Engineering Drawing Basics

Note that these concepts are not foreign to you as you’ve practically applied
these steps during the course of the year.
STUDY ALL THESE NOTES AS YOU WILL BE TESTED THOROUGHLY ON THIS
INFORMATION.

Definition: Engineering drawing is a graphical representation of an

object, system, or structure that conveys information about its
design, dimensions, and specifications.

Components of an Engineering Drawing:

1.1 Title Block:

Definition: The title block is a standardized section located at the
bottom of an engineering drawing. It contains essential information
about the drawing.
Content: Typically, a title block includes details such as the drawing
number, scale, date of creation, revision history, and the name of the
drafter or organization.
Purpose: The title block provides critical context for the drawing,
allowing anyone who views it to understand its purpose, version, and
relevant details.

1.2 Views:
Definition: Views are graphical representations of the object or
structure from different perspectives or angles.
Types of Views: Common views include the front view (showing the
object's front face), top view (providing a plan or overhead view),
and side views (depicting the object's side profiles).
Purpose: Multiple views help engineers and designers understand an
object's shape, size, and configuration comprehensively.

1.3 Dimensions:
Definition: Dimensions are measurements that indicate the size,
location, and spacing of features on the drawing.

Types of Dimensions: These include linear dimensions (measuring

straight distances), angular dimensions (indicating angles), and
coordinate dimensions (establishing positions based on a coordinate
system).
Purpose: Dimensions are crucial for accurately reproducing the
object and ensuring that it meets design specifications.

1.4 Notes:
Definition: Notes are textual elements on the drawing that provide
additional information, instructions, or clarifications.
Contents: Notes may include details about materials, assembly
instructions, or specific tolerances.
Purpose: Notes provide essential guidance for interpreting the
drawing correctly and are especially important for complex or
custom designs.

1.5 Symbols and Abbreviations:

Definition: Symbols and abbreviations are graphical or shorthand
representations used to convey information efficiently.
Examples: Common symbols include the diameter symbol (⌀) for
indicating diameters and the degree symbol (°) for angles.
Purpose: These symbols and abbreviations reduce the need for
lengthy descriptions and make the drawing more concise and
understandable.

2. Line Types

Purpose: Lines are a fundamental element of engineering drawings,

serving to represent various features and convey information.
2.1 Types of Lines:
2.1.1 Continuous (Full) Line:
Definition: Continuous lines are solid lines used to represent visible
edges or outlines of objects.
Use: These lines define the primary shape and boundaries of the
object.

2.1.2 Dashed Line:

Definition: Dashed lines consist of evenly spaced dashes and are
used to represent hidden or internal features.
Use: Dashed lines reveal components or details that are not visible
from the current viewpoint but are critical for understanding the
object's construction.
2.1.3 Dotted Line:
Definition: Dotted lines are composed of small dots and are often
used for centrelines and axes.
Use: Centrelines show the centre or symmetry of an object, aiding in
alignment and dimensioning.

2.1.4 Chain Line:

Definition: Chain lines consist of alternating long and short dashes,
often forming a chain-like pattern.
Use: Chain lines indicate alternate positions or paths, such as the
movement of a part in an assembly.

2.1.5 Phantom Line:

Definition: Phantom lines are composed of long dashes separated by

pairs of short dashes.
Use: Phantom lines indicate alternate positions or optional features
in an object, such as the extended position of a retractable
component.

3. Orthographic Projection
Purpose: Orthographic projection is a fundamental technique used to
represent three-dimensional objects in two-dimensional views.

3.1 Orthographic Views:

3.1.1 Front View:
Definition: The front view shows the object as viewed from the front,
typically its most prominent face.
Use: The front view provides an initial perspective of the object's
shape and overall characteristics.

3.1.2 Top View (Plan View):

Definition: The top view represents the object as seen from above,
looking down on it.
Use: The top view provides details about the object's horizontal
dimensions and layout.

