Engineering Graphics & CAD
Complete Study Notes
[Link] First Year | All 16 Questions Covered
Q1. Name any five drawing instruments used in Engineering Graphics.
Five Common Drawing Instruments
1. Drawing Board
2. T-Square
3. Set Squares
4. Compass
5. Protractor
These instruments help in preparing accurate and precise engineering drawings.
Q2. Write the definition of R.F. with formula.
Definition:
Representative Fraction (R.F.) is the ratio of the length of an object on the drawing to its actual length in reality.
It is a dimensionless number.
Formula
R.F. = Length on Drawing / Actual Length
Example: If 1 cm on drawing = 100 cm in reality → R.F. = 1/100 = 0.01
Q3. List various scales used in Engineering Drawing.
Types of Scales in Engineering Drawing
1. Plain Scale
2. Diagonal Scale
3. Vernier Scale
4. Comparative Scale
5. Scale of Chords
These scales are used to measure and represent distances accurately on engineering drawings.
Q4. Differentiate between Isometric and Orthographic Projection.
Isometric Projection Orthographic Projection
Gives a 3D (pictorial) view of the object. Gives 2D views of the object.
Three dimensions are shown in one single view. Front, Top, and Side views are drawn separately.
Easier visualization and understanding. More accurate dimensions and details.
Used for pictorial representation. Used for manufacturing and production drawings.
Uses isometric axes at 120° to each other. Uses projection lines perpendicular to the plane.
Q5. Differentiate between Horizontal Trace and Vertical Trace.
Horizontal Trace (HT) Vertical Trace (VT)
Point where a line meets the HP (Horizontal Plane). Point where a line meets the VP (Vertical Plane).
Lies on the Horizontal Plane. Lies on the Vertical Plane.
Obtained by extending the line to HP. Obtained by extending the line to VP.
Represented as HT. Represented as VT.
Q6. What is CAD? Name two software of CAD.
Definition:
CAD (Computer Aided Design) is the use of computer software to create, modify, analyze, and optimize
engineering drawings and designs. It replaces manual drafting with digital precision and speed.
Examples of CAD Software
• AutoCAD – Widely used 2D and 3D design software by Autodesk.
• SolidWorks – 3D solid modelling software used in mechanical design.
Q7. List the applications of Engineering Graphics in various fields.
Applications of Engineering Graphics
1. Mechanical Engineering – Design of machine parts and mechanisms.
2. Civil Engineering – Structural layouts and construction plans.
3. Architecture – Building plans, elevations, and sections.
4. Electrical Engineering – Circuit diagrams and schematics.
5. Automobile Industry – Vehicle body and component design.
6. Aerospace Engineering – Aircraft and spacecraft design.
7. Manufacturing Industries – Production and tooling drawings.
8. Product Design – Consumer product development.
Engineering Graphics helps engineers communicate design ideas effectively across all disciplines.
Q8. List the drawing commands available in the Drawing Menu of AutoCAD.
Command Description
Line Draws a straight line between two points.
Circle Draws a circle by specifying centre and radius.
Arc Draws an arc (part of a circle).
Rectangle Draws a rectangle by two corner points.
Polygon Draws a regular polygon with n sides.
Ellipse Draws an ellipse by specifying axes.
Spline Draws a smooth curve through given points.
Point Places a point marker at a specified location.
Hatch Fills an enclosed area with a pattern.
Multiline Draws multiple parallel lines simultaneously.
Q9. Differentiate between First Angle and Third Angle Projection.
Object between Plane between
observer & plane observer & object
1ST ANGLE 3RD ANGLE
Top view: BELOW Top view: ABOVE
First Angle Projection Third Angle Projection
Object is placed between observer and plane. Plane is placed between observer and object.
Used in India and Europe (IS standard). Used mainly in USA and Canada.
Top view is drawn below the front view. Top view is drawn above the front view.
Right side view is drawn on the left side. Right side view is drawn on the right side.
Q10. Explain 5 editing commands used in AutoCAD with example.
1. Move
Used to move objects from one location to another without changing their size or shape.
Example: Moving a rectangle from point A to point B on the drawing.
2. Copy
Creates one or more duplicate copies of selected objects at specified locations.
Example: Copying a circle multiple times across the drawing.
