Principles of first and third angle

orthographic projection 6
First angle projection
Assume that a small block is made 35 mm  30 mm  20 mm and that two of the
corners are cut away as shown below in three stages (Fig. 6.1).
Fig. 6.2 illustrates a pictorial view of the block and this has been arranged in an arbi-
trary way because none of the faces is more important than the others. In order to
describe the orthographic views, we need to select a principal view and in this case
we have chosen the view in direction of arrow A to be the view from the front.
The five arrows point to different surfaces of the block and five views will result.
The arrows themselves are positioned square to the surfaces, that is at 90 to the
surfaces and they are also at 90 , or multiples of 90 , to each other. The views are
designated as follows:
View in direction A is the view from the front.
View in direction B is the view from the left.
View in direction C is the view from the right.
View in direction D is the view from above.
View in direction E is the view from below.

In first angle projection the views in the directions of arrows B, C, D, and E are
arranged with reference to the front view as follows:
The view from B is placed on the right.
The view from C is placed on the left.
The view from D is placed underneath.
The view from E is placed above.
The experienced designer will commit the above rules to memory. It is customary to
state the projection used on orthographic drawings to remove all doubt, or use the
distinguishing symbol which is shown on the arrangement in Fig. 6.3.

Third angle projection

The difference between first and third angle projection is in the arrangement of views
and, with reference to the illustration in Fig. 6.4, views are now positioned as follows:
View B from the left is placed on the left.
View C from the right is placed on the right.
View D from above is placed above.
View E from below is placed underneath.

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 20 30

35
10
25
15
10

Fig. 6.1 Cut away block.

A
B

E
Fig. 6.2 Pictorial view.
Principles of first and third angle orthographic projection 51

View E

View C View A View B

View D

Projection symbol
Fig. 6.3 First angle projection arrangement. Dotted lines indicate hidden edges and corners.

View D

View B View A View C

View E

Projection symbol
Fig. 6.4 Third angle projection arrangement.
52 Manual of Engineering Drawing

Study the rearrangement shown in Fig. 6.4 and remember the above rules because it
is vital that the principles of first and third angle projection are understood. The distin-
guishing symbol for this method is also shown.
If a model is made of the block shown in Fig. 6.1, and this can easily be cut from
polystyrene foam used in packing, then a simple demonstration of first and third angle
projection can be arranged by placing the block on the drawing board and moving it in
the direction of the four chain dotted lines terminating in arrows in Fig. 6.5A shows the
positioning for first angle and Fig. 6.5B for third angle projection. The view in each case
in the direction of the large arrow will give the five views already explained.

(A)

(B)
Fig. 6.5 (A) First angle arrangement. (B) Third angle arrangement.
Principles of first and third angle orthographic projection 53

The terms first and third angle correspond with the notation used in mathematics for
the quadrants of a circle; in Fig. 6.6 the block is shown pictorially in the first quadrant
with three of the surfaces on which views are projected. The surfaces are known as
planes and the principal view in direction of arrow A is projected on to the principal
vertical plane. The view from D is projected on to a horizontal plane. View B is also
projected on to a vertical plane at 90 to the principal vertical plane and the horizontal
plane and this is known as an auxiliary vertical plane. Another horizontal plane can be
positioned above for the projection from arrow E, also a second auxiliary vertical plane
on the left for the projection of view C. Notice that the projections to each of the planes
are all parallel, meeting the planes at right angles and this is a feature of orthographic
projection.
The intersection of the vertical and horizontal planes gives a line which is the
ground line GL. This line is often referred to as the XY line; this is useful in projection
problems since it represents the position of the horizontal plane with reference to a
front view and also the position of the vertical plane with reference to a plan view.
Many examples follow in the text.
If the planes containing the three views are folded back into the plane of the
drawing board, then the result is shown in Fig. 6.7 where dimensions have also
been added. The designer adjusts the distances between views to provide adequate
spaces for the dimensions and notes.

