1.

1 Drawing
A drawing is a graphic representation of an object, or a part of it, and is the result of creative
thought by an engineer or technician. When one person sketches a rough map in giving
direction to another, this is graphic communication. Graphic communication involves using
visual materials to relate ideas. Drawings, photographs, slides, transparencies, and sketches
are all forms of graphic communication. Any medium that uses a graphic image to aid in
conveying a message, instructions, or an idea is involved in graphic communication.

One of the most widely used forms of graphic communication is the drawing.
Technically, it can be defined as “a graphic representation of an idea, a concept or an entity
which actually or potentially exists in life. Drawing is one of the oldest forms of
communicating, dating back even farther than verbal communication. The drawing itself is a
way of communicating all necessary information about an abstract, such as an idea or
concept or a graphic representation of some real entity, such as a machine part, house or
tools.
There are two basic types of drawings: Artistic and Technical drawings.
1.1.1 Artistic Drawings
Artistic Drawings range in scope from the simplest line drawing to the most famous
paintings. Regardless of their complexity, artistic drawings are used to express the feelings,
beliefs, philosophies, and ideas of the artist.
In order to understand an artistic drawing, it is sometimes necessary to first understand the
artist. Artists often take a subtle or abstract approach in communicating through their
drawings, which in turn gives rise to various interpretations.

1.1.2 Technical Drawings

The technical drawing, on the other hand, is not subtle, or abstract. It does not require an
understanding of its creator, only an understanding of technical drawings.
A technical drawing is a means of clearly and concisely communicating all of the information
necessary to transform an idea or a concept in to reality. Therefore, a technical drawing
often contains more than just a graphic representation of its subject. It also contains
dimensions, notes and specifications.

A. Types of Technical Drawings

Technical drawings are based on the fundamental principles of projections. A projection is a
drawing or representation of an entity on an imaginary plane or planes. This projection
planes serves the same purpose in technical drawing as is served by the movie screen. A
projection involves four components
1. The actual object that the drawing or projection represents
2. The eye of the viewer looking at the object
3. The imaginary projection plane
4. Imaginary lines of sight called Projectors
The four types of projections are Orthographic, Oblique, Axonometric, and perspective
projections
♦ Orthographic projections: are drawn as multi view drawings, which show flat
representations of principal views of the subject.
♦ Oblique Projections: actually show the full size of one view.
♦ Axonometric Projections: are three-dimensional drawings, and are of three different
varieties:
Isometric, Dimetric and Trimetric.
♦ Perspective projections are drawings which attempt to replicate what the human eye
actually sees when it views an object. There are three types of perspective projections:
Onepoint, Two-point and Three-point Projections
The Four Types of Projections: Orthographic, Oblique, Axonometric, and
Perspective Projections
Projection techniques are used in engineering, architecture, and design to represent three-dimensional objects on a
two-dimensional plane. The four main types of projections are Orthographic, Oblique, Axonometric, and
Perspective Projections. Each has its unique characteristics, advantages, and applications.
1. Orthographic Projection
Orthographic projection is a method where an object is represented using multiple views (typically front, top, and
side) projected perpendicular to the projection plane. Categorized into 1 st and 3rd angle orthographic projections with
the common symbols for each being:

