drawing revision

A drawing revision is a formally controlled update to an engineering or manufacturing drawing, typically identified by a new revision code (such as a letter or number) and recorded through an established change control process. It documents changes to the product definition, such as dimensions, tolerances, materials, notes, or configuration details.

Core characteristics

In regulated manufacturing environments, a drawing revision commonly includes:

• A unique revision identifier (for example: Rev A, Rev B, Rev 1)
• A description of the changes made since the previous revision
• The effective date or applicability (such as from a certain work order or lot onward)
• Reference to approving authorities and change documents (for example, ECN/ECR, change order)
• Updated title block information in the drawing file or model

The revision is part of the product definition and is used by manufacturing, quality, planning, purchasing, and suppliers to ensure they are producing and inspecting to the correct design.

Operational meaning in manufacturing and quality

Drawing revisions are central to document control and traceability. Typical operational impacts include:

• Planning and routing: Work instructions, routings, and travelers must reference the correct drawing revision.
• Inspection and FAI: First Article Inspection (FAI) reports, inspection plans, and ballooned drawings are tied to a specific revision. When the drawing changes, affected characteristics may require re-inspection or a new/partial FAI, depending on procedures.
• Supplier communication: Purchase orders and supplier documentation must clearly state the required drawing revision.
• Configuration management: Serial and lot records often record which drawing revision they conform to, supporting traceability and change impact analysis.

Drawing revision vs. related concepts

• Drawing revision vs. revision history: The drawing revision is the current level (for example Rev C). The revision history is the record of all past revisions and the changes made at each level.
• Drawing revision vs. model revision: In model-based definition (MBD), the 3D model may be the master authority. The drawing and the model may share a revision or have coordinated but separate revisions, depending on the company’s configuration rules.
• Drawing revision vs. part revision: Some organizations revise the part number along with the drawing; others allow the part number to stay constant while the drawing revision changes. Practices differ by sector and internal procedures.

Common confusion

Drawing revision is sometimes confused with:

• Minor edits without formal change control: Informal markups, redlines, or shop-floor notes are not drawing revisions until they are incorporated and released through the formal document control process.
• Issue date or print date: The date a drawing was printed or exported does not indicate its revision. The revision must be read from the title block or metadata.
• Process change only: Manufacturing process changes that do not alter the product definition may be controlled separately and do not always require a drawing revision, depending on internal rules.

Link to AS9102 and FAI context

In AS9102 and First Article Inspection (FAI) practice, the drawing revision is a key reference. The baseline full FAI is performed against a specific drawing revision. When the drawing is revised, organizations typically evaluate which characteristics are affected. This drives decisions on whether to perform a full FAI, a partial FAI, or a delta FAI and ensures that inspection records and certificates clearly match the correct drawing revision.