If you’ve used a user guide to assemble a product, you’ve probably seen an exploded parts diagram.
What is an exploded parts diagram?
An exploded parts diagram or illustration is a visual representation of the individual components of a mechanical or technical object. It offers a separated display, with the various parts of the object illustrated outside their normal assembled position.
The purpose of an exploded parts diagram is to provide a clear and detailed view of how the different components fit together to form the complete object. They often include lines showing where each component is usually placed, demonstrating the spatial relationships of connecting parts.
This type of diagram is commonly used in technical documentation, such as user manuals, assembly instructions, repair guides, and engineering drawings. The Orchid team often creates exploded parts illustrations to support technical writing for clients’ documentation.
The key features of an exploded parts diagram
- Individual Components: Each part of the object is shown separately, usually with unique identification such as a specific number or letter. Identification is helpful for reordering of parts during servicing or repair, for example.
- Spatial Relationships: Exploded parts diagrams show where each component is usually placed, the parts it connects with and its spatial relationships with these connecting parts.
- Accurate Product Representation: The diagram is designed to be easily understandable, allowing users or technicians to see the internal structure of the object and how parts interact without disassembling it. (Some parts of the product may not be visible before disassembly.)
- Assembly Instructions: Exploded parts diagrams are commonly used to guide users through the process of assembling or disassembling a product (using the unique reference of each component).
- Technical Details: The exploded parts illustration may include additional technical details, such as part numbers, materials, and other relevant information.
- User-Friendly Design: Exploded views are often created with a user-friendly design, making them accessible to a wide audience, including individuals who may not have a deep technical background. This is where the Orchid team excels!
These diagrams are particularly useful in fields such as engineering, manufacturing, and product design. The Orchid team has designed exploded parts diagrams for clients in industrial tooling, consumer products, military aviation and many more sectors.
Five ways to use exploded parts illustrations
1. Consistency – illustrations offer visual, succinct communication with consistent part titles and descriptions throughout your organisation and improving quality control.
2. Part identification – simplifying how parts are ordered for stock or to resolve a problem.
3. Support Maintenance and Repairs – any assembly and disassembly requirements during troubleshooting and maintenance.
4. Integration – easily included within interactive and printed technical documentation e.g. user guides.
5. Training Assistance – employees can use exploded parts diagrams to understand the components of a product and how they interact. They are especially helpful in understanding the internal components within an assembly.
The Orchid team can produce exploded parts illustrations using a variety of formats. Organisations may choose from traditional line illustrations with simple 2D plan views to complex 3D perspective views in a digital format ready to print. Software-based solutions offer a ‘click & explode’ option. This is especially helpful in showing the internal structure of a product.
To discover the options and the best format for your organisation’s product, talk to the team at Orchid. We have vast experience in creating practical, easy-to-use exploded parts diagrams using drawing, software and automation for a wide variety of industries. Contact us without obligation.
