Guide to Drawing Standards

Resources and Guidance for Unit 12: Engineering

Drawing for Technicians

BTEC Level 3 in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering

BTEC Level 3 in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Derby College
Unit 12: Engineering Drawing for Technicians

Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
1. Terminology.............................................................................................................................. 1
1.1. General Features .......................................................................................................... 1
1.2. Fasteners ...................................................................................................................... 3
1.3. Screw Threads .............................................................................................................. 4
1.4. Holes ............................................................................................................................. 5

2. Drawing Standards................................................................................................................... 6
2.1. British Drawing Standards ............................................................................................. 6
2.2. International Drawing Standards ................................................................................... 7
2.3. Other Relevant Standards ............................................................................................. 8

3. Common Symbols and Abbreviations ....................................................................................... 9

3.1. Abbreviations ................................................................................................................ 9
3.2. Drawing Symbols ........................................................................................................ 10
3.3. Electric Circuit Symbols ............................................................................................... 11
3.4. Weld Symbol Standards .............................................................................................. 12

4. Engineering Drawing Layouts ................................................................................................ 14

4.1. ISO Paper Sizes .......................................................................................................... 14
4.2. Orientation of the Drawing Sheet................................................................................. 15
4.3. Information Contained in the Title Block ...................................................................... 15
4.4. Text Formats on Drawing Layouts ............................................................................... 16
4.4. Definition of Drawing Scale ......................................................................................... 17
4.5. Line Types ................................................................................................................... 17
4.6. Assembly Drawings. .................................................................................................... 18

5. Orthographic Projection ......................................................................................................... 19

5.1. First Angle Projection .................................................................................................. 20
5.2. Third Angle Projection ................................................................................................. 20
Task 1: Orthographic Projection Quiz ..................................................................................... 21

6. Sketching Techniques ............................................................................................................ 22

6.1. Oblique Sketching ....................................................................................................... 22
6.2. Isometric Sketching ..................................................................................................... 23
6.3. Orthographic Sketching ............................................................................................... 26
Sketching Practice Tasks ....................................................................................................... 27

7. Understanding Engineering Drawing ...................................................................................... 30

Drawing Practice Tasks .......................................................................................................... 30

(Continued)

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Table of Contents (Continued)

8. Dimensioning ......................................................................................................................... 39
8.1. General Dimensioning Rules ....................................................................................... 39
8.2. Dimensioning Circles and Radii ................................................................................... 40
8.3. Dimensioning Chamfers, Countersinks, Counterbores and Spot Faces....................... 41
8.4. Chain Dimensions ....................................................................................................... 42
8.5. Datum Dimensioning ................................................................................................... 42
8.6. Dimensioning Metric Screw Threads ........................................................................... 44
8.7. Dimensioning Best Practice ......................................................................................... 44
8.8. Accumulation of Errors in Dimensioning ...................................................................... 45
8.9 Dimensioning Practice Tasks ....................................................................................... 46

9. Tolerances, Limits and Fits ..................................................................................................... 48

9.1. Dimension Tolerances ................................................................................................. 48
9.2. General Tolerancing .................................................................................................... 49
9.3. Basic Size and Shaft / Hole Tolerancing Systems........................................................ 49
9.4. Fit ................................................................................................................................ 50

10. Sections and Sectioning ......................................................................................................... 53

11. Computer Aided Design (CAD) .............................................................................................. 55
11.1. Comparison with Manual Drawing ............................................................................... 55
11.2. Hardware and Software Requirements ........................................................................ 56

References ................................................................................................................................... 60
Bibliography .................................................................................................................................. 61
Appendix 1: Performance Criteria associated with Unit 12 ........................................................... 62
Appendix 2: Drawing Conventions Associated with Threads ......................................................... 63

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List of Figures
Figure 1: Text and Dimension Placement (BS 8888) ..................................................................... 14

Figure 2: ISO Standard Sheet Sizes ............................................................................................. 14

Figure 3: Drawing Sheet Orientation ............................................................................................. 15

Figure 4: Placement of Text on a Drawing Layout ......................................................................... 16

Figure 5: Example of an Assembly Drawing .................................................................................. 18

Figure 6: Oblique Sketching Techniques ....................................................................................... 22

Figure 7: Isometric Sketching ........................................................................................................ 23

Figure 8: Dimensioning a Drawing Object ..................................................................................... 39

Figure 9: Comparison of HDD and SSD Storage Devices ............................................................. 57

Figure 10: Typical CAD Workstation including a 3D Mouse ........................................................... 59

List of Tables
Table 1: Common British and International Standards ..................................................................... 6

Table 2: Common Abbreviations (BS 8888:2020) ............................................................................ 9

Table 3: Common Drawing Symbols (ISO 128) ............................................................................. 10

Table 4: Common Electrical Circuit Symbols (IEC, 2012) .............................................................. 11

Table 5: Common Weld Symbols (BS EN ISO 2553)..................................................................... 13

Table 6: Supplementary Weld Symbols (BS EN ISO 2553) ........................................................... 13

Table 7: Minimum Text Height for Standard Sheet Sizes ............................................................... 16

Table 8: Types of Line Used in Engineering Drawings ................................................................... 17

Table 9: Extract from the ISO Fits Data Sheet 4500A (British Standards Institute, 2009)............... 51

Table 10: Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Manual Drafting Techniques .......................... 55

Table 11: Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computer Aided Design................................. 55

Table 12: Hardware and Software Requirements for Autodesk Inventor 2022 ............................... 58

Table 13: Nominal Sizes for Common Types of Thread ................................................................. 66

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Introduction
It is important for engineers to have a good working knowledge of drawings and the standards
associated with them. Engineering drawings can take many forms depending upon their target
audience, but their main purpose is to communicate concepts and ideas to aid the understanding
of the person(s) using them.

This manual is designed to complement teaching and assessment of Unit 12 (Engineering Drawing
for Technicians) of the BTEC Level 3 qualifications in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering. Its
primary focus will be on the following learning outcomes:

1. Be able to sketch engineering components

2. Be able to interpret engineering drawings that comply with drawing standards

3. Be able to produce engineering drawings

The fourth learning outcome “Be able to produce engineering drawings using a computer-aided
design (CAD) system” is not directly addressed in this manual but the standards and conventions
are still relevant to producing drawings using CAD software.

See Appendix 1 for a list of performance criteria associated with this module and their assessment.

1. Terminology
When producing engineering drawings, it is extremely important to be aware of the
commonly used terms and how they are represented in drawings:

1.1. General Features

Boss: A cylindrical projection on the

surface of a component.

Curved Slot: An elongated hole, whose

centreline lies on an arc;
usually used on components
that may require adjustment.

Rib: A reinforcement, positioned to

stiffen surfaces. Sometimes known
as a Web.

Fillet: A radius or rounded portion

suppressing a sharp internal or
external corner.

(Continued)

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1. Terminology
1.1. General Features (Continued)

Housing: A component into which a

'male' mating part fits into,
sits in or is 'housed'.

Bearing: A machine element that

restricts motion in a specific
direction and reduces friction
between moving parts.

Bush: A removable sleeve or liner; also known as a simple, solid, or plain

bearing.

Key: A small block or wedge

inserted between a shaft and a
mating part (a hub); used to
prevent relative rotation of the
two parts.

Keyway: A parallel sided slot or groove

cut into a bore or shaft to
'house' a mating Key.

Flat: A surface machine parallel to the shaft axis;

usually used to aid gripping the shaft for
turning with a spanner or similar tool.

Tee Groove (Slot): Machined to 'house' fixing bolts and

prevent them from turning.

(Continued)

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1. Terminology (Continued)

1.2. Fasteners
Bolts, Screws and Studs are all threaded fasteners.

Bolts The shank is partially threaded

Screws Threaded along the entire length.

Studs Are threaded at both ends

The approximate dimensioning

methods for drawing hexagonal-
headed metric bolts, nuts and plain
washers are shown in the
accompanying diagram
(Manufacturer's data sheets usually
give more accurate measurements).

Information about standards and

conventions relating to threads can be
found in Appendix 2.

