[Offshore Outsourcing]

A Steel Shop Drawing should be detailed enough to eliminate assumptions but not so dense that it causes confusion or delays.** The goal is to ensure that fabricators and installers can interpret the information quickly and accurately without needing to go back to the design team for clarification.

✅ Essential Details to Always Include:

* Member sizes, lengths, material grades
* Exact dimensions and locations of holes, cuts, and welds
* Connection details with clear labeling (weld symbols, bolt types/sizes/quantities)
* Part and assembly numbers with corresponding BOMs
* Relevant views (elevations, sections, isometric if needed)

🔍 Add When Necessary:

* 3D views for complex assemblies or when standard views aren’t enough
* Notes on fabrication sequences (for pre-assemblies or special handling)
* Tolerances when they deviate from standard practices

🚫 Avoid Overloading Drawings With:

* Repetitive general notes that are better placed in a standard legend
* Excessive annotations that may distract from core fabrication info
* Over-detailed representations that could overwhelm newer shop staff

[Offshore Outsourcing]

I especially agree with your point about eliminating assumptions. We’ve had cases in the past where missing weld symbols or unclear connection details caused delays and costly rework.

Also, including 3D views only when necessary is a great call. They can be super helpful for complex assemblies, but overusing them tends to slow down the detailing process and doesn’t always add value for the fabricator.

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