Why manual drawing checks fall short
Drawing checkers work from long checklists: title block, scale, projection, tolerances, notes, revision table, layers and more. Under time pressure, items are missed, and different checkers apply rules differently. Many checks are purely rule-based, so software can do them faster and more consistently.
What drawing validation software can check
| Area | Checks |
|---|---|
| Title block | All fields filled, correct format, drawing number matches file and model |
| Sheet setup | Standard sheet size and border, scale set, projection symbol present |
| Layers and styles (2D) | Only approved layers, text styles, dimension styles and linetypes |
| Dimensions | No overridden dimension values, correct tolerance format, units |
| Revisions | Revision table updated, revision matches PDM, change clouds present |
| Notes | Mandatory notes present (material, finish, general tolerances) |
| BOM | Balloons match BOM items, quantities consistent with the model |
A special case: overridden dimensions
One of the most dangerous drawing errors is a dimension whose displayed text has been typed over, so it no longer matches the geometry. Validation software can detect these automatically in AutoCAD and in 3D CAD drawings and list each one for review.
Supported platforms
- AutoCAD, AutoCAD Mechanical and Electrical: .NET or ObjectARX checkers, or standalone DWG processing.
- SOLIDWORKS, Inventor, Creo, CATIA drawings: API-based checkers comparing drawing, model and properties.
- PDF drawings: text extraction for title block and notes checks where native files are not available.
Fitting validation into your workflow
- Engineer runs the checker from the ribbon and fixes issues.
- The checker stamps a validation result into the drawing properties.
- PDM / PLM workflow only allows "For review" when the check has passed.
- The human reviewer focuses on design intent, not formatting.
Let software check the rules, and let experienced engineers check the engineering.
Batch validation of legacy drawings
Before migrating to a new PDM system or title block, run batch validation across the archive to find and fix issues in bulk. This is often the fastest route to a clean data migration.
Get your drawing checker built
ENGIMANDI develops drawing validation software for AutoCAD, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks and more.