Set Screws: Used to position or lock components.

(Continued)

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1. Terminology (Continued)

1.3. Screw Threads

Female Thread (Through): Usually drilled and tapped (refer to appropriate
engineering data charts for suitable tapping drills).

Female Thread (Blind): Usually drilled and tapped.

Male Thread: Usually cut with a die, turned, or rolled.

Note: Use of undercut or groove and appearance of

thread in sectioned view.

Male / Female (Assembled): For example, a fastener in a tapped hole.

Note: The tapped hole is sectioned but the fastener

is not.
(Continued)

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1. Terminology (Continued)

1.4. Holes
Drilled: Loose tolerance for pilot holes or clearance holes for fasteners.

Reamed: Accurate finishing process after drilling or boring.

Counterbore: Usually used to recess the head of a square shouldered fastener.

Countersink: Usually used to recess the head of a countersink screw.

Spot Face: Used to clean up and level the surrounding area, usually for a
fastener or a hydraulic fitting that requires a seal.

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2. Drawing Standards
To ensure that everyone understands exactly what a drawing represents, sets of precise
rules and conventions must be followed, much like a language; these rules are usually
referred to as Drawing Standards. Drawing standards are designed to prevent ambiguity and
reduce the likelihood of costly mistakes being made because everyone understands what the
symbol or abbreviation represents.

When a designer works with an engineering drawing, they must be familiar with the precise
meaning of the various line styles, abbreviations, drawing simplifications and terminology as
specified in the relevant standards.

Table 1: Common British and International Standards

Country Code Full Name

America ANSI American National Standard Institute

Australia AS Australian Standard

Germany DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung

International ISO International Standards Organisation

Japan JIS Japanese Industrial Standards

United Kingdom BS British Standards

Standards are developed both privately by companies and by internationally recognised

institutions. Table 1 lists some of the most common Standards that are relevant to
engineering drawings.

2.1. British Drawing Standards

There are numerous British Standards that affect drawing practice, here are some of
the most common.

BS 8888 – Technical Product Documentation and Technical Specification (British

Standards Institute, 2020). This standard is usually reviewed and updated every three
to four years and at the time of writing, the most recent version (BS 8888:2020) was
released in December 2019. This standard specifies requirements for technical product
documentation and specification, principally for manufacturing industries and
organisations associated with engineering disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical,
nuclear, automotive, and aerospace and medical devices.

BS 1916-1 – Limits and Fits for Engineering – Guide to Limits and Tolerances
(British Standards Institute, 2009a). This standard gives guidance on tolerances, limits,
and fits for engineering sizes up to 19.69 inches. The recommendations apply
particularly to fits between cylindrical parts, designated as “holes” and “shafts”, in which
case the term “size” refers to the diameter of the mating parts.
(Continued)

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2.1. British Drawing Standards (Continued)

BS EN ISO 5456-2 – Technical Drawings. Projection methods – Orthographic

Representations (British Standards Institute, 1999). This standard specifies basic
rules for the application of orthographic representation in all types of technical drawings
in all engineering contexts.

BS EN ISO 2553 – Welding and Allied Processes. Symbolic Representation on

Drawings. Welded Joints (British Standards Institute, 2019). This standard defines
the rules to be applied for symbolic representation of welded joints on technical
drawings. This can include information about the geometry, manufacture, quality, and
testing of the welds. The principles of this document can also be applied to soldered
and brazed joints.

BS EN ISO 128 Series (BSI Staff, 2021). This is a global series of standards that
covers all aspects of technical product documentation relating to manual and CAD
drawing. The 2020 release is based around four parts: Part 1 covers general principles
and fundamental requirements; Part 2 covers basic conventions for lines; Part 3 covers
views sections and cuts; Part 100 is the index.

BS ISO 1219-2 – Fluid Power Systems and Components. Graphical Symbols and
Circuit Diagrams. Circuit Diagrams (British Standards Institute, 2012). This standard
establishes the main rules for drawing hydraulic and pneumatic circuit diagrams using
graphical symbols. It also applies to circuit diagrams relating to cooling systems,
lubrication systems, cooling lubricant systems and systems of technical gases used in
conjunction with fluid power applications.

2.2. International Drawing Standards

The largest standards organisation for standards is the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) who are based in Switzerland. There are currently 167 countries
including UK, Germany, Japan, Australia and American that are members of the ISO
and, as a result, member countries have aligned their own standards with the
equivalent ISO standards. There are over 70 ISO standards relating to engineering
drawing practice, here are some of the most common:

ISO 128 Technical Product Documentation (TPD) – General Principles of

Representation (ISO, 2020). These standards give general rules for the execution of
technical drawings (2D and 3D. It is applicable to technical drawing in the fields of
mechanical engineering, construction, architecture, and shipbuilding. It is applicable to
both manual and computer-based technical drawings and was updated in 2020.

(Continued)

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2.2. International Drawing Standards (Continued)

ISO 129 Technical Product Documentation (TPD) – Presentation of Dimensions

and Tolerances (ISO, 2018). These standards establish the general principles for
presentation of dimensions and associated tolerances that apply to 2D technical
drawings in all disciplines and trades, which can also be applied to 3D applications.
The standards do not cover the application of dimensional tolerances and their
meaning. It was last updated in 2018.

ISO 7200 Technical Product Documentation – Data Fields in Title Blocks and
Document Headers (ISO, 2004). This standard specifies the data fields used in the
title blocks and headers of technical product documents. Its purpose is to facilitate the
exchange of documents and ensure compatibility by defining field names, their
contents, and their length (number of characters). It covers manual as well as
computer-based design work and is applicable to all kinds of documents for all kind of
products -- in all phases of the product life cycle and all fields of engineering. The
standard was issued in 2004 and last reviewed as current in 2019.

ASME Y14 Standards (ASME, n.d.). The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
(ASME) produce standards that cover four main categories: Drafting (Manual Drawing);
Digital Product Definition; Mechanism & Device; Symbol & Abbreviation. There are five
standards that are particularly relevant to manual drawing:

Y14.1 (2020) – Drawing Sheet Size and Format

Y14.2 (2014) – Line Conventions and Lettering

Y14.3 (2012) – Orthographic and Pictorial Views

Y14.5 (2018) – Dimensioning and Tolerancing

Y14.100 (2017) – Engineering Drawing Practices

2.3. Other Relevant Standards

Although technically a drawing standard, the International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC) maintain a database of graphical symbols for use in electrotechnical diagrams.
The IEC 60617 standard defines over 1900 symbols that are used in electrical circuit
diagrams (IEC, 2012); Table 4 on Page 11 contains a list of the most common symbols
used in electrical circuits.

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3. Common Symbols and Abbreviations

3.1. Abbreviations
Abbreviations are used on drawings to aid understanding and reduce the space taken
up with text. Table 2 lists some of the common definitions defined by BS 8888. They
are the same singular or plural, full stops are only used where a word may be
confusing.

Table 2: Common Abbreviations (BS 8888:2020)

A/C or AC Across Corners NTS Not To Scale

A/F or AF Across Flats O/D or OD Outside Diameter

ASSY Assembly PATT NO. Pattern Number

CHAM Chamfer PCD Pitch Circle Diameter

CH HD Cheese Head
Radius (Preceding a dimension,
R
CRS Centres capital only)

CL Centreline RAD Radius (In a note)

CSK Countersunk RD HD Round Head

CBORE Counterbore RH Right Hand

CYL Cylinder or Cylindrical RPM Revolutions Per Minute

DIA Diameter (In a note) SCR Screwed

DRG Drawing SPEC Specification

FIG. Figure SPHERE Spherical

HEX HD Hexagon Head SFACE Spotface

I/D or ID Inside Diameter STD Standard

LG Long SQ Square (In a note)

LH Left Hand SWG Standard Wire Gauge

MATL Material TYP Typical or Typically

NO. Number THK Thick

mm Millimetre UCUT Undercut

M/CD Machined

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3.2. Drawing Symbols

Symbols are used on drawings when there is limited space, and the use of
abbreviations might be confusing. Table 3 lists some of the common symbols found on
drawings; the symbols are usually included as part of a dimension or note .

