Standards

for
Working Drawings

Design and Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Mechanical Engineering Technology
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Saskatoon, SK
Table of Contents
1. Scope .................................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Line Convention, Letterings, and Scale ................................................................................................ 2
3. Drawing Sheets ..................................................................................................................................... 3
4. Title Blocks ............................................................................................................................................ 5
5. Revision Blocks ..................................................................................................................................... 6
6. Drawing Numbers and File Naming ...................................................................................................... 6
7. Part Drawings ........................................................................................................................................ 7
8. Dimensioning and Notation ................................................................................................................... 7
9. Assembly and Subassembly Drawings ................................................................................................. 9
10. Bill of Materials .................................................................................................................................... 10
Appendix A: Sample Drawings ................................................................................................................A1
Appendix B: Dimensioning Comments ....................................................................................................B1
Appendix C: Software Specific Comments ............................................................................................. C1

Table of Tables
Table 1: Letter Heights .................................................................................................................................. 3
Table 2: Typical Scales. ................................................................................................................................ 3
Table 3: Common Sheet Sizes ..................................................................................................................... 3

Table of Figures
Figure 1: Line Types and Widths .................................................................................................................. 2
Figure 2: Sheet Binding Position ................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 3: ANSI B (Ledger) sheet folding method. ......................................................................................... 4

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1. Scope
This standard defines guidelines for constructing a set of working drawings, i.e., production drawings,
for a product. A set of working drawings contains all the information needed to manufacture a product.
It includes all the information needed to fabricate each part, specify all standard components, and
assemble the parts and standard components into the product.
In this standard, a part is an object fabricated from a single piece of material and for which a detail
drawing is included in the set of working drawings. A standard component in this drawing standard is
an unaltered component for which no detail drawing is included because the part is to be procured from
a source which fabricates that component to that source’s specifications. A subassembly and
assembly are comprised of part(s) and standard component(s).
The three components of a set of working drawings are:
1. Assembly (and if applicable subassembly) drawings
2. Bill of materials
3. Part drawings of each item to be fabricated
The guidelines in this standard take precedence over those in the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers Documentation Practices (ASME Y14). Documentation practices in ASME Y14 shall be
followed if those practices are not addressed in this document.
All drawings and models are designed with ASME standards and not ISO standards.
Note: All sizes described are based on plotted/printed size.

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2. Line Convention, Letterings, and Scale

2.1. Line Types and Width

A variety of lines are used in drafting and they are differentiated by their type (pattern) and width. The
most commonly used lines are shown in Figure 1. Line widths are classed as either thin (0.30 mm,
0.012”), thick (0.60 mm, 0.024”), or “thicker” (0.80 mm, 0.031”).

Figure 1: Line Types and Widths

Due to variances in drawing size and scale used, specifying the lengths of the line and blank spaces is
not practical. In some instances, scaling the lines may be required to show the pattern.
Arrowheads are solid and should have a length to width ratio of 3:1, with the length being 10x the width
of the line it is attached to (Ex Dimension Line: 3 mm (0.12”), Cutting-Plane Line: 8 mm (0.31”).

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 2.2. Lettering
The style used in all lettering in technical drawings will be normal Arial font in upper case (not bold).
The font height is dependent on use and summarized in Table 1. All heights are based on printed size.
Table 1: Letter Heights

Use For Height

(mm) (inch)
Title block inputs¹ 3 0.12
Dimension and Notes 3 0.12
Section and view letters² 3 0.12
Title block headings³ 1.5 0.06
Other block headings 2 0.08
All other text 3 0.12
¹ 6 mm (0.24") for sheets larger than ANSI B
² 4.5 mm (0.18") for sheets larger than ANSI B
³ 2 mm (0.08") for block notes

2.3. Scale
Drawings should be at 1:1 whenever possible. If this is not possible, the drawing should be scaled in
a fashion that depicts all the details of the item clearly and accurately. Keep scaling as consistent as
possible in the drawings of a set. In general, use the scales contained in Table 2.
Table 2: Typical Scales.
Enlarged Size as Reduced
2:1 1:1 1:2
4:1 1:4
5:1 1:5
8:1 1:8
10:1 1:10
1.5:1¹ 3:4¹
¹ Uncommon scale, use sparingly.

