure three different spots with a mic and compare. If the numbers match the software, I'm good to go for the run. If not, I stop and figure out what's wrong before the job becomes scrap. Saves you from being the guy who has to explain why a big order is late.