PUSAT DIPLOMA DAN ASASI

DIPLOMA IN ELECTRICAL AND

ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING (DRE)
ELECTRICAL COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN
DRE1722

INSTRUCTOR:
MOHD MASRI BIN A RAZAK

NOTE 2
2 – Orthographic Drawings

Orthographic drawings are a very

common style of drawing and are easily
created with AutoCAD. In this exercise, we
will use AutoCAD to draw the front, top, and
right side views of the object shown at the
right. We will start with a third angle view
then try some first angle views in the
exercises. The dimensions of the object are
shown at the right and we will make our
AutoCAD drawing dimensionally correct.
Unlike some of our previous drawings, we
will use coordinates to draw the lines instead of simply clicking with the mouse.
In the last assignment, you drew solid lines but sometimes you need dashed or
dotted lines. AutoCAD has the ability to draw many different types of lines but the
line type or style must be loaded before they can be used. The line types are loaded
with the commands:

LINETYPE

This brings up the line type dialog box Load

shown on the right. Click on the LOAD Button
button to bring up a selection of line types
that can be loaded. The dialog box is shown
on the right.
Search through the file and click on
the HIDDEN2 line type. We will use this
line type to draw hidden lines in our
orthographic or multi-view drawings.
You can highlight several line types
by holding down the CTRL key while you
Hidden
click on the names. Once you have selected
Line
the HIDDEN2 name, click on the OK button.
We could load many other lines types but this
is the only one we will need for this drawing.
Now click on the LAYER PROPERTIES button shown in the figure shown
on the right.
This button creates the layers
management dialog box shown at the top of
the next page.

Manage
Layers

Orthographic Drawings in AutoCAD – R Greenlee Page |1

 Current Locked
Color Line
Layer
Weight

Create New
Layer

Layer Line
Name On/Off Frozen
Type

Lines, circles, and arcs belong to layers and each layer determines how the
lines, circles, and arcs will be drawn. The layer controls the color, line type, line
weight and several other attributes for the layer. These attributes are:

Layer Name The name used for the layer. Each layer has a
unique name.

On/Off If on the lines can be seen and if off they cannot

be seen if it is on it can be seen.

Frozen This attribute is very similar to On/Off. If a

layer is frozen, it cannot be seen.

Locked The lines in the layer cannot be deleted or

modified.

Color Determines the color of the lines when they are

displayed.

Line Type Determines which line type is used to draw lines

in this layer. They can be solid or dashed in
many different ways.

Line Weight This attribute controls how thick the line is when
it is drawn on the screen and plotted. The
varying thickness on the screen can be turned on
and off using a button at the bottom of the main
window.

Create New Layer This button creates a new layer. After it is

created you can change the attributes so that it
meets your needs.

Current Layer Click on one of the existing layers then click on

the Current Layer check mark. All lines drawn
from this point on will be in the layer marked as
the Current Layer. This will remain in effect
until the current layer is changed again.

This dialog box allows you to create new layers and define their attributes.
Click on the Create New Layer button and create layers with the names: OBJ, PROJ,

Orthographic Drawings in AutoCAD – R Greenlee Page |2

HIDE, FOLD, and CENTER. Click on the color for the projection layer and change
its color. This will make it easier to distinguish projection lines form object lines.
You can choose a different color for each layer if you desire.
In this exercise, we will create several new layers. They are:

OBJ This layer is used for line that make up the objects we are
drawing.

HIDE This layer is used for hidden lines.

CENTER This layer is used for centerlines.

PROJ This layer is used for lines that project from one view to the
next. They aid in the placement and size of the views.

FOLD Orthographic views are created by projecting views to the faces

of a projection box. The lines in this layer represent the edges
of that box.

