Topic: Introduction to Technical Drawing

Objectives: By the end of the session, students should be able to:

1. Define technical drawing as a universal graphic language for conveying shape, size, and
specifications.
2. Identify basic lines types (Object, hidden, center, dimension, extension) and their uses.
3. Explain the purpose of orthographic projection and arrange top, front, and side views
correctly.
4. Apply proper dimensioning rules (extension lines, dimension lines, arrowheads, and
numerical values)
5. Use basic drawing tools (pencil, ruler, triangles, compass) correctly and maintain neatness.
6. Recognize different drawing types – orthographic, isometric, and perspective – and state
when each is appropriate.
7. Demonstrate safe handling of drafting equipment and good workspace organization (5S
principle)
Lecture proper
Technical drawing
Technical drawing is the precise, graphic representation of an object, system, or
structure to communicate how it functions or is constructed. It is a universal language
used by professionals like engineers, architects, and manufacturers, using standardized
symbols, dimensions, and line types to convey information about an object's shape, size,
materials, and assembly.

Basic Line Types use in Technical Drawing

Twenty-one types of technical drawing lines and their respective uses are as follows:

1. Break lines

Break lines are the type of technical drawing lines used to create breakouts on sections in order to
shorten distances between parts of a drawing and give more clarity. Three types of lines are normally
used as break lines; they have different line weights: long break lines, short break lines, and cylindrical
break lines.

2. Center lines (or long/short-dashed thin lines)

Center lines are the type of technical drawing lines used to locate or represent the centers of
tools, circles, cylindrical surfaces or volumes, symmetrical areas/objects, etc.

Center lines are drawn as thin broken lines that have long and short dashes. In many instances, the long
and short dashes vary in length; however, this depends on the scale or size of the drawing. Center lines
could be extended and used as extension lines during dimensioning of objects or shapes.

3. Chain lines

Chain lines are thin or thick broken or spaced parallel lines used to indicate either pitch lines (lines that
show the pitch of gear teeth or sprocket teeth), center lines, developed views, or the features in front of
a cutting plane. Usually, chain lines are applied at the beginning and end of long dashes, at center points
as center lines, in dimensioning, or for other purposes.

4. Construction lines

Construction lines (light thin lines) are the type of technical drawing lines used to develop shapes and
locations of features in technical and engineering drawings. After using construction lines to develop
thick visible outlines of objects, they are either left on drawings or cleaned off with an eraser.

5. Continuous thick lines

Continuous thick lines are used to represent visible edges and outlines of objects, shapes, and structures
on paper or computer. They are usually dark and heavy solid lines which are very prominent on many
complete drawings.

6. Continuous thin lines

Continuous thin lines are used to represent dimension lines, extension lines, projection lines, hatching
lines for cross sections, leader lines, reference lines, imaginary lines of intersections, and short center
lines.

7. Cutting plane lines (or viewing plane lines)

Cutting plane lines are the type of technical drawing lines used to indicate the positions of cutting planes
in sections, or during sectioning. Two types of cutting plane lines can be used.

The first type is a dark line that consists of one long dash and two short dashes spaced alternately. Long
dashes are usually drawn at any length between 20 and 40mm, or a little bit more; it depends on the
scale and size of the drawing. On the other hand, short dashes are usually drawn approximately 3mm
long, and spaced at 1.5mm (between dashes).

The second type of cutting plane line consists of short dashes of equal lengths, approximately 6mm long,
with a space (of length) of 1.5mm between each short dash.

8. Dimension lines

Dimension lines are thin lines that have arrowheads at their opposite ends; they are used to show the
precise length, breadth, width, and height of objects.

9. Extension lines

Extension lines are thin solid lines that are used to show the extent (beginning and end) of a dimension
in a drawing. Extension lines are usually drawn at approximately 1.5mm away from the outlines of
objects and extended 3mm longer than the outermost arrowheads located at the ends of dimension
lines.
10. Fold lines (also called hinge lines or reference lines)

Fold lines serve as a reference intersection line between two planes of reference in the Glass Box
Method for orthographic projection of any object. When creating a multiview drawing from
orthographic projection, the imaginary Glass Box is unfolded as if the corners are hinged about the front
view (except for the rear end). Fold lines are often used together with miter (or mitre) lines to create
different types of multiview drawing, especially first-angle and third-angle drawings.

