For structural steel fabricators, international projects are far more than just translating drawings into another language or converting inches to millimeters. Success demands a complete system transformation. You need to take the client's design code (AISC, Eurocode, or others), material specification, member marking logic, drawing approval workflow, quality control plan, and delivery protocol,then convert all of them into a production system that your shop floor can actually execute, trace, and ship. Without that bridge, even the best 3D model ends up as confusion on the cutting table.

The Difference Between GB and AISC is Not Just About Different Standard Names

In Chinese steel structure projects, common component annotations on drawings include:

Common Annotations in Chinese Projects

In AISC system projects, common representations might be:

On the surface, this appears to be a difference between Chinese and English labeling.

However, from an engineering execution perspective, these are two different project management languages.

In GB projects, factories are more accustomed to identifying components by their function; while in AISC projects, component numbers are often directly linked to design models, fabrication details, installation drawings, BOMs, packing lists, on-site installation sequences, and quality traceability.

So, when handling international projects, member marking is never just about giving parts a name. It is the foundation of the entire delivery chain,from design approval to shop floor cutting, from quality tracking to final shipment.

Many fabricators ignore this. They code randomly, lack real engineering. What keeps projects alive is just a patchwork of line items,an illusion of low price and smooth delivery. But the cracks are real. They show up as mismatched beams, rejected drawings, or steel that doesn't fit on site. If you want to win in international steel fabrication, treat your coding system like your welding procedure.

For more information needed or any inquiry,please feel free to contact Yumisteel team.