For the HIDE layer, click on the Line Type and select hidden from the list of
loaded line types. This is the line type we added when we loaded line types in a
previous step. We did not have to load the line types during that step, we can load
them now. Click on the line type for the CENTER layer and in the line type dialog
box click on the LOAD button. Now search for CENTER2 in the line types, click on
it then click on OK to load the line type also. You can now select it for the CENTER
layer.
The lines drawn in each layer can have different weights. Click on the line
weight for the OBJ layer and set the line weight to 0.3 mm. When you have finished
that, click on the line weight for FOLD and set the line weight to 0.5 mm. We will
use different line weights for the object lines and for the folding lines between views.
All other layers will use the DEFAULT line weight which is the thinnest line the
graphics device can produce. @0,1.4
@-1.2,0
@0,.8

We are going to start drawing lines in @-2,0

the OBJ (object) layer so click on the OBJ
name to highlight it then click on the green
check mark at the top of the dialog box that Start here 1,1 @3.2,0
selects the current layer. Once you have
selected the OBJ layer, click on the X in the
extreme upper left corner of the dialog box to dismiss the dialog box.
Now we can start drawing the object. We will start with the Front view.
Either type LINE or click on the line button at the top left of the Now use the LINE
command to first draw the front view of the object.

LINE
From point: 1,1 {Start the drawing here for convenience}
To point: @3.2,0
To point: @0,.8
To point: @-2,0
To point: @0,1.4
To point: @-1.2,0

Orthographic Drawings in AutoCAD – R Greenlee Page |3

To point: C
{Close the
outline of the object} Absolute
Coordinate
Next, draw the circle that represents 1.6, 2.2
the hole through the object. Note that you
started the drawing at coordinates 1,1 so the
center of the circle must be biased by these
coordinates. That puts the center at 1.6, 2.2.

CIRCLE
3P/2P/TTR/<Center Point>: 1.6,2.2
Diameter/<Radius>: D
Diameter: 1

The finished drawing with the circle is shown above. This is the front view of
the object.
We set the OBJ layer lines to a line weight of 0.3 mm but you will probably
notice that they are not being drawn any heavier than any other line. We need to turn
that feature on. At the bottom left of the screen, you will see a number of buttons
which are shown in the figure below. These buttons help us control the drawing
process.

Polar Object
Tracking Snap

Snap Grid Ortho Line

Mode Display Mode Weight

Click on the “Line Weight” button to turn on the display of heaver lines.

ORTHO Mode

Drawing perfectly horizontal and vertical lines with the mouse is very
difficult, but AutoCAD can assist you. At the very bottom of the AutoCAD window
is a small icon shown above called ORTHO. ORTHO is an AutoCAD setting. When
ORTHO is on, you can only draw vertical and horizontal lines with the mouse and
when ORTHO is off, you can draw lines in any direction. You turn ORTHO on and
off by clicking on the ORTHO icon at the bottom of the window or by typing the
ORTHO command. When you click on the icon, the background of the icon changes
colors indicating the ORTHO setting is on. You can turn the setting on and off while
you are in the LINE or other commands by just clicking on the icon.
The ORTHO setting does not affect lines drawn by entering coordinates.

Orthographic Drawings in AutoCAD – R Greenlee Page |4

 We will start the additions by drawing the folding lines. Folding lines
represent the corners of the projection box used to view orthographic drawings.
Switch to the FOLD layer by clicking on the Layer Manage button or by typing
LAYER then selecting FOLD as the current layer. These folding lines are horizontal
and vertical and you can force AutoCAD to draw only horizontally or vertical lines by
typing the ORTHO command as shown below or by clicking on the ORTHO MODE
button at the bottom of the screen. You must do this before you draw the folding lines.

ORTHO
ON/OFF/<off>: ON {Turn the ORTHO setting on so we can only draw
horizontal and vertical lines}

Draw the folding lines with the LINE command. Visually select a starting
place for the folding lines. You could locate the lines with coordinates but that is not
really necessary.