Table 3: Common Drawing Symbols (ISO 128)

Least Material
Arc Length
Condition

Maximum Material
Centreline
Condition

Centre Mark / Hole

Parallel
Centre

Concentric Perpendicular

Reference
Conical Taper (18) Dimension

Countersunk Slope

Counterbore sØ Spherical Diameter

Datum Feature □ Square

Depth Surface Finish

Ø Diameter Symmetry

First Angle Third Angle

Projection Projection

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3.3. Electric Circuit Symbols

Table 4 provides information about common symbols found in electrical circuit
drawings.

Table 4: Common Electrical Circuit Symbols (IEC, 2012)

Symbol Definition Symbol Definition

Battery -Single Cell Resistor - Fixed

Battery -Multi-Cell Resistor Variable

Capacitor - Fixed Switch - Open

Capacitor - Variable Switch - Closed

Diode Switch – Push Button

Diode – LED
Transformer
Fuse

Ground - Earth Transistor - NPN

Ground - Chassis Transistor - PNP

Lamp Voltage - AC

Loudspeaker Voltage - DC

Wiring – Crossing
Meter - Ammeter
(Unconnected)

Wiring – Junction
Meter - Voltmeter
(Connected)

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3.4. Weld Symbol Standards

The British Standard for weld symbols is BS EN ISO 2553. When identification of the
weld process is required as part of the weld symbol, the relevant weld process code is
listed in BS EN ISO 4063

Basic Weld Symbol

The weld symbol always includes:

1. An arrow line

2. A reference line

3. A dashed line

4. A Weld Symbol

Note: Weld symbols on the full reference line relates to welds on the near side of the
plate being welded. Weld symbols on the dashed line relates to weld on the far
side of the plate. If the welds are symmetrical on both sides of the plate, the
dashed line is omitted. If the dashed line is above the full line, then the
symbol for the nearside weld is drawn below the reference line and the symbol
for the far side weld is above the dashed line.

More Detailed Symbolic Representation of a Weld

Information above reference
line identifies weld on same
side as symbolic
representation.

Information below reference

line identifies weld on
opposite side as symbolic
representation.

1. Dimension referring to cross-section of weld

2. Weld Symbol

3. Supplementary symbol

4. Number of weld elements x length of weld element

5. Symbol for staggered intermittent weld

6. Distance between weld elements

7. Welding process reference

8. Welding Class
(Continued)

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2.2. Weld Symbol Standards (Continued)

Table 5 provides details of the symbols that represent the common types of welds
found in most industrial applications.

Table 5: Common Weld Symbols (BS EN ISO 2553)

The weld symbols shown in Table 6 are used in addition to the primary weld symbols
shown in Table 5; they are not used on their own

Table 6: Supplementary Weld Symbols (BS EN ISO 2553)

Example of a Fillet Weld Symbol (Dekker, n.d.)

When the weld symbol is placed on top of the reference line, the weld needs to be on
the same side as the arrow. When the weld symbol is on the dashed line, the weld
needs to be on the opposite side to the arrow

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4. Engineering Drawing Layouts

Most engineering drawing layouts are laid out as orthographic projections (See Section 5 for
more information). To conform with BS 8888, text and dimensions should be laid out so that
they can be read from the bottom and right-hand side of the page (See Figure 1).

Figure 1: Text and Dimension Placement (BS 8888)

4.1. ISO Paper Sizes

It is important to select the correct paper size when producing an engineering drawing.
Most manual drawings are produced on either A3 or A4 paper, but CAD drawings can
be plotted up to A0 size depending upon the type of plotter available. Figure 2
illustrates the standard paper sizes (in millimetres) from A0 to A4.

Figure 2: ISO Standard Sheet Sizes

All dimensions in millimetres

A4 210 x 297

A3 297 x 420

A2 520 x 594

A1 594 x 841

A0 841 x 1189

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4.2. Orientation of the Drawing Sheet

Most engineering drawings are produced with paper set up in Landscape (longest side
horizontal) with the Title Block in the bottom right hand corner. In certain
circumstances, A4 sheets are set up in Portrait (longest side Vertical) with the Title
Block in the bottom right-hand corner (See Figure 3).

Figure 3: Drawing Sheet Orientation

4.3. Information Contained in the Title Block

The Title Block is normally placed in the bottom right-hand corner of the Drawing Sheet
and its contents should conform to BS ISO 7200. To conform to standards, title blocks
should contain the following information
Name: The designer or originator of the drawing.
Company: The name of the organisation or company that owns the
intellectual property rights for the drawing.
Checked by: The person who checked the drawing before it is issued.
Drawing Title: The name of the component / assembly / circuit / network diagram
which should contain enough information to identify the type of
drawing, for example, general arrangement or detail; it should also
accurately describe what the drawing shows.
Drawing Number: A unique number that allows the drawing to be archived or
catalogued.
Issue Number: As a drawing is updated or modified, the issue number increases
to reflect the current status.
Date: When the drawing was originally created.
Scale: Indicating whether the drawing is a full-sized representation of the
component / assembly or a scaled version.
Projection Symbol: Indicating whether the drawing has been produced in first or third
angle projection.
Other information: Tolerances (geometrical and/or dimensional), material
specifications, surface finish, sheet number, number of sheets in
the drawing series, etc. are often included as well.

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4.4. Text Formats on Drawing Layouts

Text is added to engineering drawings to either communicate non-graphic information
or as a substitute for graphic information when relevant text can communicate the
needed information more clearly and quickly.

All characters on a drawing must be legible and consistent, with consideration being
given to the possibility of drawing reductions and poorer quality reproductions being
made. Capital letters are preferred to lower case ones.

The minimum size of the text is dependent upon the size of the drawing sheet and is
shown in Table 7 below.

Table 7: Minimum Text Height for Standard Sheet Sizes

Text Application Drawing Sheet Size Minimum Height (mm)

A0, A1, A2 & A3 7
Contents of the Title Block
A4 5
A0 3.5
Dimensions & Notes
A1, A2, A3& A4 2.5

Figure 4 illustrates the placement of text on a drawing:

Figure 4: Placement of Text on a Drawing Layout

Dimensions

Text Title Block

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4.4. Definition of Drawing Scale

Scale is the ratio of the linear dimension of an element of an object shown in the
drawing to the real linear dimension of the same element of the object.

Size in Drawing Actual Size

In Title Blocks, designation of a scale consists of the word "SCALE" followed by the
indication of its ratio, for example:

SCALE 1:1 for full size

SCALE X:1 for larger than full size (where X is the factor by which the size has
been increased)

SCALE 1:X for smaller than full size (where X is the factor by which the size
has been reduced)

Note: Dimension numbers are an indication of the actual size of an object and are
therefore independent of the scale used when creating the drawing.

4.5. Line Types

Engineering drawings are prepared with the help of different types of line. Each type of
line has a different purpose (See Table 8), consequently selection of the right type of
line is very important to ensure that the correct meaning to conveyed.

Table 8: Types of Line Used in Engineering Drawings

Description or Line Width

Line Type Application
Name (mm)
Continuous 0.7 (Thick) Visible Outlines or Edges
Dimension, Leader, and
Continuous 0.35 (Thin)
Hatching Lines
Continuous irregular 0.35 (Thin) Limits and Partial Views
Hidden Outline and
Short Dashes 0.35 (Thin)
Edges
Chain 0.35 (Thin) Centrelines

Chain with thick

0.35 / 0.7
ends and at changes Cutting Planes
(Thin / Thick)
of direction

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4.6. Assembly Drawings.

Assembly drawings can be used to:

• Name, identify, describe, and quantify all components making up the assembly.

• Clearly show how the components fit together.

• Indicate all required fasteners.

• Record any special assembly instructions.

• Record any other relevant information.

A typical example is shown in Figure 5.

Balloon Referencing
Assembly drawings can quite often be complex consisting of
many individual components. To identify the components in
an assembly, it is common practice to use a system called
balloon referencing to label each component and include a
Parts List which describes each component and the
numberof each required.