3. Drawing Sheets

3.1. Sizes
The sheet size should be selected so the information can be presented in a clear and concise way with
appropriate scaling. Sheet sizes are governed by different standards, with ISO and ANSI being
predominant in North America (Table 3).
Table 3: Common Sheet Sizes
ISO ANSI
Size (mm) (inch) Size (mm) (inch)
A4 210 x 297 8.3 x 11.7 A¹ 216 x 279 8.5 x 11
A3 297 x 297 11.8 x 16.5 B² 279 x 432 11 x 17
A2 420 x 594 16.5 x 23.4 C 432 x 559 17 x 22
A1 594 x 841 23.4 x 33.1 D 559 x 864 22 x 34
A0 841 x 1,189 33.1 x 46.8 E 864 x 1,118 34 x 44
¹ Letter size
² Ledger size

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Typically, all drawings should be on either ANSI A (or Letter) or ANSI B (or Ledger). Sheets can be
configured as either portrait or landscape, with landscape being most common.

3.2. Borders and Zone Markers

Drawing (and block) borders should be continuous lines that are 0.7 mm (0.028”) thick. The borders
should be equal distance from the edges, with the distance of 0.25” (6.4 mm) for ANSI A sheets and
0.50” (12.7 mm) for ANSI B or larger sheets.
Alphanumeric zone markers are used to create a grid reference frame. The markers are placed
between the border and the edge of the sheet when required. Due to sheet size, zone markers are not
used on ANSI A sheets.

3.3. Order
The sheets in a set of working drawings should be assembled in the following order:
1. Cover sheet (project name and lists of drawings (with DWG #) in set)
2. Assembly drawings
3. Subassembly drawings (if present)
4. Bill of materials (if not included on assembly and subassembly drawing sheets)
5. Part drawings
The drawings within a category should be ordered by drawing number. If the drawing set consists of
only one drawing, the cover sheet can be omitted.

3.4. Binding and Folding

The binding and stapling positions for ANSI A & B size sheets are shown in Figure 2. Figure 3 shows
how a B sheet should be folded.

Figure 2: Sheet Binding Position

Figure 3: ANSI B (Ledger) sheet folding method.

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4. Title Blocks

4.1. Location and Contents

A title block should be included on all sheets in the lower right corner. At a minimum a title block should
include the following:
1. Drawing title (should be descriptive and unique)
2. Drawing number (see Section 6)
3. Revision (see Section 5)
4. Course (Abbreviation and number)
5. Program and School names
6. Names of following (first initial and last name);
a. Drawer
b. Checker
7. Dates associated with all names (YYYY-MM-DD format)
8. Predominant drawing scale (e.g., 1:2)
9. Sheet size letter designation (see Section 3)
10. Units used for dimensions and general tolerance note
11. Material (insert AS SPECIFIED on assembly and subassembly drawings)
12. Third angle projection symbol
13. Sheet number and total number of sheets for the part and or assembly (e.g. 1 of 2)
All data fields should be completed except the drawing checker and associated date box. The drawer
date should be the creation date.
When a drawing consists of more than one sheet, the title block information will be the same on all
sheets except for the sheet number (and maybe the scale).

4.2. Arrangement and Size

The recommended locations for the title block are either: 1) across the bottom or 2) bottom right corner.
Select title block location that results in the most useable space for the drawing. Keep title block
locations as consistent as possible in a drawing set.
Size title block cells in a consistent fashion, with the heights typically 10 mm (0.40”).

