Topic 2.1 - Produce Plane Geometry Drawings
Topic 2.1 - Produce Plane Geometry Drawings
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Contents
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1.1. Types of lines in drawings
Standard lines have been developed so that every drawing or sketch conveys the same
meaning to everyone. In order to convey that meaning, the lines used in technical
drawings have both a definite pattern and a definite thickness. Some lines are
complete, and others are broken. Some lines are thick, and others are thin. A visible
line, for example, is used to show the edges (or “outline”) of an object and to make it
stand out for easy reading. This line is made thick and dark. On the other hand, a center
line, which locates the precise center of a hole or shaft, is drawn thin and made with
long and short dashes. This makes it easily distinguishable from the visible line.
When you draw, use a fairly sharp pencil of the correct grade and try to maintain an
even, consistent pressure to make it easier for you to produce acceptable lines.
1. Object lines
Object lines are the most common lines used in drawings. These thick, solid lines show
the visible edges, corners, and surfaces of a part. Object lines stand out on the drawing
and clearly define the outline and features of the object.
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2. Hidden lines
Hidden lines are used to show edges and surfaces that are not visible in a view. These
lines are drawn as thin, evenly-spaced dashes. A surface or edge that is shown in one
view with an object line will be shown in another view with a hidden line.
3. Center lines
Center lines are used in drawings for several different applications. The meaning of a
center line is normally determined by how it is used. center lines are thin, alternating
long and short dashes that are generally used to show hole centers and center
positions of rounded features, such as arcs and radii. Arcs are sections of a circle, and
radii are rounded corners or edges of a part. Center lines can also show the symmetry
of an object.
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Dimension and extension lines are thin, solid lines that show the direction, length, and
limits of the dimensions of a part. Dimension lines are drawn with an arrowhead at
both ends. Extension lines are drawn close to, but never touching, the edges or surface
they limit. They should be perpendicular, or at right angles, to the dimension line. The
length of extension lines is generally suited to the number of dimensions they limit.
Extension lines are generally suited to the number of dimensions they limit.
5. Leader lines
Leader lines show information such as dimensional notes, material specifications, and
process notes. These lines are normally drawn as thin, solid lines with an arrowhead at
one end. They are bent or angled at the start but should always end horizontally at the
notation. When leader lines reference a surface, a dot is used instead of an arrowhead.
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6. Phantom lines
Like center lines, phantom lines are used for several purposes in blueprints.
Phantom lines are used to show alternate positions for moving parts and the positions
of related or adjacent parts and to eliminate repeated details. Phantom lines are drawn
as thin, alternating long dashes separated by two short dashes.
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8. Break lines
Break lines are drawn to show that a part has been shortened to reduce its size on the
drawing. The two variations of break lines common to blueprints are the long break line
and the short break line. Long break lines are thin solid lines that have zigzags to
indicate a break. Short break lines are thick, wavy solid lines that are drawn freehand.
When either of these break lines is used to shorten an object, you can assume that the
section removed from the part is identical to the portions shown on either side of the
break.
1. In technical drawing, all horizontal lines are drawn with a T-square and all vertical
lines are drawn with a set-square placed on a T-square.
2. When drawing a line with a triangle or set-square ensure that it’s edge rest firmly
on the edge of the edge of the T-square
3. Always ensure that the stock or head of the T-square. Slide firmly on the left hand
side edge (the square of the drawing board). The T-square should never be used to
draw a line in any other position
4. Use wall pointed pencil and take utmost care of draw lines through the required
points otherwise the result would be unsatisfactory.
5. In using dividers and compasses, avoid pressing the points deeply into accuracy.
Remember that a point has position only and should have no magnitude.
6. In joining two points , adopt the following procedure;
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a. With the pencil point, firmly placed on one point , slide the setsquare up.
b. Swing the lower portion of the set-square until the line ups the other points
on a straight line with the first point.
c. Check the second point for the alignment by putting the pencil on point.
d. Draw the line joining the two points.
7. There is no alternative to constant practice, if you intend to draw accurately, neat
and fast.
1.3. Lettering
Above all else, an engineering documentation must be clear. All text on engineering
drawings should be simple and readable. When drawing these letters by hand, do not
reverse the pencil and draw back across an existing line (this is what single-stroke
implies).
There is still value to learning how to letter manually. Even today, engineers and
technicians often need to document information manually. Taking time to be careful
about the information you are trying to convey is a hallmark of a professional attitude.
Engineering journals, purchase requests, even simple notes to other people are
examples of documentation that should be lettered carefully. If a student practices
enough, these documents can be lettered easily and quickly. All text on student work
should be lettered carefully.
The number characters are defined in a similar way. Note that shape of many of the
numbers may not be the same as what you are accustomed to writing. It is especially
important that the number characters are made as they are shown below.
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Guide Lines
In order to letter by hand properly, the height and position of the letters must be
controlled. Guidelines are very light lines laid out with a 6H or harder pencil to give the
drafter.
Letter Height
Whether a drawing is done in CAD or by hand, the letters must be large enough to be
read and reproduced clearly. The minimum height of letters on a printed drawing is .12
inches (about 3.0 mm). The letters for the title block on large (D size and above) is .24
inches (about 6.0 mm). Letters that are used to indicate section views should be .24
inches tall. The only text that is allowed to be smaller is the text used to label the title
block. This text can be .10 inches (a little bigger than 2.5 mm).
Letter Spacing
There should be adequate space between the letters, but not too much. Try to
maintain an equal amount of space between the letters. Note that this does not mean
to space the letters equally. If the letters are spaced an exact distance apart, the effect
is to make the spacing look inconsistent.
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1.4. Standard drawing conventions
- ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards used in the United States
and Canada for mechanical, electrical, civil, and architectural engineering drawings.
- ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards are used
internationally for various engineering fields and applications.
- ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) standards are employed for
mechanical engineering drawings and related disciplines.
- DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) standards are utilized in Germany and Europe
for mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering drawings.
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- BS (British Standards) standards are implemented in the United Kingdom and
Commonwealth countries for engineering drawings and specifications.
- JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) standards are employed in Japan and Asia for
engineering drawings and products.
Each of these standards and formats necessitates the adherence to its own rules,
symbols, and terminology by users. Some of them are compatible or harmonized with
each other while others may have significant differences or variations.
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