11. Freehand break lines (or continuous narrow irregular lines)

Freehand break lines are the type of technical drawing lines drawn with freehand and used to indicate
short breaks or irregular boundaries; they can be used to set the limits of partial views or sections.

12. Hatching lines (or section lines)

Hatching or section lines are used to indicate the sectional view or outlook of surfaces produced as a
result of making arbitrary cuts on an object. Hatching lines are usually thin lines that are drawn at an
angle of 45° and equally spaced to indicate cut or sectioned material.
13. Hidden lines

Hidden lines are the type of technical drawing lines used to describe features that cannot be seen when
objects are viewed from a particular direction; they consist of short and equally spaced thin dash lines
and spaces. The dashes are usually three to four times longer than the space between them.

It is recommended that the dashes in hidden lines should be approximately 3 mm long, and have a space
of 1.0mm between each dash. The length of the dashes, and the space between each of them can be
slightly altered, depending on the scale and size of the drawing.

14. Leader lines

Leader lines are used to show the dimensions of an object, feature, or structure whenever such
dimensions are not clear enough after being placed beside objects, features, or drawn structures.

15. Long Break lines (or continuous thin straight lines with zigzags)

Long break lines or continuous straight lines with zigzags (see (B) below) are the type of technical
drawing line that is used to show the continuity of partially interrupted views; they are very suitable for
computer-aided design (CAD) drawings.

16. Match lines

Match lines are the type of technical drawing lines used to designate a cut line between two or more
drawings. Such a designation is necessary when more details need to be highlighted and the area on a
drawing paper is big enough for different drawings to occupy. Match lines are also used in a
conglomeration of drawing views to show locations or points where views have been merged or split.

It is not always possible to completely express the graphic information of an entire view on a single
sheet. This occurs, for instance, in many complex or large civil and electrical drawings that require more
than one sheet for an entire view. Therefore, as shown in the figure or electrical drawing below, match
lines are used to indicate how the drawing on one sheet matches with an oncoming/another drawing.

17. Miter lines

A miter lines are unique type of technical or engineering drawing lines mainly used to transfer depth
dimension(s) of an object between the object’s top or plan view and its right side view in a multiview
drawing. However, miter lines can be used to transfer any object’s dimensions such as the depth, height,
and width from the front and top views to the left- and right-side views in first-angle and third-angle
drawings, respectively.

Miter lines are usually drawn at 45°degrees and act as an intersection point for projection lines that
originate from and go to the right-side (or left-side) and top views in 2D technical and engineering
drawings. For example, the depth or width of a square in the top view of an object in a drawing can be
projected across the miter line to the right-side view. Similarly, the position of a circle or hole in the top
view of any drawing can be projected across the miter line to the right-side view of the same drawing.
18. Phantom lines

Phantom lines are thin lines that consist of alternating long dashes that are separated by two short
dashes and are often used to represent the direction of movement of an object or a part of an object in
alternate positions. Phantom lines can also be used to indicate adjacent features or objects.

19. Stitch lines

Stitch lines are the type of technical drawing lines used to stitch, sew, or connect either, two different
parts of one drawing, or two different parts of different drawings. Stitch lines comprise of a series of
very short dashes that are evenly spaced and approximately half the length of a typical dash or hidden
line. Stitch lines are useful in drawings that involve objects such as artifacts, and even clothing.

20. Symmetry lines

Symmetry lines are imaginary lines that pass through the centers of areas, shapes, objects, and drawn
structures; in most cases, symmetry lines divide objects into equal and similar-looking parts.

21. Visible lines

Visible lines are thick and continuous bold lines that are used to indicate the visible edges of objects.
They usually stand out when compared with other lines.
Orthographic Projection

Orthographic projection is a 2D drawing method used to represent 3D objects by showing

multiple, perpendicular views (like front, top, and side) on a flat surface, using parallel projection lines
that are perpendicular to the viewing plane.

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their-uses/

Drawing tools

Drawing Board

A flat, portable surface used to support a paper or drafting sheet during the drawing process. It is
typically made of wood, plastic, or metal and is available in various sizes. Drawing boards may include a
built-in parallel bar, which is a straight edge that runs along one side of the board and can be adjusted to
create horizontal lines with precision.
Technical Drawing Pens
These pens feature a fine tip made of metal or plastic with a size ranging from 0.1mm to 1.0mm or
larger. Some technical drawing pens are refillable, allowing for the replacement of the ink cartridge
when it runs out.