LINE
From point: {Click on an appropriate
point to draw the
horizontal folding line}
To point: {Move the mouse to the
right and extend the
folding line out as far as
you think will be
necessary. The Ortho
Mode is on so the line is
horizontal.}

Repeat the process and draw the

vertical folding line. After you have drawn this
line you are ready to draw projection lines. These projection lines will help us
position and control the size of the top and right side views. The projection lines are
used in much the same way as they are when drafting orthographic drawings.
The projection lines are either horizontal or vertical so the ORTHO ON setting
you are current using is appropriate. The projection lines must start at the corners of
the front view. You could use coordinates to place the lines in this position, but that
would be difficult to do. AutoCAD provides a simpler method called OSNAP tools.
AutoCAD OSNAP tools allow you to use the coordinates of specific points in
the drawing as the coordinates of lines, circles, etc. that you are creating. To use the
OSNAP tools, type:

OSNAP

This creates the dialog box shown

on the right. It is used to determine
which things the program will snap points
to. For example, if the intersection on the
left side of the dialog box is marked, the
program will look for intersecting lines.
If the mouse passes over one of these
intersections, the pointer will hesitate and
the program will draw a small box
indicating it has found an intersection. If
you click with the mouse to start a line,

Orthographic Drawings in AutoCAD – R Greenlee Page |5

arc, circle or any other entity, it will start at the intersection. The dialog box on the
right is used to select the things the program will snap to. Mark Endpoint, Center,
Intersection, and Extension then click on OK at the bottom of the dialog box.
Switch to the PROJ layer by typing:

LAYER
{Make projection lines the current
layer}

Next use the LINE command to draw

projection lines from the front view into both Draw
the top and right side view (remember, you these
are drawing a third angle projection.) You lines
repeat this sequence of commands and draw
both vertical and horizontal projection lines.
These lines are easy to draw because
AutoCAD automatically finds the corners of
the object and with ORTHO on you only
have to draw with the mouse. When you
have finished drawing these lines you can Lines to
draw both horizontal and vertical projection extend
lines from the center of the circle.
You have not finished with the
projection lines. You need to draw projection
lines from the extreme edges of the circle into
both the top and right views of the object. Boundaries
You can do this by first extending the
projection lines starting at the center of the
circle through the other side of the circle then projecting the intersection points of
these lines and the circle to the other two views. Start with the EXTEND command.

EXTEND
Select boundary edge(s)... {Click on the left side and bottom
of the object. Press Return after
you have selected the two
edges}
Select objects to extend: {Click on the two lines starting at
the center of the circle. After
extending these two lines press
Return}

Now that you have extended these two

lines, project the lines from their intersection
with the circle to the other two views. Repeat Draw these
this operation to extend the projection lines lines
into both the top and right views.
Once you have finished with these
lines, draw a 45 degree line extending from
the intersection of the two folding lines.
AutoCAD can draw using X-Y (Cartesian
coordinates) or polar coordinates. We will
use polar coordinates to create this line. Polar coordinates consist of a length and an
angle. The length is entered first followed by a < symbol then an angle. The <
symbol separates the length from the angle and tells AutoCAD that you are entering a

Orthographic Drawings in AutoCAD – R Greenlee Page |6

polar coordinate. The angle is specified in
degrees measured from the horizontal axis. A @6<45
positive number is an anticlockwise
(counterclockwise) rotation and a negative
Start Point
number is a clockwise rotation. If you
precede the length with a @ sign, the last
point will be used for the origin of the polar
coordinate.

Enter:
Line
Specify first point: {click at the intersection of the folding lines}
Specify next point: @6<45 {Create a line that is 6 long at an angle of 45 degrees from
horizontal}
Specify next point: {End line command}
Cutting
You are now ready to draw the top Edges
view. Use the LAYER command to change
the current drawing layer back to OBJ and
then draw a horizontal line with the mouse.
This line represents the front of the object in Draw
the top view. This line should extend beyond Line
both the left most and right most vertical
projection lines. ORTHO is set to on so it
should be rather simple to draw this line with the mouse. The vertical placement of
the line is not important but the line should be as far from the top-front folding line as
the front view is.
You can use the TRIM command to trim the line you have just drawn so that it
has the proper length.

TRIM
Select cutting edge(s) ... {Click on the left and right projection lines. We
will trim the object line to these two lines. Press
Return after clicking on the two lines.}
Select objects to trim: {Click on the left and right ends of the line we
want to trim. It will be trimmed to the proper
length.}

Now draw the rest of the top view. Start at the

right end of the line you just trimmed and
draw around the top view, moving in a
counter clockwise direction.

