AS2301

TECHNICAL DRAWING
Technical drawing, often known as drafting, is a precise graphic representation of how something works or is
constructed. Technical drawings are drawn to a specific size and contain elements that make them
unambiguous, which means that their elements can only be read in one way. This is significant since it is the
characteristic that distinguishes technical drawing from creative drawing. The primary purpose of technical
drawing is precision, whereas artistic drawing is to bring aesthetic enjoyment.

Image retrieved from https://www.pixartprinting.co.uk/blog/packaging-design-box/

You are not restricted to artistic drawings as a multimedia artist. As you advance in your career, you may be
faced with production and set design, as well as product and package design; therefore, it is critical to know
how to depict your ideas to pitch them to potential clients.

Tools and Materials for Technical Drawings

Drawing Paper
The A-series is the most commonly used size in technical drawing. The standard size of this A-series is stated
by adding the number zero (0) after the final A, while smaller sizes are expressed by adding the numbers
one (1) to four (4), for example, A1, A2, A3, and A4.

Pencils
A draftsman should have a variety of good, sharpened pencil leads with varying
degrees of hardness. The grade of a pencil to be used for particular applications
is determined by the type of line sought the type of paper used, and the
humidity that influences the paper's surface.

Standards for line quality usually will determine the selection. For instance:
• 6H is used for light construction lines.
• 4H is used for re-penciling light-finished lines (dimension, center, and
invisible object lines).
• 2H is used for visible object lines.
• F and H are used for all lettering and freehand work.

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Rulers
Aluminum, plastic, or plexiglass are used to make professional rulers
for technical drawings. They have an "inking edge": a small gap
between the template edge and the paper that stops ink from
flowing between the paper and the rule. Rulers are used to create
straight lines, measure distances, and define angles.

Compass
On technical drawings, compasses are used to create an arc or circle
with known proportions. It is typically composed of steel and has two
legs. The needle is at the bottom of one leg, while the other leg has
a ring in which a pencil is put. The needle tip is placed at the desired
location, and the pencil tip is set to a height of at least 1mm, slightly
above the needle tip.

T-Square
On a drawing sheet, T-squares are used to draw horizontal and
vertical lines. It is in the shape of a "T" and is constructed of wood or
plastic. The vertical part of the T is known as the blade, while the
horizontal part of the T is known as the head. The head's edge is
uniformly level and linked to the board's edge. The working edge is
used to draw lines anywhere on the sheet by sliding the instrument
from top to bottom.

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Set Squares
Set squares are used to create lines that intersect at an angle. The
most prevalent lines in most structures are 30, 45, 60, and 90
degrees. Set squares make drawing angles easier.

Protractor
Protractors are used in drawing to draw and measure the angles of
lines. It is constructed of plastic and is translucent. It has the shape
of a semi-circle, and the edge is made up of one-degree readings. The
bottom line's center is labeled "O" or "C," from which the angles are
measured.

French Curves
French curves are composed of plastic and come in a variety of
shapes. The design sometimes calls for irregular curves, forms, or
arcs that cannot be sketched with a compass. In general, French
curves are better suited to tiny and lengthy curves.

Drawing Templates
A template is a flat piece of plastic with numerous cutout shapes. It
is intended to speed up the drafter's job and improve the accuracy of
the produced drawings. Templates are available for drawing circles,
ellipses, plumbing, and fittings, among other things. Templates are
available in various sizes to accommodate the scale of the drawing.
It should also be utilized whenever possible to improve accuracy and
speed.

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Alphabet of Lines in Technical Drawing

Lines in technical drawing are part of a particular graphic language used throughout the industry. Each line
kind has its own symbolic meaning. Whether you utilize traditional drafting methods or computer-aided design
(CAD), you must apply this "alphabet of lines" correctly.

Type of Line Application Description

Object Line / The Visible Line is a thick line that
Visible Line indicates an object's visible edges.
They should stand out clearly from
other lines so that the contour of
an object may be seen.

Hidden Line A Hidden Line represents surfaces,

edges, or corners of an item that
are obscured from view. These
lines are represented by medium-
thickness, tiny, equally spaced
dashes.

Center Line Center Lines are used to indicate

the location of the center of holes
and symmetrical features. These
thin, alternating long and short
dashes are typically used to
indicate hole centers and the
center positions of circular
elements.
Extension and When displaying the
Dimension measurements of an object,
Lines Extension and Dimension Lines are
employed.

Dimension lines are drawn with

arrowheads on each end and
placed between extension lines.
Extension lines are used to extend
dimensions from the related
objects.
Leader Line Leader lines are thin lines used to
show which section of the design a
note pertains to. The arrowheads
make contact with the object
lines, whereas the dot sits on a
surface.

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Break Lines When it is desirable to shorten the

(Short, Long, view of a long part, break lines are
and Cylindrical) utilized.

Short break lines are freehand

drawn thick, wavy, solid lines.

Long break lines are thin, solid

lines with zigzags in them to
denote a break.
Cutting-Plane The Cutting-Plane Line is used to
Line indicate the location of an
imaginary cutting. These are thick
lines with alternating long lines
divided by two short dashes.

Section Lines Section Lines are thin

crosshatching lines drawn at an
angle that denotes the surface in
the section view that is thought to
have been sliced along the cutting-
plane line.
Phantom Line Phantom lines are thin, long-short-
short lines that are commonly used
to depict the movement or travel of
an object or part in various places.
It can also be used to display
nearby objects or features.

References
Kassa, L., & Taffesse, W. (2005). Engineering Drawing. Haramaya University.
Musashino Art University. (2023). Retrieved from MAU Art & Design Glossary: https://art-design-glossary.musabi.ac.jp/
OpenOregon. (2019). Basic Blueprint Reading. Linn-Benton Community College.
Staedler. (2018, July 16). Which materials are required to create a technical drawing? Retrieved from Staedler:
https://www.staedtler.com/intl/en/discover/which-materials-are-required-to-create-a-technical-drawing/
UNIKO Media Group. (2021, March 5). What Is Technical Drawing? Retrieved from Darnell Technical Services, Inc.: https://darnelltechnical.com/what-
is-technical-drawing/

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