Pencils
The pencils used for technical drawing differ in some ways from ordinary pencils. Technical drawing
pencils have harder lead cores, which results in more precise lines while making the point of the pencil
less likely to break. The most commonly used technical drawing pencils are labeled with a number and
letter code, such as HB, H, and 2H.

Mechanical Pencils
Mechanical pencils provide the precision of technical drawing pencils without the need of sharpening.
Mechanical pencils feature a retractable lead that is advanced through the pencil with the push of a
button or a twist mechanism.
Ruler
This measuring tool is typically made of transparent plastic or metal and is used to create straight lines
with precision. A T-square, a specialized ruler that incorporates a perpendicular edge, is also commonly
used in technical drawing for creating horizontal and vertical lines.

Drafting Triangle
Drafting triangles (also known as set squares) are tools used in technical drawing to draw and measure
angles. They are typically made of transparent plastic or metal and come in two different shapes: the 30-
60-90 degree triangle and the 45-45-90 degree triangle.

Drafting Compass
This tool is used to create circles, arcs, or ellipses. It consists of two arms, one with a pointed end and
the other with a pencil or pen attachment, connected by a hinge. The pointed end is placed at the center
of the circle, and the other end is used to draw the circle with the desired radius.
Drafting Protractor
A flat, circular or semicircular device, usually made of plastic, with degree markings around the edge.
The protractor is placed on the drawing surface, and the angle between two lines or the angle of a line
relative to a reference line can be read off the degree markings, allowing drafters to create accurate
drawings that require specific angles.

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Dimensioning basics

Dimensioning a technical drawing refers to the process of adding measurements and numerical values
to indicate the size, location, and specifications of various elements in the drawing. These
measurements provide important information for understanding the object's size, proportions, and how
its components relate to each other.
Dimensioning is crucial in technical drawing for several reasons:
 Clarity and Communication: Dimensioning adds clarity to the drawing by providing
precise measurements. It allows others, such as engineers, fabricators, or manufacturers, to
understand the intended size and specifications of the object accurately. It ensures that
everyone interprets the drawing consistently, minimizing errors or misunderstandings.
 Design Intent: Dimensioning communicates the designer's intent by defining critical
dimensions and tolerances. It guides the manufacturing process, ensuring that the final
product matches the designer's vision and requirements. It helps maintain consistency and
accuracy during production.
  Fit and Assembly: Dimensioning aids in determining how different components fit
together or align in an assembly. It specifies the necessary clearances, tolerances, and spatial
relationships between parts, ensuring proper functionality and ease of assembly.
 Quality Control: Dimensioning provides a reference for quality control inspections and
evaluations. It allows inspectors to verify that manufactured parts meet the specified
dimensions and tolerances, ensuring the desired level of precision and quality.
 Maintenance and Repair: Accurate dimensioning aids in maintenance and repair
activities by providing essential information for replacing or repairing components. It allows
technicians to identify the correct size, shape, and location of parts, facilitating efficient
repairs and replacements.
Overall, dimensioning is essential for clear communication, precise manufacturing, efficient
assembly, and quality control. It ensures that technical drawings effectively convey the
necessary information, leading to accurate and successful realization of the designed object.
PARTS OF A DIMENSION
 DIMENSION LINE: A line that normally has an arrow at one end of it that points to an extension
line and the value on the other.
 LEADER: A line with an arrow pointing towards the center of a feature and generally has a bend
in it so that your text is horizontal or vertical. Used for dimensioning holes, as well as call outs and
notes.

 EXTENSION LINE: A line extending from a feature of the drawing to a little past where you are
placing the dimension line. There is a small gap to ensure that anyone looking at your drawing
knows that it is not part of the actual drawing.
 VALUE: The actual measurement of the feature that is being dimensioned. It will generally be
centered between two-dimension lines.

