Unit 1 Prints—The Language of Industry 7 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. May not be reproduced or posted to a publicly accessible website. Electronic Storage Original paper drawings and prints were often stored in large drawered cabinets. Unfortunately, these drawings and prints were affected by light and dust, and they deteriorated over time. Many became unusable as a result. With the advancement of computer systems, reli- able electronic methods were needed to store CAD drawing files. The first electronic data storage sys- tems used a variety of magnetic systems including moving tape and disks. However, static storage sys- tems, such as flash drives, have become common. Today, large amounts of data, such as CAD files, can be stored on a single, small electronic device. CAD files are large and require specific formats to ensure proper storage, retrieval, and file exchange. There are many file storage and exchange standards. A few common CAD file formats include International Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES), Drawing Exchange Format (DXF), Stereolithographic (STL), and Additive Manufacturing File Format (AMF). Each of these file formats is used to move data from CAD systems to computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools or 3D printers. Through file exchange, CNC machines or 3D printers can produce parts from the CAD model. See Unit 23 for more information on CNC machine tools and 3D printers. Importance of Prints to Welders Prints have special importance to welders. They show where and how the various components to be welded fit together. Prints provide the welder with all information needed to make the weld(s). Information may include the following: ❍ Welding process to be used ❍ Weld size ❍ Weld type ❍ Type of filler metal ❍ How the weld is to be finished ❍ Other pertinent data needed to make welds meet design specifications In addition to having welding skills, welders must know how to read and interpret prints. Otherwise, there is little chance the welds will be made to speci- fications, Figure 1-10. The inability to read and interpret prints can result in higher cost parts because more welding was done than necessary. Unsafe or dangerous welds are Figure 1-10. Without a print describing the welding process, weld size and type, kind of filler metal, method of finish, and other pertinent data, there is no way a welder can be sure of making a weld that will meet design specifications. ¼ ¼ Weld