Figure 5: Example of an Assembly Drawing

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5. Orthographic Projection
The purpose of producing an engineering drawing is provide all the necessary information to
enable a part or component to be manufactured. As a typical drawing layout is limited to two
dimensions, it is generally required that more than one view is shown so that all the
necessary information can be seen.

The technique used to place views on a drawing is known as Orthographic Projection and
there are two conventions in common use: first-angle projection and third-angle projection.
In both systems, a Front View is drawn first, then additional views (usually a Plan and End
View) are position around the Front View but the difference between the two systems is the
side where the additional views are positioned.

Views or Elevations
The Front View (Elevation) of the component is generally dawn first and is usually placed in
the middle of the drawing area.

End View (Elevation), this is a side view of the component. In most case it is only necessary
to draw one side view; however, if there is different information on each side, then it may be
necessary to draw both side views.

Plan View, this is usually a representation of what would be seen if the object was viewed
from above. If the Plan View is very similar to the End View, then one of the views is quite
often omitted.

Auxiliary View (Elevation), this is an additional view, usually projected from a face, to display
information that is difficult to determine from any of the standard views.

Sectional Elevation or Section View, this view is quite often used when a component contains a lot
of hidden detail or to bring clarity if the hidden detail is hard to visualise on a standard view.
Section Views are discussed in more detail later in these notes.

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5.1. First Angle Projection

Under this convention, each view is drawn on the opposite side to which it is viewed
from.

5.2. Third Angle Projection

Under this convention, each view is drawn on the same side to which it is viewed from.

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Task 1: Orthographic Projection Quiz

1. Identify which of the following is first angle orthographic projection

and which is third angle; insert the correct projection symbol in
the box provided.

2. Identify which of the following views are first or third angle and insert the appropriate symbol

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6. Sketching Techniques
There are three main time of sketching technique commonly used in engineering.

• Oblique Sketching

• Isometric Sketching

• Orthographic sketching

The main difference between sketching and drawing is that sketching usually involves just a
pencil, whereas drawing involves the use of a range of drawing aids (i.e., rule, set square,
compass etc.).

6.1. Oblique Sketching

Oblique sketching focuses upon the front side of an object. It is commonly used in
areas such as kitchen, bedroom design where the ‘front’ face is the main area of
interest but provide depth perception by showing the side as well.

There are two common techniques of oblique sketching, Cavalier and Cabinet (See
Figure 6). The front face is generally drawn full size but there are no defined rules for
sketching the side face (which could go back to the left or right) or the angle that the
side is projected, however, it is common practice to set the angle at 45o.

Figure 6: Oblique Sketching Techniques

Benefits of Oblique Sketching

• Very easy to sketch with little training as most people can

easily estimate 45o.

• Presents a clear front view of the object with an element of

3D appearance

• Circles, curves, and arcs can easily be sketched on the front

face.

• Requires no specialist equipment

(Continued)

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6.1. Oblique Sketching (Continued)

Limitations of Oblique Sketching

• Can look less realistic when compared to other drawing

techniques as the side and top views can appear distorted
especially when using the Cavalier style.

• Can be difficult to dimension and the scale can appear to be

incorrect

• It is not possible to view the back of the object.

• It is a 2D image of an object with ‘forced depth’ that many

consider to be a crude sketching technique.

6.2. Isometric Sketching

Isometric sketches is a pictorial representation of an object in which all three
dimensions are drawn at full scale. They are commonly used by engineers to provide a
3D representation of an object on a 2D page. Isometric sketches are a good way of
showing how components fit together.

There are three main rules to isometric sketching (See Figure 7):

• Horizontal edges are drawn at 30o.

• Vertical edges are drawn at 90o.

• All lines are drawn full size.

Figure 7: Isometric Sketching

(Continued)

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6.2. Isometric Sketching (Continued)

Benefits of Isometric Sketching

• Provides an overall 3D view of an object

• When used as an exploded diagram, can realistically

indicate where parts fit together

• Used by product designers and engineers to convey

a realistic image of an object.

• Also good for consumers to present a 3D image of a

product.

Limitations of Isometric Sketching

• Not usually dimensioned as the 3D view would make them difficult to interpret,
although objects are usually sketched to scale.

• Circles and arcs are difficult to sketch

accurately, as they often require the use of
drawing aids to recreate in the correct
proportion

• Requires relatively high skill levels to

produce complex drawings

• Rear of the object cannot be viewed, which

may mean important information is not
visible.

Sketching Isometric Circles

The method for drawing isometric circles is slightly different

depending upon whether the circle is to be drawn on the top
plane, right plane, or left plane.

It is worth noting at this point that it is important to start with the

isometric circle to ensure that your whole sketch is in proportion.

Step 1: Create the circle boundary (Faint construction line!)

Left Plane Right Plane Top Plane

(Continued)

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Sketching Isometric Circles (Continued)

Step 2: Draw the outline in the first segment

Left Plane Right Plane Top Plane

Where A indicates the centre of the arc being drawn.

It should be noted that all these steps are interchangeable.

Step 3: Draw the outline in the second segment

Left Plane Right Plane Top Plane

Where B indicates the centre of the arc being drawn.

Step 4: Draw the outline in the second segment

Left Plane Right Plane Top Plane

Where C indicates the centre of the arc being drawn.

Step 5: Draw the outline in the second segment

Left Plane Right Plane Top Plane

Where D indicates the centre of the arc being drawn.

(Continued)

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Sketching Isometric Circles (Continued)

Step 6: Remove the construction lines

Left Plane Right Plane Top Plane

If necessary, the centre lines can also be removed.

6.3. Orthographic Sketching

Although orthographic projection is the main method used
in engineering drawing, orthographic sketching is not
commonly used as a sketching technique. It is mostly used
for simple objects where a high level of detail is not
required.

Benefits of Orthographic Sketching

• Simplest method.

• All information clearly laid out

• Easy to dimension

• No distortion of side views caused by the implementation of a 3D effect.

Limitations of Orthographic Sketching

• Difficult to get the perspective correct for the views

• Not really suitable for drawing complicated objects

• Quite often difficult to visualise features from the sketch

• Untrained readers may struggle to visual the object from in 3D.

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Sketching Practice Tasks

Task 2 – Oblique Sketching:

Draw the following objects as Cavalier and Cabinet oblique sketches and labelling each
appropriately.

Ensure your sketches are in proportion.

2.1. 2.2.

2.3. 2.4.

2.5. 2.6.

(Continued)

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Sketching Practice Tasks (Continued)

Task 3 – Isometric Sketching:

Draw the following objects as isometric sketches.

Ensure your sketches are in proportion.

3.1. 3.2.

3.3. 3.4.

3.5. 3.6.

(Continued)

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Sketching Practice Tasks (Continued)

Task 4 – Orthographic Sketching:

Draw the following objects as orthographic sketches.

Ensure your sketches are in proportion and you indicate whether you have used first or
third angle projection using the appropriate symbol.

4.1. (Third Angle) 4.2. (First Angle)

4.3. (First Angle) 4.4. (Third Angle)

4.5. (First Angle) 4.6. (Third Angle)

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7. Understanding Engineering Drawing

As an engineer, it is important to be able to visualise what is being presented in an
engineering drawing layout. Often the task is made easier by the fact that the designer has
included an isometric view to show what the design would look like in 3D; however, quite
often it is up to the reader to interpret the drawing for themselves.

One common question asked by students is “how many views should be placed on an
orthographic projection?”. The answer is as many as necessary to show all the dimensions.
For example, a cylindrical object will only need two views as the Front View and Plan View
would be identical, but a Sectional View can be added in place of one of the views to show
hidden detail. Sheet metal parts could get away with a single view or “flat pattern” showing
the hole and bend positions and a note added to show the sheet thickness.

