Buying & sourcing

Can a supplier work from a photograph or sketch?

08 / REFERENCE TO PRODUCTION DRAWING

A photograph or sketch can start the project. Approve a dimensioned drawing before production.

A rough reference sketch develops into a dimensioned production drawing with a specified opening.
A sketch can start the discussion; the approved drawing fixes dimensions, fit and construction.

Use measurements to settle the fit

A photograph explains the appearance; a dimensioned drawing establishes whether the part will work. For example, a 102 mm wide product will not fit into a 100 mm slot, even if the opening looks suitable in a photograph.

Compare the construction behind the appearance

Similar-looking products can use different structures. Compare a one-piece bent form with a multi-panel bonded form for seams, fabrication and shipping volume, then choose the construction that suits the project.

Record drawing and sample approvals separately

Record drawing approval and sample approval separately. Approve the V1 drawing, then examine the physical sample made to V1. Those two records provide a clearer acceptance basis than an instruction to make it like the photograph.

FIT CHECK / ILLUSTRATIVE DIMENSIONS
102 mmProduct width
100 mmSlot width: insufficient clearance

Sources and further reading

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