Characteristics:
 Uses parallel projection lines that are perpendicular to the projection plane.
 Shows the true shape and size of an object.
 Usually consists of multiple views (front, top, side, etc.).
 Commonly used in technical drawings and blueprints.
Advantages:
 Provides accurate and detailed representation.
 Easy to interpret in manufacturing and engineering.
 Standardized for engineering and architectural drawings.
Disadvantages:
 Requires multiple views to fully describe an object.
 Lacks depth perception, making it less visually intuitive.
Applications:
 Engineering drawings.
 Architectural floor plans.
 Mechanical part design.
2. Oblique Projection
Oblique projection is a method where the front face of the object is drawn in true size, while the depth is projected at
an angle (commonly 30°, 45°, or 60°).
Characteristics:
 One face of the object is shown in true size and shape.
 Depth is represented using parallel lines at an angle.
 The most common types are Cavalier (full depth) and Cabinet (half depth).
Advantages:
 Simple to construct and easy to visualize.
 Shows depth without distortion in the front view.
Disadvantages:
 Can cause distortion in the depth view.
 Not commonly used in precise engineering applications.
Applications:
 Informal technical drawings.
 Pictorial views in manuals.
 Quick sketches of mechanical components.
3. Axonometric Projection
Axonometric projection represents a three-dimensional object without perspective distortion. It includes three
subtypes: Isometric, Dimetric, and Trimetric projections.
Characteristics:
 The object is rotated so all three axes are visible.
 Maintains the scale of the object, preserving proportionality.
 Three types:
o Isometric Projection: Equal angles (120° between axes) with uniform scaling.
o Dimetric Projection: Two axes share the same scale, the third is different.
o Trimetric Projection: Each axis has a different scale.
Advantages:
 Provides a clear 3D representation without perspective distortion.
 Allows accurate measurement in some views.
Disadvantages:
 Can be complex to draw manually.
 Not as realistic as perspective projection.
Applications:
 Technical illustrations.
 Product design and CAD modeling.
 Video game and animation asset design.
4. Perspective Projection
Perspective projection is a realistic drawing technique where parallel lines converge towards vanishing points to
simulate depth perception.
Characteristics:
 Lines converge at one, two, or three vanishing points.
 Objects appear smaller as they get farther from the viewer.
 Types:
o One-Point Perspective: Single vanishing point, commonly used in road or corridor views.
o Two-Point Perspective: Two vanishing points, used for realistic 3D object representation.
o Three-Point Perspective: Three vanishing points, used for tall buildings and dynamic
compositions.
Advantages:
 Creates realistic depth and spatial representation.
 Ideal for artistic and architectural presentations.
Disadvantages:
 Difficult to construct accurately.
 Measurements are distorted due to convergence.
Applications:
 Architectural renderings.
 Interior design visualizations.
 Artistic drawings and concept sketches.
B. Purpose of Technical Drawings
To appreciate the need for technical drawings, one must understand the design process. The
design process is an orderly, systematic procedure used in accomplishing a needed design.
Any product that is to be manufactured, fabricated, assembled, constructed, built, or
subjected to any other types of conversion process must first be designed. For example, a
house must be designed before it can be built.
C. Application of Technical Drawing
Technical drawings are used in many different applications. They are needed in any setting,
which involves design, and in any subsequent forms of conversion process. The most
common applications of technical drawings can be found in the fields of manufacturing,
engineering and construction.
For instance, Surveyors, civil engineers, sanitarians use technical drawings to document
such works as the layout of a new subdivisions, or the marking of the boundaries for a piece
of property. Contractors and construction personnel use technical drawings as their blue
prints in converting architectural and engineering designs in to reality.
Important Drawing Equipment
i. Drawing Paper
Drawing paper is the paper, on which drawing is to be made. All engineering drawings are
made on sheets of paper of strictly defined sizes, which are set forth in the U.S.S.R
standards. The use of standard size saves paper and ensures convenient storage of
drawings. Now a day, A3 and A4 are the most commonly used paper sizes. The U.S.S.R
standard establishes five preferred sizes for drawings as tabulated bellow:

ii. Triangles (setsquares)

They are used to construct the most common angles (i.e. 30 0, 450, 600) in technical
drawings. The 450 x 450 and 300 x 600 triangles are the most commonly used for ordinary
work. They are shown in the fig. 2.2 below.

iii. T- square
It is used primarily to draw horizontal lines and for guiding the triangles when drawing
vertical and inclined lines. It is manipulated by sliding the working edge (inner face) of the
head along the left edge of the board until the blade is in the required position.

iv. French curve

It is used to draw irregular curves that are not circle arcs. The shape varies according to the
shape of irregular curve.