The following tasks are design to help interpretation of views as they appear on a drawing
layout. It is also recommended that the following YouTube videos be viewed to aid
understanding of the differences between First and Third Angle Projection:

• Introduction to Orthographic Projection (Edoreal Engineering:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rz4WWtDX2Kc)
• Third Angle Projection Vs First Angle Projection 3D Animation Part 1 (Clan MacCAD:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk2E8P33Ztc)
• Third Angle Projection Vs First Angle Projection 3D Animation Part 2 (Clan MacCAD:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGjVnXgUpQM)

Drawing Practice Tasks

Task 5a – Visualising Drawing Views

Identify the direction that the object must be viewed from to produce shown in the table
below. Place the appropriate letter under each view.

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Drawing Practice Tasks (Continued)

Task 5b - Recognising Drawing Views

Transfer the letters from the isometric drawings on to the same face on the
orthographic drawings, then, given the arrow indicates the Front View, name each of
the views

i.

ii.

(Continued)

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Drawing Practice Tasks

Task 5b - Recognising Drawing Views (Continued)

The six objects shown in isometric views A to E are represented by orthographical

views 1 to 18. Place the number of the view in the appropriate position in the table.

iii.

Drawing A B C D E F
FRONT VIEW in direction
10
of F
PLAN VIEW in direction
of P
END VIEW in direction of
R

(Continued)

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Drawing Practice Tasks

Task 5b - Recognising Drawing Views (Continued)

Ten orthographical drawing layouts are shown below along with isometric views of
twelve objects. Identify which drawing layout is a true representation of the object by
placing an appropriate letter underneath the drawing layout number.

iv.

Drawing Layout 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Object

(Continued)

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Drawing Practice Tasks

Task 5b - Recognising Drawing Views (Continued)

Match the orthographic drawing layout to the isometric drawing of the object.

v.

Object A B C D E F G H I J
Drawing Layout

Task 6 - Orthographic Projection

For this task, the following equipment will be needed:

- Drawing Board and T-Square

- 60o and 45o Set Squares

- Compasses

- 30mm Rule

- Pencil Sharpener

- Rubber

- HB Pencil

- 2H Pencil

- Radius Aid

- A3 Drawing Layout (Paper)

(Continued)

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Drawing Practice Tasks

Task 6 - Orthographic Projection (Continued)

Following appropriate conventions and standards, the following objects should be

drawn as either a first or third angle orthographic projection to the scale indicated.
Each view should be appropriately labelled, and the appropriate projection symbol
should be drawn in the region between the End and Plan Views.

a. Projection: First Angle; Scale: 1 : 1

b. Projection: Third Angle; Scale: 1 : 1

c. Projection: Third Angle; Scale: 1 : 1

(Continued)

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Drawing Practice Tasks

Task 6 - Orthographic Projection (Continued)

d. Projection: First Angle; Scale: 2 : 1

e. Projection: First Angle; Scale: 1 : 1

(Continued)

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Drawing Practice Tasks

Task 6 - Orthographic Projection (Continued)

f. Vee Block. Projection: Third Angle; Scale: 1 : 1

g. Support Bracket. Projection: Third Angle; Scale: 1 : 1

(Continued)

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Drawing Practice Tasks

Task 6 - Orthographic Projection (Continued)

h. Tool Post Slide. Projection: First Angle; Scale: 1 : 1

End of Drawing Practice Tasks

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8. Dimensioning
An engineering drawing contains information about the shape of a component. It also shows
dimensions regarding the sizes and Tolerances to which the component should be
manufactured.

Dimensions can be broadly classified as follows:

• Size Dimensions: Used to describe heights, widths, diameters, etc.

• Location Dimensions: Used to place various features of a component relative to each

other, such as a hole centre line to a reference surface.

• Mating Dimensions: Used for parts that fit together requiring a certain degree of
accuracy.

Figure 8 shows some of the terminology and techniques associated with dimensioning a
component.

Figure 8: Dimensioning a Drawing Object

1 Short extension
beyond dimension line
Projection line

Dimension value
2
Dimension line

1
3
Arrow reversed
because gap is Small gap between
too narrow Leader line component and
the projection line

1• Datum Dimensions - all dimensions taken from the same face / edge.
2• Chained Dimensions - all subsequent dimensions in line with each other.
3• Use of a "Note" so that no additional views are required.

8.1. General Dimensioning Rules

Information regarding dimensions must be clear and in accordance with BS 8888, the
fundamental requirements of which are described below:

• When applying dimensions to a drawing, use thin continuous dimension lines,

projection lines and leaders.

• Arrowheads on dimension lines and leaders must be solid and

slender, i.e.
(Continued)

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8.1. General Dimensioning Rules (Continued)

• Dimensions and text should be placed outside the drawing outline wherever
possible.

• Dimension lines should not cross each other.

• Each dimension should be given only once and should be as close as possible to
the relevant feature.

• When applying dimensions to a drawing, all distances in each direction must be

taken from the same face, line or point; this face, line or point is called a datum.
The height, length and width measurements all have separate datum points.

• Text and numbers should be written so that it can be read from the bottom and the
bottom right of the drawing

• Letters, numbers, and symbols should be bold and clear. Capital letters are
generally preferred.

8.2. Dimensioning Circles and Radii

There are several methods of dimensioning circular features. It is usual to choose the
most appropriate based upon the size and location of the circle, and whether
dimensioning a hole or a shaft.

When dimensioning a full circle, it is common practice to prefix the dimension with the
symbol Ø to indicate a diameter.

When dimensioning a radius or curved surface, a

leader is used, and the abbreviation R precedes the
size of the curve’s radius.

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8.3. Dimensioning Chamfers, Countersinks, Counterbores and Spot Faces

Chamfers

Most chamfers are symmetrical (i.e., the same length and depth) which means the
angle of the 'slope' is 45o.

When chamfers are produced at any other angle, the dimension must include the angle
a reference to the face that the angle is measured from.

Countersinks

Counterbores

(Continued)

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8.3. Dimensioning Chamfers, Countersinks, Counterbores and Spot Faces

(Continued)

Spot Faces

8.4. Chain Dimensions

The advantage of this method is that the size of each feature is easy to read, and it is
economical with space. The disadvantage is that errors in measurement can be
cumulative, totalling up to a large error on the overall size.

8.5. Datum Dimensioning

The great advantage of this method is that each size is measured independently from
one edge, and consequently errors are not cumulative.

(Continued)

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8.5. Datum Dimensioning (Continued)

Dimensioning with Datum Positions

Note: On these three examples only one type of datum is shown for each drawing.
In practice, a drawing may show more than one type of datum, for example, a
datum line and a datum face.

Datum Faces

Also known as Datum Edges, they are

the most common type of Datum. All
lengths are dimensioned from Face A
and all heights from Face B.

Face A
Face B

Datum Lines

All dimensions are relative to a line.

Lengths are dimensioned from Line A,
heights from Line B.

Line B

Line A

Datum Points

Used to dimension features which all

have the same reference point (Point P).

Point P

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8.6. Dimensioning Metric Screw Threads

Metric screw threads are both specified by the letter M (metric) followed by the
diameter of the thread, a X sign then the pitch of the thread; for example, M8 x 1.25.

8.7. Dimensioning Best Practice

Positioning Dimensions
• Dimensions should always be placed outside the component.

• Dimensions should be placed on the view that mostly clearly shows the feature
being dimensioned.

• Avoid dimensioning hidden lines.

• Put the smallest dimension closest to the component.

• Leave a visible gap between the end of the projection line and the feature to which
it refers.

• Maintain a minimum spacing (approx. 10mm) between the component and the
first-dimension line; leave approx. 6mm spacing between successive dimension
lines.

• When dimensioning the centre of a circle, dimension

between the datum point and the most appropriate
centreline.

Breaking Projection Lines

Whilst the aim is to ensure that
dimension lines do not cross
over each other, it is not always
possible to do so. In such cases,
extension lines should be
broken around any dimension
lines that they cross. This is not
the case when extension lines
cross any drawn lines.

(Continued)

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8.7. Dimensioning Best Practice (Continued)

Repetitive Features
• When there are a specific number of repetitive features on a component, use the
symbol 'x' preceeded by the number of features to avoid dimensioning feature
unecessarily, for example, 4 x Ø3.5 indicates that there are 4 holes with a 3.5 mm
diameter in the series.