4.3. Additional Information

More advanced working drawings may require additional information in the title block and typically occur
on larger sheets which can fit larger blocks. The title block should be modified. Additional information
may include:
1. Mass
2. Manufactured
3. QA
4. Approved
5. Associated Dates

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5. Revision Blocks

5.1. Revision
In progress drawings (i.e. design phase) have letter revision starting with Rev A (Rev I & O are not
used). Drawings issued for production/manufacturing have numerical revisions, starting with Rev 0.

5.2. Revision Block Location and Content

The revision block should be located in the upper right corner of the drawing. If no revisions have been
made to the drawing (i.e. Rev A) the Revision Block can be omitted. The block should include columns
for:
1. Revision letters/numbers
2. Descriptions of changes
3. Dates of change (in format YYYY-MM-DD)
Space should be reserved to extend the revision block downward as required. Size revision block cells
in a consistent fashion, with the heights typically 6 mm (0.24”).

5.3. Additional Information

More advanced working drawings may require additional information in the revision block and typically
occur on larger sheets which can fit larger blocks. The revision block should be modified. Additional
information may include:
1. Zone location of change
2. Author of change
3. Engineering Change Order (ECO)

6. Drawing Numbers and File Naming

6.1. Drawing Number

Each drawing should contain a unique descriptive drawing number. A drawing number is based on the
project the drawing is part of and its order in the project. For example, if a drawing is for the second
question of Lab 3, the drawing number could be LAB3.2. If a part number is provided, it can be used
as the drawing number.

6.2. File Naming

Each drawing should have a unique drawing number using the format
CCC-AAA-RR-D-XXX
DRFT114-LAB3.2-RA-P-ADJUSTER PLATE
where each letter is a placeholder for letters or numerals defined as:
CCC: Course code (Abbreviation and number)
AAA: Drawing Number
RR: Revision (‘R’ followed by the revision number/letter)
D: Drawing type: A-Assembly, S-Subassembly, P-Part, B-Bill of Materials (if on separate sheet)
XXX: Description (summarized drawing title)
The information contained in the filename must match the information in the title block.

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7. Part Drawings

7.1. Function
A part drawing provides all the information needed to fabricate the part. This includes the part’s
shape, dimensions, material, and any special requirements (e.g. surface finish or heat treatment).

7.2. Views
Use as many views as required to provide enough information to the shape of the part and to provide
enough space for dimensioning. Common views include the front, top, and right side multiviews.
Section, auxiliary, and detailed views should be used when the standard views are insufficient. A small
isometric view of the part should be included when feasible. Multiviews are shown in third angle
projection.

8. Dimensioning and Notation

8.1. Units
Accepted unit systems are either Le Système International d'Unités (SI | Metric) or US Customary
(Imperial) units. The unit of measurement on a drawing should be stated in the tolerance note in the
title block and should not appear with the numerical value of each dimension. All dimensions of the
same type, e.g., distance, should be in the same unit of measurement. Both unit systems can be used
for a given dimension, but one of them would be a reference dimension and would be contained in
parenthesis and the reference unit should be noted in the tolerance note.

8.2. Tolerances
All dimensions should have an associated tolerance. Dimensions with specified tolerances are
expressed as a limit dimension (in stacked form). Unspecified tolerances are indicated by the number
of decimal places in the dimension and described by a general note in the title block.
Recommended tolerances can be found in Machine Tool Practices handbooks.
In general, the following unspecified tolerances can be used.
inches Decimal: X.X ±0.1, X.XX ±0.01, X.XXX ±0.005, Fractional: ±1/64
mm Decimal: X ±1, X.X ±0.1, X.XX ±0.05
Angular: ±0.5°

8.3. Leading and Trailing Zeroes

For dimensions less than one inch, a leading zero should NOT appear before the decimal point. When
the dimension is less than one millimeter, a leading zero SHOULD appear. For example, the decimal
representation of a one quarter of a millimeter dimension is 0.25 where the mm is omitted because it
would appear in the tolerance block. For high tolerance dimensions, trailing zeros may be required to
achieve the desired level or precision.