v. Protractor
It is used for laying out and measuring angles.
vi. Scale (ruler)
A number of kinds of scales are available for varied types of engineering design.
vii. Pencil
The student and professional man should be equipped with a selection of good, well-
sharpened pencil with leads of various degrees of hardness such as: 9H, 8H, 7H, and 6H
(hard); 5H& 4H (medium hard); 3H and 2H (medium); and H& F (medium soft). The grade of
pencil to be used for various purposes depends on the type of line desired, the kind of paper
employed, and the humidity, which affects the surface of the paper. Standards for line
quality usually will govern the selection. For instance,
♦ 6H is used for light construction line.
♦ 4H is used for re-penciling light finished lines (dimension lines, center lines, and invisible
object lines)
♦ 2H is used for visible object lines
♦ F and H are used for all lettering and freehand work.

viii. Compass
It is used to draw circles and arcs both in pencil and ink. It consists of two legs pivoted at the
top. One leg is equipped with a steel needle attached with a screw, and other shorter leg is,
provided with a socket for detachable inserts.
viiii. Divider
Used chiefly for transferring distances and occasionally for dividing spaces into equal parts.
i.e. for dividing curved and straight lines into any number of equal parts, and for transferring
measurements.
X. Template
A template is a thin, flat piece of plastic containing various cutout shapes. It is designed to
speed the work of the drafter and to make the finished drawing more accurate. Templates
are available for drawing circles, ellipses, plumbing’s, fixtures etc. Templates come in many
sizes to fit the scale being used on the drawing. And it should be used wherever possible to
increase accuracy and speed.
Xi. Drawing board is a board whose top surface is perfectly smooth and level on which the
drawing paper is fastened.
In the following the figure you can find the most commonly used types of lines
GEOMETRIC CONSTRUCTION
Strict interpretation of geometric construction allows use of only the compass and an
instrument for drawing straight lines, and with these, the geometer, following mathematical
theory, accomplishes his solutions.
Introduction to AutoCAD
AutoCAD (Automatic Computer-Aided Design) is a software application developed by
Autodesk for creating 2D and 3D drawings. It is widely used in engineering, architecture, and
design industries to create precise technical drawings. AutoCAD provides a digital platform that
replaces traditional manual drafting methods, offering greater accuracy and efficiency.
Key Features of AutoCAD
  2D Drafting & Annotation – Used for creating floor plans, electrical schematics,
mechanical parts, etc.
 3D Modeling & Visualization – Allows users to create 3D objects and render realistic
images.
 Customization – Supports macros, scripts, and plugins to enhance productivity.
 Layer Management – Helps in organizing different elements of a drawing.
 Parametric Constraints – Enables design modifications while maintaining relationships
between drawing elements.
Advantages of AutoCAD Over Manual Drafting
1. Speed and Efficiency – Drawings can be created, modified, and duplicated quickly.
2. Accuracy and Precision – Uses exact measurements and snapping tools for precise
designs.
3. Modifications & Editing – Easily make changes without redrawing the entire design.
4. Templates and Libraries – Standardized components and templates save time.
5. 3D Visualization – Allows better understanding of designs with 3D modeling.
6. Automation – Can generate reports, BOMs (Bill of Materials), and sections
automatically.
7. Storage and Sharing – Digital files can be stored, backed up, and shared easily.
8. Error Reduction – Reduces human errors compared to manual drawing.
Disadvantages of AutoCAD Compared to Manual Drafting
1. High Initial Cost – Expensive software and hardware requirements.
2. Steep Learning Curve – Requires training to use effectively.
3. Software Dependence – If the software crashes or updates change functionality, it can
slow down work.
4. Limited Creativity – Manual sketching sometimes allows for more artistic freedom.
5. Requires a Computer & Power – Cannot be used in places without electricity or
computers.
6. File Compatibility Issues – Older files may not open in newer versions without
conversion.
AutoCAD continues to be the industry standard for computer-aided design due to its efficiency,
precision, and automation capabilities. While manual drafting still has its place in certain
creative and conceptual phases, the benefits of AutoCAD far outweigh its drawbacks for
professional engineering and design work.