D
VP AVP

B
2 GL A

3
Projector
4
HP

Projection

Fig. 6.6 VP is the vertical plane. HP is the horizontal plane. AVP is the auxiliary vertical plane.
GL is the ground line.
54 Manual of Engineering Drawing

20

35
25

10
5 30

Fig. 6.7 First angle projection with dimensions added.

To describe a simple object, a designer does not need to draw all five views and it is
customary to draw only the minimum number which completely illustrates the compo-
nent. You will note in this particular case that we have omitted views which contain
dotted lines in preference to those where corners and edges face the observer. Many
parts do not have a definite ‘front’, ‘top’, or ‘side’ and the orientation is decided by
the designer, who selects views to give the maximum visual information.
Traditionally, front views are also known as front elevations, side views are often
known as side or end elevations, and the views from above or beneath are referred to as
plans. All of these terms are freely used in industrial drawing offices.

Projection symbols
First angle projection is widely used throughout all parts of Europe and often called
European projection. Third angle is the system used in North America and alterna-
tively described as American projection. In the British Isles, where industry works
in co-operation with the rest of the world, both systems of projection are regularly
in use. The current British and ISO Standards state that these two systems of projection
are equally acceptable but they should never be mixed on the same drawing. The
projection symbol must be added to the completed drawing to indicate which system
has been used.
Fig. 6.8 shows the recommended proportions of the two projection symbols.
Fig. 6.9 indicates how the first angle symbol was obtained from projections of a
tapered roller. The third angle alternative is given in Fig. 6.10.
Please note the movement suggested by the arrow in Fig. 6.9 and 6.10 and also in
Fig. 6.8, since orientation is the main clue to understanding the fundamental differ-
ences in projection systems.
An experienced designer must be fully conversant with all forms of orthographic
and pictorial projection and be able to produce a drawing where no doubt or ambiguity
relating to its interpretation can exist.
Principles of first and third angle orthographic projection 55

First angle projection symbol

Third angle projection symbol

D 1.25 D

30∞

oD

Fig. 6.8 Projection symbol proportions.

Drawing paper

B
A

Fig. 6.9 First angle symbol projection.

56 Manual of Engineering Drawing

Drawing paper

B
D

Fig. 6.10 Third angle symbol projection.

Drawing procedure
Generally, industrial draughtsmen do not complete one view on a drawing before start-
ing the next, but rather work on all views together. While projecting features between
views, a certain amount of mental checking takes place regarding shape and form, and
this assists in accuracy. The following series of drawings shows stages in producing a
typical working drawing in first angle projection.
Stage 1 (Fig. 6.11): Estimate the space required for each of the views from the over-
all dimensions in each plane, and position the views on the available drawing sheet so
that the spaces between the three drawings are roughly the same.
Stage 2 (Fig. 6.12): In each view, mark out the main center lines. Position any
complete circles, in any view, and line them from the start, if possible. Here complete
circles exist only in the plan view. The heights of the cylindrical features are now
measured in the front view and are projected over to the end view.
Stage 3 (Fig. 6.13): Complete the plan view and project up into the front view the
sides of the cylindrical parts.
Stage 4 (Fig. 6.14): Complete the front and end views. Add dimensions, and check
that the drawing (mental check) can be redrawn from the dimensions given; otherwise
the dimensioning is incomplete. Add the title and any necessary notes.
It is generally advisable to mark out the same feature in as many views as is possible
at the same time. Not only is this practice time-saving, but a continuous check on the
correct projection between each view is possible, as the designer then tends naturally to
think in the three dimensions of length, breadth, and depth. It is rarely advantageous to
complete one view before starting the others.
Principles of first and third angle orthographic projection 57

Overall space for front Overall space for

elevation end elevation

Overall space for

plan view

Fig. 6.11 Stage 1.

Fig. 6.12 Stage 2.

