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TECH TIP

TOPIC: Inspection Documents using eDrawings

SolidWorks enables the user to mark specific dimensions on drawings as inspection dimensions by placing an oval around the specific dimension value. eDrawings Professional offers a means to create an electronic version of this document for inspection purposes. This provides a means to document the measured values of these critical dimensions, maintain any notes related to the measurement method and securely store this information in an electronic format separate from the original SolidWorks source drawing.

Procedure:
From within eDrawings the native SolidWorks drawing file is opened and saved as an eDrawing document. Using the mark up functionality and associated comments the inspection document can be created, edited, and reviewed by others who can also reply to existing comments or add their own.

1. In eDrawings open the native SolidWorks drawing, detached drawings are supported as well, and save the file as an eDrawing file type. (.edrw)

2. Select the mark up icon from the left side of the screen to open the markup dialog panel. Each inspection can be listed here with comments that will appear in the bottom half of the panel. Also the various shapes for the inspection data can be selected from this panel as well a general notes.

3. Placing a rectangle in the graphics area and using text to record the measured value will generate a comment in the Markup Panel. A descriptive name can be applied and any text such as the measuring device used for this inspection can be added. The current “User Name” is applied automatically.

4. Selecting the comment will enable the Reply function. The current user can respond to individual inspection comments.

Notes:

1. The filename of the inspection document can be identical to the original native SolidWorks document.
2. PDM Enterprise can automate this creation process and also allow a specific workflow for the inspection document.
3. eDrawings also has “stamps” such as APPROVED which can be permanently applied to the file.
4. Markups can also be saved in external files separate from the .edrw file, where they can be imported at any time.