3.1.3 Side View (Right-Side View):

Definition: Side views show the object as seen from the right side (or
any other desired side).
Use: Side views complement the front view by revealing additional
dimensions and features from the chosen side angle.

3.2 Orthographic Projection Principles:

The principles of orthographic projection include orthogonality (lines
are at right angles to each other) and maintaining accurate
relationships between views.

4. Isometric Drawing
Purpose: Isometric drawing is used to create a perspective view of an
object, showing all three dimensions equally foreshortened.

4.1 Features of Isometric Drawings:

4.1.1 Lines Remain Parallel and Equally Spaced:
Definition: In isometric drawings, lines representing edges and
features remain parallel and are equally spaced from each other.
Use: This feature ensures that objects appear proportionate and
accurately represent three-dimensional space.

4.1.2 Angles Between Axes Are 120 Degrees:

Definition: The three axes in an isometric drawing form equal angles
of 120 degrees with each other.
Use: This ensures that the drawing maintains an isometric
perspective.

4.1.3 Depth Is Typically Represented at 30 Degrees from the

Horizontal:
Definition: In isometric drawings, depth or objects receding into the
background are typically depicted at a 30-degree angle from the
horizontal.
Use: This angle creates the isometric perspective and provides a
balanced representation of the object's dimensions.

4.2 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)

Purpose: GD&T is a system for specifying and controlling the
dimensions, form, orientation, and location of features on an
engineering drawing.

4.2.1 Components of GD&T:

4.2.2.2 Feature Control Frame:

Definition: The feature control frame is a rectangular symbol

containing information about the tolerance, geometric control, and
datum references.
Use: It specifies how the feature should deviate from its ideal
geometric form and orientation.

4.2.2.3 Tolerance Zone:

Definition: The tolerance zone defines the allowable variation in size,
form, orientation, or location of a feature.
Use: It ensures that parts meet design requirements while allowing
for manufacturing variations.

4.2.2.4 Datum Features:

Definition: Datum features are specific surfaces or points used as
reference planes for measurements.
Use: Datum features establish a coordinate system for measurement
and ensure consistency in inspection and assembly.
5. Section Views
Purpose: Section views are used to reveal internal features of an
object without creating a separate drawing.

5.1 Types of Section Views:

5.1.1 Full Section:
Definition: A full section cuts through the entire object, revealing its
internal details.
Use: Full sections provide a comprehensive view of the object's
interior.

5.2 Half Section:

Definition: A half section reveals one-half of the object while leaving
the other half intact.
Use: Half sections are useful for showing both internal and external
features in a single view.

5.3 Offset Section:

Definition: An offset section is positioned away from the object's
centreline, exposing specific features.
Use: Offset sections are employed when it's necessary to emphasize
particular details without cutting through the centre.

6. Auxiliary Views
Purpose: Auxiliary views provide a detailed perspective view of an
object's features not parallel to the primary views.

6.1 Construction of Auxiliary Views:

6.1.1 Use of Reference Lines:
Definition: Reference lines are projection lines that extend from the
primary views to the auxiliary view.
Purpose: These lines serve as the basis for projecting features
accurately onto the auxiliary view.

7. Drawing Perpendicular Lines:

Definition: Perpendicular lines are drawn from the reference lines to
locate specific points on the auxiliary view.
Purpose: These lines ensure that the features are projected at the
correct angles and distances.

8. Title Block and Scale

8.1 Title Block:
Definition: The title block is a standardized section located at the
bottom of an engineering drawing. It contains essential information
about the drawing.
Contents: Typically, a title block includes details such as the drawing
number, scale, date of creation, revision history, and the name of the
drafter or organization.
Purpose: The title block provides critical context for the drawing,
allowing anyone who views it to understand its purpose, version, and
relevant details.

8.2 Scale:
Definition: Scale refers to the proportion between the dimensions of
an object in the drawing and its actual size.
Selection: The choice of scale depends on the drawing's intended
purpose, level of detail required, and available space.
Purpose: Scale ensures that the drawing effectively represents the
object's size and features. Its suitability is confirmed through visual
checks and calculations.