Chapter

Orthographic
Projection

Orthographic Projection
Orthographic Projection is a collection of 2-D drawings that work
together to give an accurate overall object.

Defining the Six

Principal Views
or Orthographic
Views

Projection methods:

3RD Angle (US Standard)

ISO (1ST Angle Metric
Standard)
NOTE:
Reverse construction methods work
just as well in 1ST Angle projection.

Which Views to Present?

General Guidelines
Pick a Front View that is most descriptive of object
Normally the longest dimension is chosen as the width (or
depth)
Most common combination of views is to use: Front, Top,
and Side View
Any other view different from the Principal Views is called
Auxiliary View

Glass-Box Approach - Introduction

Most powerful technique to understand orthographic
projections
Suspend the object with transparent strings inside a glass
box
Freeze the view from each direction (each of the six sides
of the box) and unfold the box
Animation illustrates glass-box approach

Glass-Box Approach
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Glass-Box Approach
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Glass-Box Approach
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Glass-Box Approach
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Glass-Box Approach
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Glass-Box Approach
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First Angle (International) vs.

Third Angle (U.S.) Projection

Third-angle Projection

First-angle Projection

The Glass Box Approach

Orthographic Projection

Opening the Box

Final Views

Six Orthographic Views

Laying Out All Six Views

Three Primary Views

View Selection
If the object has an
obvious top, then it must
be the top view
Minimize the number of
hidden lines
Use the most descriptive
view as the front view
Conserve space by
choosing the depth to be
the smallest dimension

Conventional Orthographic Views

Width

Top View

Front View

Depth

Right
Side
View

Height

Defining Hidden and Center Lines for

Orthographic Projections
Hidden Line used to represent features that
cannot be seen in the current view

Centerlines used to represent symmetry and to

mark the center of circles and the axes of

cylinders, and the axes of symmetrical parts, such
as cylinders and bolts

Example

Center Lines
Hidden Lines

Visible Line

Precedence of Lines
0.6 mm

0.3 mm

0.3 mm

Example: Application of P recedence

Conventions for Intersection of Lines in Orthographic

Projections
Solid Line Intersections

Dashed Line Intersections

Gap
Reference Technical Graphics, Chapter 3

Two-View Drawings
Some objects can be fully described by two views,
look for:
Symmetry or Bodies of Rotation

Front View

Right Side View

Front
View

Right
Side

Other Two-View Examples

Summary
Introduced to orthographic projections
We recommend the software animation exercise
introduced in class. Animation can be found on
WebCT Glass Box Theory.

Hints for Orthographic Projection

Sketching
Identify the major features and overall
dimensions of the object
Do not use any straight-edge devices as a pencil
guide when sketching by hand
Start by drawing bounding boxes with light
construction lines.
Keep views aligned while sketching

Tips for Drawing Assignments

Title Information is required follow conventions
Usage of construction lines is encouraged.
Mandatory for circle or ellipse
Orthographic projection : Alignment of the views
is important! Will not be graded, if not aligned

Sketching a Circle
1. Draw a square whose
sides are the diameter of
the circle.
2. At the center of each side
define the point of
tangency for the circle.
3. Draw the diagonals of the
square.
4. Orient the paper so you
can draw equal arcs to
construct the circle

Hints for Orthographic Projection

Sketching
Map inclined and oblique faces to all three views
Follow the precedence of lines
Darken all visible, hidden, and center lines

Steps in creating a 3-view sketch

Step 1:
Layout the 3 principle views you have
chosen with even margins between
views and the outside border of your
drawing area.
Step 2:
Rough out the general shape of each
view.

Steps in creating a 3-view sketch

Step 3:
Transfer any data from one view to
its neighbor using reverse
construction. This can be done by
using a miter line.
Step 4:
Add hidden and center lines to the
necessary views.

Steps in creating a 3-view sketch

Step 5:
Erase all unnecessary lines and snap
the lines on your views.
Snapping adds weight to the lines in
each view and makes the drawing easier
to read.
Step 6:
Add notes and/or dimensions to
complete your drawing.