8.4. General Comments

 Properly dimension features in the view that is most appropriate. Dimensions should not be
repeated in different views.
 Dimensions should be placed outside the part area (ideally). If required, dimension lines can be
placed on the object, but never the dimension text.
 Place dimensions in the center of arrows where possible.
 Dimension (and leader) lines should not cross each other, but then can be crossed by extension
lines. Extension lines should not connect to drawing lines but they can cross them.

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 Chain dimensioning is encouraged, but the overall lengths must be included.
 Multiple features of a dimension should include a multiplier for replications. For example, four holes
with diameter dimension of 10 mm should be listed on one hole as 4X ø10 (no space between “4”
& “X”, but space between “X” & “ø”).

8.5. Notes
The use of manufacturing and assembly notes on assembly, subassembly, and detail drawings should
be avoided whenever possible.

8.6. Dimensioning Comments

Additional comments and examples regarding dimensioning are contain in Appendix B:.

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9. Assembly and Subassembly Drawings

9.1. Function of an Assembly Drawing

An assembly drawing shows how a collection of parts, standard components, and subassemblies fit
together into a finished product. Collectively these drawings are referred to as a set of working drawings
and therefore should include at least one assembly drawing. If the product includes multiple entities
which are not connected together, then an assembly drawing for each entity should be included.

9.2. Subassemblies
If an assembly drawing would be cluttered or unclear if all parts and standard components were shown
on it, then one or more subassembly drawings should be included which show how subsets of the
product’s parts and standard components are assembled. A subassembly can then be drawn on the
assembly drawing as one unit without showing the details of all the parts and standard components
which are part of that subassembly. Unlike an assembly drawing, a subassembly drawing does not
show a finished product.

9.3. Views
Assembly and subassembly drawings should show the parts, standard components, and
subassemblies in their true positions relative to one another. They should contain the minimum number
of views which clearly show how the parts, standard components, and subassemblies are put together.
The view(s) shown may be one of or a combination of the following:
1. Multiviews projections,
2. Isometric projections.
Multiviews should be shown in third angle projection.
For assemblies and subassemblies with concealed parts or are otherwise complicated, an exploded
view or section views (e.g. full, half, broken out) may be used.

9.4. Hidden Lines

Assembly and subassembly drawings generally should not include hidden lines which do not clarify
how the product is assembled. Thus, absence of a hidden line does not imply that no hidden edge
exists at that location.

9.5. Tail Lines

Tail lines are used to show how parts, standard components, and subassemblies interact with each
other in an exploded view. Tails are to be used in a clear and concise way. Tail lines are to be drawn
with thin phantom lines.

9.6. Dimensions
Generally, the only dimensions shown on assembly and subassembly drawings are those needed to
assemble the parts, standard components, and subassemblies together. Overall dimensions of the
assembly can also be included for reference. Dimensions required to fabricate a part should not be
shown on assembly or subassembly drawings.

9.7. Item Numbers

A single instance of each unique part, standard component, or subassembly is identified with an item
number on an assembly or subassembly drawing. Only in rare cases when it would be extremely
difficult to determine the location of additional instance should the same part be identified again.

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 Item numbers should appear in circular balloons (ø 9 mm | ø 0.32“) which should be drawn well outside
the perimeter of the assembly or subassembly. The balloons should be numbered sequentially in a
clockwise fashion with the number 1 balloon in the top center location of the upper leftmost view (e.g.,
at the 12-o’clock position). Each balloon should be connected to the item to which it refers with a leader
line which terminates with an arrowhead touching the edge of the item or a dot (ø 2 mm) on the surface
of the item. Balloons should only point to a single instance of the item. Leader lines should not cross
one another and the number of times they cross other lines should be minimized. Multiple balloons
can be chained together with a single leader to described clusters of items (eg. fastener, washer, nut).