• When there are identical features appearing on the component the dimension can
be superseded by 'TYP' to avoid the necessity of dimensioning all the features.
Alternatively, a note can be added to describe the common size of the specified
feature.

8.8. Accumulation of Errors in Dimensioning

When poor dimensioning results in the accumulation of tolerances, component parts may
be made either too large or too small for their mating parts, in which case assembled
components would fail to function correctly or would not fit together.

The same component is shown dimensioned in two different ways:

Example 1: Chain Dimensioning

Overall Length = 25 +1) + (25 +1) + (25 +1) = 75 + 3 mm

Maximum Length = 75 + 3 = 78 mm

Minimum Length = 75 – 3 = 72 mm

Example 2: Datum or Baseline Dimensioning

Overall Length = 75 + 1 mm

Maximum Length = 75 + 1 = 76 mm

Minimum Length = 75 – 1 = 74 mm

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8.9 Dimensioning Practice Tasks

Task 6 – Basic Dimensioning

Using the information given, dimension the following objects:

17 22
R13

19
40

47
53

i. 6

33
21

32
19

17
19

ii.

R13
21
25

Ø33 33
29

13

69

iii.

(Continued)

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7.9. Dimensioning Practice Tasks (Continued)

Task 7 – Dimensioning Best Practice:

Correct the dimensioning for the component shown below:

Incorrect Version

Corrected Version

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9. Tolerances, Limits and Fits

To ensure that assemblies function properly, their component parts must fit together in a
predictable way. However, it is virtually impossible for a component to be manufactured to an
exact size, so the designer must decide upon appropriate upper and lower limits for each
dimension. This is what is known as Tolerance.

Note: High precision manufacturing of features is usually a time-consuming process which

can significantly increase production costs. Good engineering practice finds the
optimum balance between required accuracy for the function of the component and
minimum cost of manufacture.

9.1. Dimension Tolerances

If a dimension specified, in millimetres, as 10 ± 0.02 then the part will be acceptable if
the dimension is manufactured to an actual size between 9.98 and 10.02 mm. There
are several different methods used to define tolerances and some examples of defining
the tolerance for a linear dimension are shown below:

Maximum and minimum limits of size:

Nominal size with limits of tolerance:

To put these sizes into perspective, consider the following facts:

• The thickness of a normal A4 piece of paper is approximately 0.1 mm.

• The average thickness of human hair is approximately 0.07 mm.

• The human eye cannot distinguish a gap between two points smaller than 0.02mm
at distances further than 200 mm away.

• If the temperature of a 100 mm long block of steel is raised by 10oc, then it will
increase in length by approximately 0.02 mm.

(Continued)

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9.2. General Tolerancing

General tolerance notes apply tolerances to all unspecified dimensions on a drawing.
They can save time and help to make a drawing less cluttered. Examples are shown
below.

9.3. Basic Size and Shaft / Hole Tolerancing Systems

The basic size or nominal size is the size of shaft or hole that the designer specifies
before applying the limits to it. There are two systems used for specifying shaft/hole
tolerances:

Basic Hole System: Starts with the basic hole size and adjusts shaft size to fit.

Basic Shaft System: Starts with the basic shaft size and adjusts hole size to fit

Because holes are usually made with standard tools such as drills and reamers, etc,
the basic hole system tends to be preferred and will therefore be used here.

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9.4. Fit
The fit represents the tightness or looseness resulting from the application of
tolerances to mating parts, for example, shafts and holes. Fits are generally classified
as one of the following:

Clearance Fit: Assemble/disassemble by hand. Creates running & sliding

assemblies, ranging from loose low cost, to free-running high
temperature change applications and accurate minimal play locations.

Transition fit: Assembly usually requires press tooling or mechanical assistance of

some kind. Creates close accuracy with little or no interference.

Interference fit: Parts need to be forced or shrunk fitted together. Creates permanent
assemblies that retain and locate themselves.

Fits have been standardised and can be taken directly from those tabulated in the BS
4500 standard (British Standards Institute, 2009). The BS 4500 standard refers to
tolerance symbols made up with a letter followed by a number, for example:

Holes: H11 H9 H8 H7

Shafts: c11 d10 e9 f7 g6 k6 n6 p6 s6

Remember:

• Capital letters always refer to holes, lower case always refer to shafts.

• The greater the number the greater or wider the tolerances.

The selection of a pair of these tolerances will give you the fit. The number of possible
combinations is huge. BS 4500 helps to standardise this and offers a range of fits
suitable for most engineering applications.

For example, consider an example of a shaft and a housing used in a linkage:

Type of fit: ‘Normal’ clearance fit.

Basic or Nominal size: ∅40 mm

As an example, the actual working limits and the range of allowable size, for the shaft
and the hole in the housing will be determined.

Using Table 9 (ISO Fits Data Sheet 4500A), overleaf, look along the bottom of the and
locate ‘Normal Fit’. This pair of columns will be used to extract determine the required
tolerances.

(Continued)

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9.4. Fit (Continued)

Table 9: Extract from the ISO Fits Data Sheet 4500A (British Standards Institute, 2009)

The tolerances indicated are: 1st column H8 for the hole (upper case H)

2nd column f7 for the shaft (lower case f)

The actual tolerances depend upon the basic, or nominal, diameter as well as the class
of fit. So, locate 40 mm in the left-hand Nominal Sizes column. Either the 30 - 40 or 40
-50 range is acceptable in this case. Read across and note the tolerance values for the
hole and the shaft, as shown below.

For the hole diameter we have a tolerance of: + 0.039 mm - 0.000 mm

For the shaft diameter we have a tolerance of: - 0.025 mm - 0.050 mm

These tolerance values are simply added to the nominal size to obtain the actual
allowable sizes.

Note that this is a clearance fit, as long as the hole and shaft are manufactured within
the specified tolerances the hole will always be either slightly oversize or spot on the
nominal size and the shaft will always be slightly undersize. This ensures that there will
always be a free clearance fit.

These tolerances may be expressed on a drawing in

several ways:

1. Simply as the nominal size with the tolerance

class. This is not always preferred as the
machine operator must calculate the working
limits.
(Continued)

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9.4. Fit (Continued)

2. The nominal size with the tolerance class

as above with the calculated working limits
included.

3. The calculated working limits only.

Conclusion

It is important to note that in industry the method for indicating tolerance will be consistent
throughout the drawing. It is usual practice to indicate a general tolerance as part of the
notes and any additional specific tolerances will be specified in the same format.

That is not necessary the case for drawing practice tasks where the student is being
introduced to a range of different methods for adding tolerances to a drawing.

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10. Sections and Sectioning

To show internal details which would not be shown clearly by hidden detail lines, a Sectional
View must be drawn. A sectional view is distinguished from an outside view by Section Lines
or by Hatching draw on the cut surfaces. Thin lines inclined at 45 (or 135) are used for
hatching. They are equally spaced by eye, the spacing not being less than about 4 mm. The
larger the area to be hatched the wider the spacing may be, up to a maximum of about 10
mm.

Faults in Sectioning

Uneven Too close Not touching the Lines too thick Correct
outline

Assembly Drawings
When sectioning an assembly drawing, section lines of adjacent parts should be in different
directions or to different pitch.

Different Directions Different Pitch

There are also many parts that we do not section when they are cut parallel to the cutting
plane. Just a few of them are nuts, bolts, screws, studs, rivets, solid shafts, keys, cotters,
split and taper pins and bearings.

Web

Sectional View on X - X

Even though we have cut through the web, it is not sectioned because it is parallel to cutting
plane.
(Continued)

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Assembly Drawings (Continued)

The drawings below shows some examples of parts that are not sectioned.

