Tabulated Dimensions

A tabulated drawing is an efficient method of representing multiple configurations of a part within a single drawing by using symbols or letters that correspond to specific values in an accompanying table. This method allows for the flexibility of documenting several variations of a design without needing individual drawings for each version. The image below is an example of this approach, where the drawing shows a mechanical part with dimensions labeled using symbols like A, B, C, ØD, E, and F. These symbols are then cross-referenced with a table that provides the actual dimensions for each configuration.

A Tabulated Drawing

In this context, the base drawing remains the same, showing the essential geometry of the part—such as the overall shape, key features, and relationships between different elements. However, the specific dimensions vary across different product versions. Instead of cluttering the drawing with numerous measurements, the symbols simplify the visual information, and the detailed values are stored in the table, making it easy to adjust or refer to different part configurations. For instance, the table in the image provides a set of dimensions corresponding to part numbers BKT-001 through BKT-008, where each row represents a different configuration, offering the flexibility to produce different sizes of the part with the same basic design.

Tabulated drawings are particularly useful when documenting product families where parts share the same core design but have varying parameters such as size, hole diameter, or other functional features. By maintaining a single drawing, engineers can represent multiple configurations consistently, avoiding the need for numerous drawings and reducing the potential for error. This method ensures that the essential design remains clear, while the table enables users to quickly identify the necessary dimensions for any specific configuration.

The value of tabulated drawings lies in their ability to streamline the documentation process, making it easier to manage a range of part sizes or configurations. The table provides a straightforward means of referencing specific dimensions without overwhelming the user with redundant drawings. This approach simplifies communication between engineers, manufacturers, and inspectors by keeping all essential information in one place, while still allowing for the flexibility needed to accommodate variations in the design.