Scaling involves using a ruler, calipers, or CAD software tools to measure a line or feature on a blueprint, then applying the drawing ratio to find the real-world size. This practice is generally discouraged on the shop floor because print distortions, paper shrinkage, or drafting errors can lead to scrapped parts. Machinists are trained to read the explicit dimension callouts instead.
I had to scale the drawing to figure out the rough placement for the brackets since the dimensions were missing.
The golden rule in any machine shop is never scale a print. Always ask engineering for the exact dimension.
Related terms
Scalable
An engineering drawing or model that can be reliably measured to determine actual physical dimensions.
CAD/CAM
Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing software used to design parts and generate machining instructions.
Defect
Any deviation from product specifications that impairs cosmetic appearance or functional performance.