First and Third Angle Orthographic Projection

First and Third Angle Orthographic Projection

Often, a three dimensional object must be represented with precision and clarity on a plane
surface. Pictorial representations of a three-dimensional object on a plane are adequate only if
the object is simple, however a different method of representation must be used for more
complex objects – one that will show the true shapes of their surfaces.
By observing the shadows of objects cast by light sources, it can be seen that an object can be
‘projected’ onto a two-dimensional surface (i.e. a plane of projection) by projecting points of
the object onto the surface and joining them in order.

1.1 Orthographic Projection – Definition

Orthographic projection is a means of representing a three-dimensional object in two
dimensions. It uses multiple views of an object, from points of view rotated about the objects
centre through increments of 90 degrees. Equivalently, the views may be considered to be
obtained by rotating the object about its centre through increments of 90 degrees.

The views are positioned relative to each other according to either of two schemes: first-angle
or third-angle projection. In each- the appearances of views may be thought of as being
“projected” onto planes that form a transparent “box” around the object.

1.2 Primary or Principal Planes of Projection

When drawing a number of views of an object, the object is viewed through a plane of
projection from a point at infinity, thereby obtaining an accurate outline of the visible face of
the object. However, the projection of one face will not provide an overall description of the
object; other planes of projection must be used. Establishing an object’s true height, width and
depth requires a front, top and side views, which are called the principal planes of projection.
The three principal (or primary) planes of projection are known as the vertical, horizontal and
profile planes. The angles formed between the horizontal and the vertical planes are called the
first, second, third and fourth angles as shown in the diagram below. For practical purposes
only the first and third angle is used.
Principal planes of projection.

1.3 First Angle Projection

In first angle projection, each view of the object is projected in the direction (sense) of sight
of the object, onto the interior walls of the box.
A two dimensional representation of the object is then created by “unfolding” the box, to view
all the interior walls.
The pictorial drawing, see Fig. 1, indicates the shape of the component with a single view.
An orthographic drawing indicates the shape of a component by using a number of views each
looking at a different face of the component. Usually, however, three views are shown in
order to clarify internal and external detail:

 A Front view
 A Plan view
 A Side view


The front view, or front elevation (Fig. 2), represents what is seen when looking at the
front of the component in the direction of arrow F.

Fig. 2
 
The plan view (Fig. 3) represents what is seen when looking at the top of the
component in the direction of arrow P at 90° to arrow F.

Fig. 3

 A side view, or side elevation (Fig. 4 and 5), represents what is seen when looking at
the side of the component in the direction fo either arrow R or arrow L. Theses arrows
are at 90° to both arrow F and arrow P.

View looking in View looking in

direction of arrow direction of arrow
R. L.
Right-Hand Side Left-Hand Side
View (R). View (L).

The separate views of the component are combined to form a complete orthographic drawing
as shown below.
The front and side views are drawn in line with each other so that the side view may be
“projected” from the front view and visa versa.
The plan view is drawn in line with and below the front view. In other words, the plan is
projected from the front view.

Points to note when making a drawing using first angle orthographic projection:
  Corresponding heights in the front view and side view are the same. For example, the
height of the hole from the base, H, is the same in both front and side views. The
thickness of the base, T, is the same in both front and side views.
 Widths in the side view correspond to depths in the plan. For example, the total width,
D, in the side view is the same as the total depth, D, in the plan. The width, d, is the
same in both plan and side views. Projection of widths from side view to plan is made
easier by using the 45º swing line as shown above.
 The plan view is usually projected below the front view. It can be above but this
would be called an “inverted” plan.
 The R.H. side view is shown on the L.H. side of the front view.
 The L.H. side view is shown on the R.H. side of the front view.

Note: Drawings should be read (or interpreted) by viewing from the R.H. side or bottom R.H.
corner of the drawing.

1.4 Constructing an Orthographic Drawing


The face to be used as the front view of the component was chosen, in this case,
looking in the direction of arrow F (fig.1) above. The selection of the front view is
purely arbitrary.


The outline of the front view is drawn faintly in the position shown above leaving
room on the drawing sheet for a plan view and also both end views which will be
added.
 The outlines of the plan view and side views are projected faintly from the front view
and positioned as shown above.
 
All remaining external details were added and centre lines inserted as shown above.
 All hidden detail, i.e. for hole and recess, are added and the outline is made more
prominent to complete the drawing as shown above.

1.5 Third Angle Projection

In third angle projection, each view of the object is projected opposite to the direction (sense)
of sight of the object, onto the interior walls of the box.

A two dimensional representation of the object is then created by “unfolding” the box, to view
all the interior walls.
Additional Information

The term “third-angle” is used because, compared to “first-angle” projection, the directions of
projection are rotated through two right angles about the object. Second-angle and fourth-
angle projection also are defined, but do not result in useful images.
Third-angle projection is often considered to be more intuitive than first-angle projection.
While third-angle projections are prevalent in the USA and Canada, First-Angle projection is
more popular in Europe and Asia.

1.6 First and Third Angle Orthographic Projection

Symbols

Standard Symbols
Recommended Proportions for symbols: The symbols for first and third angle are based on
the frustum of a cone as shown.
Frustum of cone in the first quadrant: First-angle projection; View from the left appears on the
right.

1.7 Standard Drawing Abbreviations and Symbols

Some commonly used symbols and abbreviations.