LINEFrom point: {Click on the right end Line after

of the line you just trimming
trimmed}
To point: @0,.4
To point: @-1.2,0
To point: @0,1
To point: @1.2,0
To point: @0,.4

Orthographic Drawings in AutoCAD – R Greenlee Page |7

To point: @-3.2,0
To point: {Click on the left end of the
first line drawn to complete
the outline of the object.
Press return to end the
command.}

Next, add the vertical line defining the right

edge of the rectangle containing the hole. 1 – Click here
LINE
From point: {1 - Click on the
intersection of the
projection line and
the front edge of the
object.}
To point: {2 - Click on the 2 – Click here
intersection of the
projection line and
the back edge of the
object.}

You should now have the drawing shown in the

figure at the right.

The top view is not complete but we

will leave it for now to project lines from the
top to right side view and draw the right side
view. Switch the layer to the PROJ layer and
project horizontal lines from the top view to Create these
beyond the 45 degree line to the right. This is lines
shown in the figure at the bottom of the page.
The projection lines have no specific length so
you can draw them with the mouse and
ORTHO set to ON.

After drawing these projection lines,

extend them down to the right side view by
starting lines at the intersection of the 45
degree line and the horizontal projection
Draw these
lines from the top view. Here again, you
lines
can draw these projection lines with the
mouse because their length is not important.
The ORTHO ON setting forces the lines to
be vertical.

Orthographic Drawings in AutoCAD – R Greenlee Page |8

 Your drawing should look like the one
at the bottom of the previous page. It is
getting cluttered with projection lines but
these will aid you in drawing the right view
and when you are finished, you can turn them
off so that they do not show in our final plot. Right View
The next step is to draw the right
view. You could do this with coordinates but
it is easier to use the projection lines and let
AutoCAD compute the coordinates at the
intersections of the projection lines. Just draw
by clicking with the mouse at the intersection
of the projection lines.
You are almost finished. The only
things left to draw are a hidden line in the New
front view that shows the notch that is Projection
prominent on the right side of the top view Line
and the center lines for the hole. We will draw
the hidden line in the front view first. New
Switch the layer back to PROJ and Hidden
draw a projection line from the inside of the Line
notch in the top view down to the front view.
Next switch to the HIDE layer and
draw the hidden lines in the front view
showing notch. The drawing should look like
the one shown on the right. Hidden
After you have finished drawing the Lines
hidden lines in the front view, draw the
hidden lines for the hole in both the top and
right side views.

The only things missing are center

lines for the hole. Change the layer to 1 – Near
Projection
CENTER and draw the lines in the top and
Line
right side views using the following sequence
of commands.

2 – Near
Projection
Line

LINE
From point: NEAR
Of: {1 - Click on the projection line extending through the
center of the hole in the top view. Click where you
want the centerline to start}
To point: NEAR

Orthographic Drawings in AutoCAD – R Greenlee Page |9

Of: {2 - Click on the other end of the centerline}

Repeat the process for drawing the centerline in the right side view.

Next, we will draw the center lines for the hole in the front view. It is difficult
to draw the crossing type of center lines with two lines. The dashes usually do not line
up correctly and the center lines will not look right. These types of center lines are
best drawn using AutoCAD commands designed specifically to draw circle centers.
Click on the Annotate tab at the top left of the AutoCAD window then on the
Dimensions pull down under the dimension section of the ribbon. You should see a
pull down menu like the one shown below.

Circle Center
Button

Click on the Circle Center Button then click on the circle in the front view.
That will put a small cross in the center of the circle. If the cross is too small or too
big, you can adjust its size with the DIMCEN command. DIMCEN sets the size of the
plus that is drawn at the center of the circle. It should be large enough to see but not
so large that it dominates the center of the circle. Later on, we will use this circle
center for dimensioning our drawings.

dimcen
Enter new value for DIMCEN <0.0000>: .1

The DIMCEN command will not change the size of the plus after it is drawn.
If you draw the plus and it is not the right size, delete it, change the DIMCEN size, and
redraw it. Repeat this until it looks reasonable.