Reading engineering drawings

The following notes and illustrations are intended to assist in reading and understand-
ing simple drawings. In all orthographic drawings, it is necessary to project at least two
views of a three-dimensional object e or one view and an adequate description in some
simple cases, a typical example being the drawing of a ball for a bearing. A drawing of
a circle on its own could be interpreted as the end elevation of a cylinder or a sphere. A
drawing of a rectangle could be understood as part of a bar of rectangular cross-section,
or it might be the front elevation of a cylinder. It is therefore generally necessary to
58 Manual of Engineering Drawing

Fig. 6.13 Stage 3.

Fig. 6.14 Stage 4.

produce at least two views, and these must be read together for a complete understand-
ing. Fig. 6.15 shows various examples where the plan views are identical and the
elevations are all different.
A single line may represent an edge or the change in direction of a surface, and
which will be determined only by reading both views simultaneously. Fig. 6.16 shows
other cases where the elevations are similar but the plan views are considerably
different.
Principles of first and third angle orthographic projection 59

Fig. 6.15 Identical plan views with different elevations.

Fig. 6.16 Similar elevations with different plan views.

60 Manual of Engineering Drawing

A certain amount of imagination is therefore required when interpreting engineer-

ing drawings. Obviously, with an object of greater complexity, the reading of three
views, or more, may well be necessary.

Projection exercises
It is clear to us that after teaching draughting and CAD for many years, visualizing a
proposed new product in three dimensions, which is how you naturally view a finished
article, is difficult when it is necessary to read more than one complex two-dimensional
drawing simultaneously. The designer also ultimately needs to produce technically
correct drawings, often from vague initial ideas. The very action of making proposal
drawings stimulates many questions and their answers allow development to continue.
Modifications to original ideas involve drawing amendments, and changes to one view
invariably have a ‘knock on effect’. Comprehension, understanding, and the ability to
read technical drawings fluently come with practice.
The following simple exercises are designed to assist in the perfection of draughting
skills. They are equally suitable for CAD and the drawing board. Produce answers for
each series and select standard sizes of drawing sheets, taking particular care with line-
work and layout.
If the CAD software program permits, move the separate views for each exercise so
that they are positioned a similar distance from each other. Then experiment and
position the groups to give a pleasing layout on the drawing sheet. Note how unifor-
mity can improve presentation and give a professional appearance. Layout is a very
important aspect when preparing drawings for desktop publishing applications.

Straight line examples

Fig. 6.17 shows three components in which each has been machined from solid blocks.
These examples have been prepared on a grid formed by equilateral triangles.
In every case, the scale is such that each side of the triangle will be 10 mm. For each
component, draw five views in first angle projection, omitting hidden detail, and
assume that the view in the direction of the arrow A will be the front view.

Examples involving radii and holes (Fig. 6.18)

For each example, project five views in first angle projection, taking the view in the
direction of the arrow A as the front view. Hidden detail is required in the solutions
to these problems, and note that in some cases the position of some of the holes
will be found to coincide with center lines. Where this occurs, the dotted line should
take priority. Take each side of the grid triangle to be 10 mm in length.
If only three views of each component were required, which one would you
choose? The professional designer would select a front view, end view, and plan
view with the least number of dotted lines. Study your solutions carefully and where
an ideal choice exists, box this solution with a thin chain line. In some cases more than
one choice can be made and these are indicated in the solutions.
Principles of first and third angle orthographic projection 61

(A)

(B)

(C) A

Fig. 6.17 Examples with straight lines.

62 Manual of Engineering Drawing

(A)

(B)

A
(C)
Fig. 6.18 Examples with radii and holes.
Principles of first and third angle orthographic projection 63

Examples with missing lines (first angle projection) (Fig. 6.19)

In the following projection examples, three views are given. Some views are incom-
plete with full lines and all dotted lines missing. Draw the given examples, using
the scale provided. Complete each view, by inserting full lines where necessary and
add all dotted lines to represent the hidden detail.

Examples with missing views (first angle projection) (Fig. 6.20)

In each of the following projection examples, two out of three views of simple solid
components are shown. Draw the two views which are given using the scale provided.
Complete each problem by drawing the missing view or plan in the space indicated by
the cross.