Shaft
Key
X Screw
Bolt

X
Cotter
Rivet

Section View X - X

Nut Nut
Washer
Washer

Stud
Bolt

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11. Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Manual drawing has largely been superseded by CAD in today’s engineering world. Since its
introduction in the 1980s, CAD has involved from an improvement to manual drawing to an
extremely versatile engineering tool. In today’s world, concepts can be designed and tested
on the computer without a physical prototype being produced. The versatility of CAD
packages has seen the dawn of Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) as products can be
design, tested and manufactured by a suite of interacting software that increases productivity
and reduces costly errors.

One of the biggest CAD software companies in the world is Autodesk. They produce software
not just for engineering applications such as Inventor and AutoCAD, but they produce
software (Maya) that contributes to the CGI used in many of the biggest movie blockbusters.

11.1. Comparison with Manual Drawing

In recent years, Computer Aided Design has increased productivity and design
capability in engineering and is largely responsible for the demise of manual drafting
outside of colleges and universities. It is quite common to be asked to explain why that
has happened.

Benefits and Limitations of Manual Drawing

Some of the advantages and disadvantages for companies using manual drafting as
part of their engineering activities are shown in Table 10. (Davi, J., 2021), (Lopol.org,
n.d.).

Table 10: Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Manual Drafting Techniques

Advantages of using Manual Drafting Disadvantages of using Manual Drafting
Low cost of drawing equipment Not easy to amend drawings
Large drawings need to be scaled down so
No update / refresher training needed
drawing not as accurate
Greater design creativity Drawings need to be manually converted
for manufacturing purposes, therefore
No upgrade or yearly subscription costs prone to errors and mistakes

Benefits and Limitations of CAD

Some of the advantages and disadvantages for companies using CAD as part of their
engineering activities are shown in Table 11. (Davi, J., 2021), (Lopol.org, n.d.).

Table 11: Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computer Aided Design

Advantages of using CAD Disadvantages of using CAD
Greater productivity High start-up costs
More accurate and easier to correct errors Training can be costly
Visualise designs through 3D models Ongoing expenditure needed for hardware
Drawings can be distributed electronically and software updates
Models / Drawings can be exported easily No “standard” software in use so modelling
for CAM and 3D printing purposes skills can be limited to a specific program

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11.2. Hardware and Software Requirements

General Computing Requirements

A computer is built around a Central Processing Unit (GPU), Random Access Memory
(RAM), a graphics card or Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and permanent data
storage device (Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid-State Drive (SSD). All these devices
are connected to a circuit board known as a Motherboard that contains additional
functionality for sound, internet connectivity, and a range of sockets to connect devices
such as a keyboard, mouse, camera, and a printer.

All these devices are controlled by a piece of software known as an operating system
(OS) that provides a Graphical User Interface (GUI) so that the operator can perform
tasks such as word processing duties, data handling tasks, browse the internet and
send emails. The most common OS used in engineering is Windows and, at the time of
writing, the version currently used in the college is the 64-bit version of Windows 10.

Standard Computer Hardware

Processor (CPU) The capability of a CPU is defined by two main

specifications:
- Frequency which affects how many operations a single
CPU can complete in a second (i.e., its speed)
- Number of Cores which determines how many
operations it can run simultaneously

Whether the frequency or number of cores is more

significant will tend upon the type of software being used.

Memory (RAM) This is the “desk space” when using software. The more
RAM installed, the larger the “space” available to do work
and the quicker that work can be done. Remember,
background processes and other software running uses up
memory and slows down the work being done

Graphics Card (GPU) The graphics car handles what is shown on the screen. For
most work carried out by computers, there is no need to
have specialist graphics capability. In some respects, there
are two types of specialist graphics card: gaming cards (e.g.,
nVidia GeForce series) which need to be quick and
responsive to changes within the game, but the overall
peripheral quality is not important, and CAD cards (e.g.,
nVidia Quadro series) which are more concerned with the
overall screen quality and not concerned with rapid changes
to what appears on the screen.

(Continued)

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11.2. Hardware and Software Requirements

Standard Computer Hardware (Continued)

Storage (Hard Drives) There are two types of storage device available on the
market:
- Hard Disk Drive which can have a capacity to store
several Terra Bytes (TB) of data (1 TB is the equivalent
of an MP3 file that runs for 69 years).
- Solid-State Drive which has less storage capacity
(currently around 500 GB) but is faster.

Figure 9 shows a comparison between the two types of

storage device.

Most companies employ a network storage system to store

data and files. There are many reasons for doing this, but the
main reason is for data accessibility and security as most
companies have some form of backup system to protect
themselves from hardware failure or data corruption.

Figure 9: Comparison of HDD and SSD Storage Devices

Base Unit (Case) Most of the hardware described above is quite fragile and
susceptible to damage. Therefore, it is housed in case that
varies in size and shape depending upon the function and
use of the computer. The case also provides connection
points to the internet and devices such as keyboard, mouse,
and printer.
(Continued)

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11.2. Hardware and Software Requirements

Standard Computer Hardware (Continued)

Monitor (Display or VDU) This displays the output from the graphics card and is the
main interface between the software and the user.
Traditionally, computers have used a single monitor, but it is
becoming more and more popular in office environments to
use two monitors.

Keyboard and Mouse The main method of communication used by the user to
perform tasks using the software. For most software
programs, the keyboard is the main method of interaction
with the software; however, for CAD and graphics
applications most interaction is done with the mouse.

CAD Workstations

Computer Aided Design requires more processing power, greater memory and heavily
rely on high quality graphics to produce and manipulate 2D drawings and 3D Models.
As a result, there are three main criteria that need to be considered when purchasing a
CAD workstation (Autodesk, 2021):

CPU or Processor: 2.5 GHz

RAM or Memory: 16 GB

GPU or Graphics Card: 1GB GPU with 29 GB/S bandwidth and DirectX 11 compliant

The full list of hardware and software requirements for using Autodesk inventor can be
found in Table 12 (Autodesk,2021).

Table 12: Hardware and Software Requirements for Autodesk Inventor 2022
Hardware Minimum Recommended
3.0 GHz or greater, 4 or more
CPU 2.5 GHz
cores
Memory 16 GB 32 GB or more
Disk Space 40 GB HDD 40 GB SSD
1 GB CPU, 29 GB/S bandwidth 4 GB CPU, 106 GB/S bandwidth
Graphics Card
and DirectX 11 compliant and DirectX 11 compliant
Display Resolution 1280 x 1024 3840 x 2160 (4K)
Data Entry Standard Keyboard Extended Keyboard
Pointing Device MS- Mouse compliant MS-Mouse and 3D Mouse
Network Internet Connection Internet connection
Software
Operating System 64-bit Windows 10 or later
Spreadsheet Full Local Installation of Microsoft Excel 2016 or later
Browser Google Chrome or equivalent
.NET Framework .NET Framework Version 4.8 or later

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11.2. Hardware and Software Requirements (Continued)

CAD Specific Hardware

Certified Graphics Cards Graphics cards are extremely important when it comes to
working with complex models and most CAD software
companies have large scale testing programmes for graphics
cards and driver to ensure their compatibility with this
software. CAD workstations generally use a graphics card
from either AMD (usually the Radeon Pro series) or nVidia
(usually the Quadro series). An up-to-date list of certified
graphics cards for Autodesk Inventor can be found on the
Certified Graphics Hardware webpage on the Autodesk site
(Autodesk, 2022).

3D Mouse 3D mouse increase the functionality of the CAD software and

takes advantage of the fact that the user’s non-mouse hand
is largely doing nothing when using CAD.

The main purpose of the 3D mouse is to control the

orientation of the model in the display window. These tasks
can be controlled within the software, but it is generally
quicker and easier with the 3D mouse. Figure 10 shows the
typical set up of a mouse, keyboard, mouse and dual monitor

Figure 10: Typical CAD Workstation including a 3D Mouse

End of Guidance Notes

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References
ASME, n.d. ASME Y14 | Y14 Standards. Retrieved 18 July 2022, from
https://www.asme.org/codes-standards/y14-standards

Autodesk, 2021. System requirements for Autodesk Inventor 2022 | Inventor 2022 | Autodesk
Knowledge Network. Retrieved 25 July 2022, from
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Sys
tem-requirements-for-Autodesk-Inventor-2022.html

Autodesk, 2022. Certified Graphics Hardware | Autodesk Knowledge Network. Retrieved 25 July
2022, from https://knowledge.autodesk.com/certified-graphics-hardware

British Standards Institute, 1999. BS EN ISO 5456-2: 1999 Technical Drawings. Projection
methods – Orthographic Representations. London: British Standards Institute.