We are getting close to the end. We have drawn all three views and it is time
to turn off the display of the projection and folding lines. They are no longer needed.
Use the following method:

1. Type LAYER to start the layer command

2. Set the current layer to the OBJ layer.
3. Click on the light bulb next the PROJ layer name.
4. Click on the light bulb next to the FOLD layer name.
5. Click on the X in the upper left of the layer dialog box to dismiss the
layer box.

You will be left with drawing shown below.

Orthographic Drawings in AutoCAD – R Greenlee P a g e | 10

 If the dashes on the center lines and
hidden lines do not seem appropriate, you
can change their length with the LTSCALE
command. This command sets a scale
factor for the dashes used in non-
continuous lines.
You can change the scale with the
commands:

LTSCALE
New scale factor <1.0000> 0.5 {Changing the line type scale to 0.5
makes the dash length ½ its current
size. A factor smaller than one
reduces the size of the dashes and a
factor greater than one increases the
size. You can experiment with
different sizes until the line types
look correct.}

Through at last !!!!!!!

Orthographic Drawings in AutoCAD – R Greenlee P a g e | 11

 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD 4-1

Chapter 4
Orthographic Projection and Multiview Constructions

♦ Understand the Basic Orthographic

projection principles.
♦ Be able to perform 1st and 3rd Angle
projections.
♦ Using the CONSTRUCTION LINE command
in AutoCAD to draw.
♦ Using the AutoCAD Running Object Snaps
options.
♦ Use AutoCAD’s AutoSnap and AutoTrack
features.
♦ Using the Miter line method.
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4-2 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

Introduction

3D Object

Multiview drawing
(2D Views)

Most drawings produced and used in industry are multiview drawings. Multiview
drawings are used to provide accurate three-dimensional object information on two-
dimensional media, a means of communicating all of the information necessary to
transform an idea or concept into reality. The standards and conventions of multiview
drawings have been developed over many years, which equip us with a universally
understood method of communication.

Multiview drawings usually require several orthographic projections to define the shape
of a three-dimensional object. Each orthographic view is a two-dimensional drawing
showing only two of the three dimensions of the three-dimensional object. Consequently,
no individual view contains sufficient information to completely define the shape of the
three-dimensional object. All orthographic views must be looked at together to
comprehend the shape of the three-dimensional object. The arrangement and relationship
between the views are therefore very important in multiview drawings. Before taking a
more in-depth look into the multiview drawings, we will first look at the concepts and
principles of projections.
 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-3

Basic Principle of Projection

To better understand the theory of projection, one must become familiar with the
elements that are common to the principles of projection. First of all, the POINT OF
SIGHT (aka STATION POINT) is the position of the observer in relation to the object
and the plane of projection. It is from this point that the view of the object is taken.
Secondly, the observer views the features of the object through an imaginary PLANE OF
PROJECTION (or IMAGE PLANE). Imagine yourself standing in front of a glass
window, IMAGE PLANE, looking outward; the image of a house at a distance is
sketched on to the glass and is a 2D view of a 3D house.

Orthographic Projection
The lines connecting from the Point of Sight to the 3D object are called the Projection
Lines or Lines of Sight. Note that in the above figure, the projection lines are connected
at the point of sight, and the projected 2D image is smaller than the actual size of the 3D
object.

Now, if the projection lines are parallel to

each other and the image plane is also
perpendicular (normal) to the projection
lines, the result is what is known as an
orthographic projection. When the
projection lines are parallel to each other,
an accurate outline of the visible face of
the object is obtained.

The term orthographic is derived from the

word orthos meaning perpendicular or
90º.
4-4 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

In Engineering Graphics, the projection of one face of an object usually will not provide
an overall description of the object; other planes of projection must be used. To create the
necessary 2D views, the point of sight is changed to project different views of the same
object; hence, each view is from a different point of sight. If the point of sight is moved
to the front of the object, this will result in the front view of the object. And then move
the point of sight to the top of the object and looking down at the top, and then move to
the right side of the object, as the case may be. Each additional view requires a new point
of sight.

