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Module 4 — Release & Change Control

Objective: control revisions and handoff cleanly to fabrication.

Prereqs: Drawing pack completed.

Steps

  • Version/release parts and assemblies; tag released states.
  • Export CAM-ready files; log engineering change notices (ECNs).
  • Communicate release notes to fabrication with links to released files.
  • Freeze released configs; avoid editing released versions—create new revisions.
  • Note critical inspection dimensions and torque specs in release notes.

Deliverables

  • Release checklist with links to released drawings/files and ECN log.

Instructions (numbered)

  1. Set release state/version for parts/assemblies; tag released configs.
  2. Export CAM-ready files (DXF/STEP); store in release folder.
  3. Log ECNs for changes; create new revisions instead of editing released versions.
  4. Communicate release notes to fab with links and critical inspection dimensions/torque specs.
  5. Verify BOMs and references point to released versions.

Example

  • Rev A released; DXF/STEP exported to /releases/RevA; ECN-001 logged for hole change; release notes include torque specs and critical dims.

Best practices

  • Never edit a released version; branch a new rev.
  • Keep ECNs short and specific with reason/impact.
  • Provide all links and notes in one place for fab.

Common mistakes

  • Editing released parts; losing traceability.
  • Missing exports; fab uses stale files.
  • No critical dimension/torque notes → inspection issues.

Checklist

  • Release state set and tagged
  • DXF/STEP exported to release folder
  • ECN logged (if applicable)
  • Release notes sent with links and critical dims/torques
  • BOM points to released versions

Recommended tools

  • PDM/versioning in CAD, ECN log, shared release folder.

Sample log (template)

  • Date:
  • Items released:
  • ECNs:
  • Notes sent to fab:

Photos/diagrams

  • [Placeholder: screenshot of release state and ECN log]