10. Bill of Materials

10.1. Contents
A bill of materials (BOM) for an assembly or subassembly is a tabular listing of all the parts, standard
components, and subassemblies in the assembly or subassembly. At minimum, a BOM should include
and in the described order:
1. Item numbers (which appear in balloons with leader lines to item)
2. Descriptions (words which describe the part or subassembly)
3. Drawing numbers or part numbers
 For a part, the drawing number of the associated part drawing
 For a subassembly, the drawing number of the associated subassembly drawing
 For a standard component, the vendor’s part number, if it exists
4. Vendor information (for components to be purchased and which are not commonly available)
5. Quantities required in the assembly (or subassembly)
Entries should appear in numerical order by item number with the lowest number at the top of the list.
Typically, the BOM for the parts, standard components, and subassemblies included on an assembly
drawing will be printed on that assembly drawing. Similarly, parts, standard components, and
subassemblies on a subassembly drawing will be included in the BOM on that subassembly drawing.

10.2. Location
When a BOM is on an assembly or subassembly drawing, it should be placed in a location that
maximize the usable space for the drawing of the assembly or subassembly. If near the sheet and/or
title block border line, the BOM border lines should touch them.

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Appendix A: Sample Drawings

A.1. CCC_LABX_RA_A_WELDING CLAMP

A.2. CCC_LABX.1_RA_P_HANDLE ARM

A.3. CCC_LABX.2_RA_P_BENT LINK

A.4. CCC_LABX.3_RA_P_ROD

A.5. CCC_LABX.4_RA_P_BASE
NOTE: This drawing shows details for machining only. There would be another drawing showing details including with all casting
dimensions.

A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
Appendix B: Dimensioning Comments

B.1. General
 Dimension features where they appear in profile and/or show the most detail.
 Dimension in the view that shows the true size of the measurement.
 Do not dimension to hidden features, if required use a section to make the hidden feature visible.
 Do not over dimension and omit superfluous/redundant dimensions.
 All the overall lengths should be given.
 Use reference dimensions for clarity (but keep them to a minimum). Reference dimension have
the text in parenthesis.
 Multiple features and dimensions can be expressed with #X (e.g. 2X, note no space).
o Ex. Two chamfers: (2X 10 X 45°, note spaces).
o Older standards used TYP to describe multiple identical features and dimensions. Using TYP
can be ambiguous and has been replaced by #X. TYP is not to be used in DMET and MET.

B.2. Dimension Formats

 Space first dimension ~10 mm from the object with additional dimensions spaced 6 mm apart.
 Do not cross dimension lines with each other or with extension lines (extension lines may cross
each other).
 Do not place dimension text on the object
 Align adjacent dimension lines when appropriate.
 Stagger stacked dimensions.
 Longer dimensions are furthest from the object.
 Extension lines do not connect to visible lines (leave a 1.5 mm gap) and extend beyond the
dimension line by 3 mm. Extension lines may cross visible lines.
 Leaders are drawn at 30°, 45°, or 60° if possible (never ~0° or ~90°).
 If possible, the centerline pattern should appear at least once (scale if required)

B.3. Circles and Arcs

 A diameter symbol (ø) is used if the angle of an arc is greater than 180°.
 A radius symbol (R) is used if the angle of an arc is less than or equal to 180°.
 When circles/arcs are dimensioned in profile, use a leader line, which must point towards the center
of curvature.
 When circles are dimensioned from the side, a diameter symbol must be included.
 Center marks and lines extend beyond the object they are describing, by 3 mm.
 Dimension lines are attached to the end of the marks/lines.

B.4. Chamfers
 Chamfer consist of 3 dimensions (two linear and an angle). Only two of these dimensions can be
used and they can be indirect.
 A 45° chamfer (and only 45°) can be expressed with a leader line and two of the three dimensions
(e.g. 10 X 45°, note the spaces). Do not add “CHAMFER” to the notation.