3. Rotate
Rotates selected objects through a specified angle about a base point.
Example: Rotating a square by 45° about its centre.
4. Mirror
Creates a mirror image of selected objects about a specified mirror line.
Example: Mirroring half of a symmetrical part to complete the full drawing.
5. Trim
Removes unwanted portions of objects that extend beyond a cutting edge.
Example: Trimming extra lines after the intersection of two objects.
Q11. What will be the shape of a Rectangle and a Circle in Isometric Projection?
Shape Original Form In Isometric Projection
Rhombus / Parallelogram – angles become 60° and
Rectangle Four right-angled sides
120°.
Ellipse – the circle appears as an ellipse when
Circle Perfectly round
projected isometrically.
Q12. Mention advantages of Isometric Projection. Write the ratio of isometric height.
Advantages of Isometric Projection
• Gives a clear and realistic 3D pictorial view of an object.
• Easy visualization of the object's shape and structure.
• All three dimensions (length, width, height) can be represented clearly.
• Requires only one view to understand the complete object.
• Easy to understand and draw even without special training.
Ratio of Isometric Height (Isometric Scale)
Isometric Scale = 0.816
Isometric Length : True Length = 0.816 : 1
(All isometric dimensions are approximately 81.6% of their true lengths)
Q13. Explain why and how Engineering Drawing is important for all branches.
Engineering Drawing is often called the 'Language of Engineers'. It helps in communicating technical ideas
clearly, accurately, and universally across all engineering branches.
Importance of Engineering Drawing
• Visualization – Helps engineers visualize complex components and assemblies before manufacturing.
• Design & Manufacturing – Essential for designing parts and creating manufacturing instructions.
• Communication – Provides a universal medium of communication among engineers worldwide.
• Spatial Imagination – Develops the ability to think in three dimensions and solve design problems.
• Foundation of All Branches – Used in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Electronics, and all other branches.
• Standardization – Follows national (BIS) and international (ISO) standards for uniformity.
Thus, Engineering Drawing forms the fundamental foundation of engineering education and practice.
Q14. Explain the difference between Diagonal Scale and Vernier Scale.
Diagonal Scale Vernier Scale
Uses diagonal lines to achieve fine measurement Uses a vernier (sliding) mechanism for fine measurement.
sub-divisions.
Relatively simpler in construction. More complex but highly accurate.
Can measure three units (e.g., metres, decimetres, Measures very small fractional units accurately.
centimetres).
Less precise compared to the Vernier Scale. More precise than the Diagonal Scale.
Used when moderate accuracy is sufficient. Used when high precision measurement is required.
Q15. Explain the concept of drawing an object in Isometric Projection.
Isometric projection is a method of representing a three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional plane such
that all three principal axes make equal angles (30°) with the horizontal plane.
Procedure for Drawing in Isometric Projection
• Step 1: Draw the three isometric axes: one vertical and two at 30° to the horizontal (120° to each other).
• Step 2: Mark all dimensions along the isometric axes only. Do not measure along non-isometric
directions.
• Step 3: Construct the basic isometric box (rectangular enclosure) for the object.
• Step 4: Draw circles as ellipses using the four-centre method on the isometric face.
• Step 5: Draw all visible edges with continuous thick lines; use dashed lines for hidden edges.
• Step 6: Apply the isometric scale (0.816) if true isometric projection is needed.
The resulting drawing gives a clear pictorial (3D) view of the object on a flat 2D surface.
Q16. Write some common errors which occur while drawing.
The following errors commonly occur in engineering drawings and should be carefully avoided for accuracy and
readability:
Error Description
Incorrect Scaling Drawing is not made to proper scale, causing size discrepancy.
Wrong Dimensioning Incorrect or missing dimension values on the drawing.
Misalignment of Views Front, top, and side views are not properly aligned.
Improper Line Types Using wrong line types (e.g., using visible lines for hidden edges).
Incorrect Projection Mixing First Angle and Third Angle projection methods.
Missing Dimensions Some dimensions are left out, making manufacturing impossible.
Poor Lettering Unclear or inconsistent text/notes on the drawing.
Drawing Outside Limits Drawing extends beyond the sheet border or title block.
These errors reduce the accuracy, clarity, and professionalism of engineering drawings and must be
minimized through careful practice.