DIMENSIONING RULES
1. Each dimension should be given clearly so that it can only be interpreted in one way.
2. Dimensions should not be duplicated or the same information given in multiple ways.
3. No unnecessary dimensions should be used- only those needed to produce or inspect
the part.
4. Follow the CONTOUR rule: dimensions should be attached to the view that best shows
the contour of the feature to be dimensioned.
5. Avoid dimensioning to hidden lines and features.
6. Avoid dimensioning over or through object lines.
7. A dimension should be attached to one view only.
8. Whenever possible, locate dimensions between adjacent views and not near borders.
9. Try to avoid crossing extension lines, but do not break them when they do cross.
10. In general, a circle is dimensioned by its diameter and an arc by its radius.
11. Holes should be located and sized in the view that shows the feature as a circle.
 12. Dimension lines like their space. Do not cross a dimension line with an extension line
and avoid crossing dimension lines with leader lines.
13. Leader lines point toward the center of the feature (for instance the center of a circle)
and should not occur horizontally or vertically.
14. Dimension values should be centered between arrowheads, except when using stacked
dimensions and then the numbers should be staggered.
15. Keep in mind there may be a case where you need to break a standard rule to give
clarity to the drawing.

DIMENSIONING TYPES
There are a few different dimensioning formats that are used to dimension a drawing. The
reason there are different types is based on who the drawing is intended for. If you are sending
your part out to be machined and tolerance is important or if you are drawing a architectural
drawing you may want to use a different dimensioning format to ensure that the information is
clearly displayed. I am only going to go through two of these styles now but know that there are
more.

Chain Dimensioning
In chain dimensioning, dimensions are applied sequentially from one feature to the next,
forming a chain-like sequence. Each dimension is referenced to the preceding one, which
creates a linear progression of measurements. This method is useful when dimensions are
related or when there is a logical sequence of features. However, it can become complex and
confusing if there are many interconnected dimensions.
This method of dimensioning can lead to tolerance issues the further down the part you go, with
variances in machining being compounded each dimension down the line. To many this is the
easiest dimension style to draw though because you are measuring actual feature values.

Baseline Dimensioning
The second type of dimensioning style is baseline dimensioning. With baseline dimensioning you
will continuously pull your dimensions off of the same baseline. This is helpful when machining
parts because variations due to tolerance will not be compounded since each dimension is
independent of the other dimensions in your drawing.
Datum Dimensioning
Datum dimensioning, also known as datum reference dimensioning, relies on a set of reference
points, lines, or planes called datums to establish a coordinate system for dimensioning and
tolerancing. Dimensions are typically referenced to these datums, providing a consistent and
standardized frame of reference for measurement. Datum dimensioning is commonly used in
geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) to specify the location and orientation of
features relative to a datum reference frame.

Other Dimensioning Types

Coordinate Dimensioning: In coordinate dimensioning, each feature's location is defined by
Cartesian coordinates (X, Y, Z), usually referenced to a common origin or a specific datum. This
method is particularly useful for specifying the precise location of features in three-dimensional
space, especially in computer-aided design (CAD) environments.
Ordinate Dimensioning: Ordinate dimensioning involves establishing a zero reference point
(usually at the intersection of two datum lines) and then dimensioning features using the
distance from this reference point along orthogonal lines (X and Y directions). It's often used for
linear or rectangular features, providing a clear and consistent method for dimensioning.
Direct Dimensioning: Direct dimensioning, also known as aligned dimensioning, involves placing
dimensions directly on the object, aligned with the features being dimensioned. This method is
straightforward and intuitive, as dimensions are positioned adjacent to the features they
describe. Direct dimensioning is commonly used for simple parts with few features or for
dimensioning in 3D CAD models.
Types of Technical drawings

Orthographic Projection

Orthographic projection, the fundamental technique in technical drawing, involves representing three-
dimensional objects in two dimensions. This method utilizes multiple views, including front, top, side,
and sectional views, to provide a comprehensive depiction of the object’s shape and dimensions. By
presenting various perspectives, orthographic projection enables engineers and manufacturers to
visualise and analyse the object from different angles, ensuring precise interpretation and execution.

Isometric Drawing

Isometric drawing offers a simplified yet realistic representation of three-dimensional objects. Unlike
orthographic projection, which maintains strict geometric accuracy, isometric drawings depict objects at
a 30-degree angle to the horizontal axes, providing an illusion of depth without distortion. This type of
drawing is commonly used in architectural renderings, industrial product design, and technical
illustrations, offering a visually appealing way to showcase complex structures and assemblies.
 Perspective Drawing

Perspective drawing employs foreshortening and vanishing points to create realistic representations of
objects as they appear in three-dimensional space. Unlike orthographic and isometric drawings, which
focus on precise measurements, perspective drawings emphasize visual depth and realism. This
technique is widely used in architectural visualization, interior design, and artistic illustrations, allowing
designers to convey spatial relationships and atmospheric effects with accuracy and flair.

Safety & 5S of Drafting