B.5. Rounded-End Shapes

 Dimensioning of rounded-end shapes is determined by how the shape is manufactured, with the
predominant methods shown below.
 Internal Rounded-Ends (slotted grooves)
o The width of the groove is always dimensioned

B1
 oThe length of the groove is either end-to-end or center-to-center.
oThe radius of the end is expressed as “R” if it is tangent to the ends (e.g. half the width) or as
the actual radius if it is not tangent.
 External Rounded-Ends
o Similar strategy is employed as with internal rounded-ends, but more combinations are possible.
o Using reference dimensions “(##)” and “R” dimensions allow for the concise dimensioning
without over dimensioning.

B.6. Holes

 Hole depth is indicated by “x ##” in the leader notation or a standard dimension in a section view.
 Through holes are indicated by “THRU” in the leader notation, but can be omitted if a side view
shows it is through.
 Counterbore holes are described with a two-line notation, with the 1st line describing the small hole
and the 2nd line describing the counterbore; “v” symbol and the diameter and depth.
 Countersink holes are described with a two-line notation, with the 1st line describing the small hole
and the 2nd line describing the countersink; “w” symbol and the diameter and angle.
 Spotface holes are described with a two-line notation, with the 1st line describing the small hole and
the 2nd line describing the spotface; “ ” symbol and the diameter.

B2
B.7. Threads
 Unified and Metric threads are the most common straight threads in North America.
 Threads are identified with a leader notation usually in the profile view.
 Examples of Unified and Metric thread notations are shown below. Note spacing and formatting.
o Metric: M8x1.25 –“M” denotes that it is a metric thread, “8” represents the major diameter of the
thread in mm, “1.25” represents the distance between threads in mm.
o Unified: 1/4-20 UNC – “UN(C)” denotes it is a unified thread (course series), “1/4” represents
the major diameter of the thread in inches, “20” represents the number of threads per inch.
Major diameters less than 1/4" are expressed by a Machine Screw Number.
 Additional information (if required) follows after the basic notation in the order described below:
o Thread fit classes.
o Thread are right-handed by default. Left-handed threads are indicated by “LH”.
o Internal thread depths are indicated with “x ##” (or THRU).
o External thread for fasteners (see B.8) lengths are indicated with “X ##” in the notation or a
dimension on the drawing.
 Pilot hole size and depth are not indicated.

B.8. Fasteners, Nuts, and Washers

 There is no formal standardization system for fasteners, nuts, and washers, so use the custom
system described below. Use standard abbreviations where possible.
 Fasteners
o “Thread” X “Shaft length”(“Thread length”) “Driver type” “Head type” “Fastener type”
 If the shaft is more than ~75% threaded, thread length is omitted.
 Values are nominal sizes.
o Imperial: 5/8-11 UNC X 1(0.5) Hex Socket Head Cap Screw
o Metric: M5x0.5 X 10 Slotted Round Head Machine Screw
 Nuts
o “Thread” “Head Type” “Nut Type” Nut
o Imperial: 5/8-11 UNC Hex Jam Nut
o Metric: M5x0.5 Hex Cap Nut
 Washers
o “Size” “Washer Type” Washer
 Size corresponds to size of fastener that goes through it, not the inner diameter.
o Imperial: 5/8 Flat Washer
o Metric: M5 Lock Washer

B.9. Finishing Marks

 Use a simplified “checkmark” finish mark symbol. It consists of a 10 mm tall checkmark with 3 mm
text for the roughness value.
o If 10 mm height is not feasible, the mark can be 5 mm tall, but the text would remain as 3 mm.
o Regardless of the orientation of the checkmark, the test is always right side up.
o The symbol is drawn with a thin line.

B.10. Notes
 Used to convey information regarding a standard feature that allows the dimensioning to be
simplified (e.g. “ALL ROUNDS AND FILLETS R2”)
 Use standard symbols or abbreviations (glossary of drafting textbooks).

B3
Appendix C: Software Specific Comments

C.1. AutoCAD
 Lettering is done with a thin line layer, not thick. Otherwise, text will appear bold.
 When dimension circles/arcs in profile, use a dimension leader line (not a leader) so it will
automatically point towards the center of curvature.
 Blocks are to be created in the “0 Layer”.

C1