First angle projection examples with plotted curves (Fig. 6.22)

In orthographic projection, all widths in the end view are equal in size to depths in the
plan view, and of course the opposite is true that some dimensions required to com-
plete end views may be obtained from given plan views. Fig. 6.21 shows part of a solid
circular bar which has been cut at an angle of 30 with the horizontal axis. Point A is at
any position along the sloping face. If a horizontal line is drawn through A across to the
end view then the width of the chord is dimension X. This dimension is the distance
across the cut face in the plan view and this has been marked on the vertical line
from A to the plan. If this procedure is repeated for other points along the sloping
face in the front view then the resulting ellipse in the plan view will be obtained.
All of the examples in this group may be solved by this simple method.
A word of warning: do not draw dozens of lines from points along the sloping face
across to the end view and also down to the plan view before marking any dimensions
on your solution. First, you may be drawing more lines than you need, and in an ex-
amination this is a waste of time. Secondly, confusion may arise if you accidently plot
a depth on the wrong line. The golden rule is to draw one line, plot the required depth
and then ask yourself ‘Where do I now need other points to obtain an accurate curve?’.
Obviously, one needs to know in the plan view the position at the top and bottom of the
slope, and the width at the horizontal center line and at several points in between.
In the examples shown in Fig. 6.22 three views are given but one of them is incom-
plete and a plotted curve is required. Redraw each component using the scale provided.
Commence each solution by establishing the extreme limits of the curve and then add
intermediate points.

Pictorial sketching from orthographic views

Fig. 6.23 shows six components in first angle projection. Make a pictorial sketch of
each component and arrange that the corner indicated by the arrow is in the fore-
ground. No dimensions are given but estimate the proportions of each part assuming
that the largest dimension in every example is 100 mm.
64 Manual of Engineering Drawing

(A) 0 20 40 60 80 100
millimetres

(B)

(C)
Fig. 6.19 Examples with missing lines.
Principles of first and third angle orthographic projection 65

Front view

(A) 0 20 40 60 80 100
millimetres

End view

(B)

(C) Plan

Fig. 6.20 Examples with missing views.

66 Manual of Engineering Drawing

A
X

30º

Fig. 6.21 Circular bar cut at 30o .

30º

30º 45º 20º

(A) (B)
0 20 40 60 80 100
millimetres

R60

0
R6

(C) (D)

Fig. 6.22 Examples with plotted curves.

Principles of first and third angle orthographic projection 67

(A) (B)

(C) (D)

(E) (F)
Fig. 6.23 Components in first angle projection.

Geometric solids in third angle projection

Fig. 6.24 shows three views of each of three geometric solids. Sufficient dimensions
are given to define the shapes but in each case two of the views are incomplete. Redraw
the details provided and complete the views in third angle projection.

Sectional views in third angle projection

In Fig. 6.25 there are three components and two views are provided for each one. Copy
the views given, using the scale provided, and project the missing view which will be a
section. Your solution should include the section plane, cross hatching, and the state-
ment AeA.
68 Manual of Engineering Drawing

30º

50

(A) Cube
Across flats
60

70
45º
40

(B) Frustum of hexagonal pyramid

30º

45º
20

(C) Part of a hexagonal prism

60
Across corners
Fig. 6.24 Views of geometric solids.
Principles of first and third angle orthographic projection 69

Plan

A A

(A)
A

End view
A

(B)

Plan

A A

(C)

0 20 40 60 80 100

millimetres
Fig. 6.25 Sectional views in third angle.
70 Manual of Engineering Drawing
15

0 20 40 60 80 100

(A) millimetres
(C) 50

20

30
(B) (D)
Fig. 6.26 Examples to be dimensioned.

Dimensioning examples (first angle projection)

In Fig. 6.26 a scale is provided to enable each of the components to be redrawn.
Redraw each example and add any dimensions which you consider necessary and
which would be required by the craftsman. Bear in mind that if an object has sufficient
dimensions to enable it to be drawn, then it can most likely be made. Hence, any sizes
which are required to enable you to draw the part are also required by the manufac-
turer. For additional information regarding dimensioning refer to Chapter 16.