ASSIGNMENT
Assembly Drawing
Mechanical Engineering — Engineering Drawing / Machine Drawing
1. Introduction
An assembly drawing is an engineering drawing that shows how the individual components (parts) of a
machine, structure, or mechanism fit together to form the complete unit. It represents the machine in its
assembled condition and is used to convey the relative position, arrangement, and relationship of every part
with respect to the others.
While a detail drawing (or part drawing) gives complete dimensional and manufacturing information about a
single component, an assembly drawing focuses on how the finished parts are combined — showing overall
dimensions, mating relationships, and the sequence of assembly, rather than manufacturing details of each
piece.
2. Definition
“An assembly drawing is a drawing that shows the various parts of a machine or structure in their correct
working positions, illustrating how they are put together to form the complete assembly.”
3. Purpose / Importance of Assembly Drawings
1. To show the relative positions and functional relationship of different parts of a machine.
2. To help the assembly-shop workers put components together correctly and in the right sequence.
3. To serve as a reference for maintenance, inspection, and repair of machinery.
4. To provide an overall picture of the finished product for design review and approval.
5. To identify each component through item (part) numbers linked to a Bill of Materials (BOM).
6. To check the correctness of individual part drawings by verifying that parts fit and function together.
7. To assist in ordering spare parts and in preparing catalogues/manuals.
4. Types of Assembly Drawings
4.1 General Assembly Drawing
Shows the complete machine or unit with all its parts assembled together, along with overall dimensions. It
gives a general idea of the working of the machine but does not usually give manufacturing dimensions of
individual parts.
4.2 Sub-Assembly Drawing
Shows a smaller group or unit of parts that itself forms a component of the larger assembly (e.g., the
tailstock of a lathe, or the piston-connecting rod assembly of an engine). Large machines are broken down
into several sub-assemblies for ease of manufacture and drawing.
4.3 Working (Detailed) Assembly Drawing
Combines the features of a detail drawing and an assembly drawing — it shows the assembled machine
along with the principal dimensions needed to manufacture and assemble the parts. Commonly used for
simple assemblies with few parts.
4.4 Installation (Erection) Assembly Drawing
Shows how a complete unit or machine is to be installed/erected at its final location, including its
relationship with foundations, structures, piping, or other equipment. Used mainly in plant and site erection
work.
4.5 Exploded Assembly Drawing
Shows all the parts of the assembly separated from one another but arranged along a common axis or
centre-line in the order in which they are to be assembled. Widely used in catalogues, spare-parts manuals,
and instruction sheets because it clearly shows how each part relates to the next.
5. Essential Features / Contents of an Assembly Drawing
• Views: Only those views (front, top, side, or sectional) that are necessary to show the working
relationship of parts — unnecessary hidden-line detail is avoided.
• Sectioning: Sectional views are frequently used to reveal internal construction; different parts in the
same section are hatched at different angles or spacing to distinguish them.
• Item (Part) Numbers: Each component is identified by a number enclosed in a circle (balloon)
connected to the part by a leader line.
• Bill of Materials (BOM) / Parts List: A table (usually placed above the title block) listing item number,
part name, quantity, material, and drawing/part number for every component.
• Overall Dimensions: Only the overall size and a few functional dimensions (fits, centre distances) are
shown — detailed manufacturing dimensions are omitted.
• Title Block: Contains drawing title, scale, drawn-by, checked-by, date, and drawing number.
6. General Rules / Conventions for Preparing Assembly Drawings
8. Draw parts in their correct assembled (working) position and orientation.
9. Use only the minimum number of views required to convey the assembly clearly.
10. Hidden lines are generally omitted unless essential to explain construction.
11. Use sectional views to show internal details; hatch adjacent parts at different angles (usually 45°) so
each part is easily distinguished.
12. Standard parts such as nuts, bolts, screws, rivets, keys, and shafts are conventionally not sectioned
even when the cutting plane passes through them (shown “in full”).
13. Number each part with a balloon and a leader line; keep leader lines radiating outward and non-
crossing as far as possible.
14. Prepare an accurate Bill of Materials corresponding to the item numbers.
15. Follow the relevant drawing standard (e.g., BIS/IS-696 in India–Pakistan region, or ISO 128) for line
types, scale, and projection method (First Angle / Third Angle).
16. Show only functional/fit dimensions (e.g., centre distances, overall length) — not manufacturing
tolerances of each part.
7. Difference between Assembly Drawing and Detail Drawing
Basis Assembly Drawing Detail Drawing
Definition Shows how all parts fit together Shows one individual part
as a complete unit completely
Dimensions Only overall and functional Complete manufacturing
dimensions dimensions and tolerances
Views Minimum views needed to show All views needed to manufacture
relationship of parts the part
Used by Assembly/fitting shop, designers, Machine shop / production
buyers workers
Identification Parts identified by item number + Identified by part name/number
BOM and material
8. Common Examples of Assembly Drawings
• Screw Jack assembly
• Plummer Block (Pedestal Bearing) assembly
• Stuffing Box / Gland assembly
• Machine Vice assembly
• Foot-step (Pivot) Bearing assembly
• Universal Coupling / Flange Coupling assembly
• I.C. Engine Piston assembly
• Non-return / Safety Valve assembly
9. Conclusion
Assembly drawings form a vital communication link between the design office and the workshop. By clearly
showing how components relate to one another, along with a proper Bill of Materials, they ensure correct
assembly, ease maintenance, and provide a complete overall picture of a machine that a set of individual
detail drawings alone cannot give.
Reference Standards: IS 696 (Indian/Pakistani drawing practice), ISO 128, BS 8888