British Standards Institute, 2009a. BS 1916-1: 2009 Limits and Fits for Engineering – Guide to
Limits and Tolerances. London: British Standards Institute.

British Standards Institute, 2009b. BS 4500: Limits and fits. Guidance for system of cone (taper)
fits and tolerances for cones from C = 1:3 to 1:500, lengths from 6 mm to 630 mm and diameters
up to 500 mm. London: British Standards Institute.

British Standards Institute, 2012. BS ISO 1219-2: 2012 Fluid Power Systems and Components.
Graphical Symbols and Circuit Diagrams. Circuit Diagrams. London: British Standards Institute.

British Standards Institute, 2019. BS EN ISO 2553: 2019 Welding and Allied Processes. Symbolic
Representation on Drawings. Welded Joints. London: British Standards Institute.

British Standards Institute, 2020. BS 8888: 2020 Technical Product Specification and
Documentation. London: British Standards Institute.

BSI Staff. (2021). Setting the Standard for Technical Drawings. BSI Article. Retrieved 18 July 2022,
from https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/articles/setting-the-standard-for-technical-drawings

Davi, J., 2021. 5 Advantages of Manual Drafting and CAD Drafting. urcadservices.com. Retrieved
25 July 2022 from https://www.urcadservices.com/post/2018/01/04/five-advantages-of-manual-
drafting-and-cad-drafting.

Dekker, C. Welding Symbols: How to Understand Them (With Charts) - WaterWelders. Retrieved
26 July 2022, from https://waterwelders.com/welding-symbols/

IEC, 2012. IEC 60617: 2012 Graphical Symbols for Diagrams. International Electrotechnical
Commission

ISO, 2004. ISO 7200: 2004 Technical Product Documentation – Data Fields in Title Blocks and
Document Headers. International Organization for Standardization, Switzerland.

ISO, 2018. ISO 129: 2018 Technical Product Documentation (TPD) – Presentation of Dimensions
and Tolerances. International Organization for Standardization.

(Continued)

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Unit 12: Engineering Drawing for Technicians

References (Continued)

ISO, 2020. ISO 128: 2020 Technical Product Documentation (TPD) – General Principles of
Representation. International Organization for Standardization.

Lopol.org, n.d. Advantages and Disadvantages Of Computer Aided Design (CAD) Over Manual
Drafting. Lopol.org. Retrieved 25 July 2022 from https://www.lopol.org/article/advantages-and-
disadvantages-of-computer-aided-design-cad-over-manual-drafting

Bibliography
Course Notes - Engineering Drawing and CAD. (2016). 1st ed. [PDF] Plymouth: University of
Plymouth. Available at:
http://www.tech.plymouth.ac.uk/dmme/dsgn131/DSGN131_Course_Notes.pdf [Accessed 15 Dec.
2015].

Course Notes - Engineering Drawing for Technicians (Clark, C, n.d.). Derby College.

Deacon, M., White, S. and Wyatt, D. (2010). BTEC National Engineering. London: Hodder
Education.

Simmons, C., Phelps, N. and Maguire, D. (2012). Manual of Engineering Drawing. Burlington:
Butterworth Heinemann.

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Appendix 1: Performance Criteria associated with Unit 12

Assignment 1: Sketching Techniques
P1 Create sketches of engineering components using a range of techniques

P2 Describe the benefits and limitations of using pictorial techniques to represent a given
engineering component.

M1 Assess the suitability of the different techniques for the sketches.

Assignment 2: Investigating and Interpreting Technical Information

P3 Interpret the main features of a given engineering drawing which complies with drawing
standards.

M2 Explain in the importance of working to recognised standards when producing engineering

drawings.

Assignment 3: Drawing Techniques Part 1: Manual Drawing

P4 Produce detailed drawings of three given single piece components that comply with
drawing standards.

P5 Produce an assembly drawing of a product containing three parts that complies with
drawing standards.

M3 Explain how the sketches comply with drawing standards.

Assignment 4: Drawing Techniques Part 2: CAD Drawing

P6 Produce a circuit diagram that complies with drawing standards, with at least five different
components which use standard symbols

P7 Prepare a template drawing of a standardised A3 sheet using a CAD system and save to
file.

P8 Produce, store and present 2D CAD drawings of a given single piece component and an
assembly drawing of a product containing three parts.

M4 Explain how a given engineering drawing would be used and the reasons it is suitable for
its intended audience

M5 Explain the hardware components of a typical industry standard CAD system.

D1 Evaluate the use of different methods of producing engineering drawings including manual
and computer aided methods.

D2 Evaluate the functionality of a CAD software package.

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Appendix 2: Drawing Conventions Associated with Threads

The drawing of threads and tapped holes is covered by the British Standard BS 8888. There are
several conventions that define how screw threads are drawn; there ae slight variations in the way
threads are drawn depending upon whether an internal or external thread is being represented.

External (Male) Threads

The minor diameter (ID) is shown by parallel lines, and, in the end view, the projected circle is not
continuous. The dimension of the minor dimension for a specific thread size can be approximated
at 80% of the major diameter (OD) – roughly 1mm smaller - for convention purposes; when
drawing manually, a 2H pencil can be used. The thread runout along the shank of the stud or bolt
is indicated by a line drawn at 30o to the thread axis.

The major diameter (OD) and remaining outlines are drawn using a wide (0.7mm) line and, when
manually drawn, a HB pencil should be used.

Internal (Female) Threads

For internal threads, the minor diameter is drawn as the wide (0.7mm) line and the major diamter is
drawn as a narrow line. In the end views, the minor diameter is drawn as a complete circle and the
major diameter is a broken circle.
(Continued)

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Appendix 2: Drawing Conventions Associated with Thread

Internal (Female) Threads (Continued)

The effective length of the thread is again shown by parallel lines and the runout by the taper at 30o
to the thread axis. In a sectioned view, the section lines are drawn at 45o and continue through to
the minor diameter. For blind holes, the void left by the tapping drill is represent by a triangle with
an apex angle of 120o beyond the depth of the tapping hole.

Note: The runout line at 30o was common practice; however, it is permitted to omit the line if there
is no functional need for it.

When representing internal threads in non-sectioned views, both the minor and major diameters
are represented by hidden detail using dashed narrow lines; when manually drawn, it is usual to
represent the major diameter with a 2H pencil and the major diameter with a HB pencil.

Application of Thread Conventions

When a mating thread is screwed into a tapped hole, the section lines do not cover the assembled
threads (Area 1 below). Adjacent parts in the sectional view are cross hatched in opposite
directions. It is not normal practice to section nuts, bolts and washers.

In the diagram above, only part of the shank of the bolt is threaded and this must terminate above
the joined line between the components for correct assembly.

Tapping Hole The diameter of a tapping hole is equal to the minor diameter of a thread
for drawing purposes.

Clearance Hole The clearance hole has a diameter slightly greater than the major diameter
of the male thread and its function is to provide a clearance hole to permit
free passage of a bolt through a component.

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Appendix 2: Drawing Conventions Associated with Thread (Continued)

Nuts, Bolts, Screws and Washers

ISO metric precision hexagonal bolts, screws, washers and nuts are covered by BS 3643. The
standard includes washer faced hexagonal bolts and full bearing head bolts. In both cases there is
a small radius under the bolthead which would not normally be shown on drawings due to its size;
for example, with an M36 bolt, the radius is only 1.7 mm.

Bolts may be chamfered at 45o at the end of the shank or radiused. The rounded end of the bolt
has a radius of approximately one and one quarter times the shank diameter and can also be used
if required to drawn the rolled thread end.

Ttable, overleaf, shows the bolt proportions for bolts in common use.

Construction Method for a Bolt Head

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Table 13: Nominal Sizes for Common Types of Thread

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