Principal Views
(Each with it’s point of sight )

Multiview Orthographic Projection

In creating multiview orthographic projection, different systems of projection can be used
to create the necessary views to fully describe the 3D object. In the figure below, two
perpendicular planes are established to form the image planes for a multiview
orthographic projection.

The angles formed between

the horizontal and the vertical
planes are called the first,
second, third, and fourth
angles, as indicated in the
figure. For engineering
drawings, both first angle
projection and third angle
projection are commonly
used.
 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-5

FIRST-ANGLE PROJECTION

In first-angle projection, the object is placed in front of the image planes. And the
views are formed by projecting to the image plane located at the back.
4-6 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

Rotation of the Horizontal and Profile Planes

In order to draw all three views of the object on the same plane, the horizontal (Top
View) and profile (Right Side view) are rotated into the same plane as the primary
image plane (Front View).
 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-7

Getting the 3D Adjuster Model through the Internet

• AutoCAD® 2007 allows us to share files and resources through the Internet.
Drawings can be placed and opened to an Internet location, insert blocks by dragging
drawings from a web site, and insert hyperlinks in drawings so that others can access
related documents. Note that to use the AutoCAD® 2007 Internet features, Microsoft
Internet Explorer 6.0 (or a later version) and Internet or Intranet connections are
required.

We will illustrate the procedure to open an AutoCAD file from the Internet by
Uniform Resource Locator (URL).

1. Select the AutoCAD 2007 option on the Program menu or select the
AutoCAD 2007 icon on the Desktop.

2. In the AutoCAD Startup dialog box, select Open a Drawing with a single
click of the left-mouse-button.

3. In the Select File dialog box, enter

http://www. sdcACAD.com/acad2007/Adjuster1stAngle.dwg
as shown in the figure below.

4. Click the Open icon and the file is downloaded from the
www.sdcACAD.com web site to the local computer.

 The URL entered must be of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (http://) and the
complete filename must be entered including the filename extension (.dwg or .dwt).
4-8 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

Dynamic Rotation – 3D Orbit

1. Select 3D Orbit in the View

pull-down menu.
[View]
[Orbit]

[Free Orbit]

The Free Orbit view displays an arcball, which is a circle, divided into four
quadrants by smaller circles. Free Orbit enables us to manipulate the view of 3D
objects by clicking and dragging with the left-mouse-button.

2. Inside the arcball, press down the left-mouse-button and drag it up and down
to rotate about the screen X-axis. Dragging the mouse left and right will rotate
about the screen Y-axis.

3. On your own, use the real-time dynamic rotation feature of the Free Orbit
command and examine the relations of the 2D views, projection planes and
the 3D object.
 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-9

Third-Angle Projection

In third-angle projection, the image planes are placed in between the object and the
observer. And the views are formed by projecting to the image plane located in front
of the object.
4-10 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

Rotation of the Horizontal and Profile Planes

In order to draw all three views of the object on the same plane, the horizontal (Top
View) and profile (Right Side view) are rotated into the same plane as the primary
image plane (Front View).

 Using the Internet Explorer, open the following avi file to view the rotation
of the projection planes:
http://www. sdcACAD.com/acad2007/AdjusterRTOP.avi
 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-11

Examining the 3rd Angle Projection

1. Click the Open icon in the Standard toolbar area as

shown.

2. In the Select File dialog box, enter the following file name:
http://www.sdcACAD.com/acad2007/Adjuster3rdAngle.dwg

3. Click the Open icon and the Adjuster file is downloaded from the
www.sdcACAD.com web site to the local computer.

4. Select 3D Orbit in the View pull-

down menu.
[View]
[Orbit]
[Free Orbit]

5. On your own, examine the relations

of the 2D views, projection planes
and the 3D object.
4-12 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

The Glass Box and the Six Principal Views

Considering the third angle projection described in the previous section further, we find
that the object can be entirely surrounded by a set of six planes, a Glass box. On these
planes, views can be obtained of the object as it is seen from the top, front, right side, left
side, bottom, and rear.

Consider how the six sides of the glass box are being opened up into one plane. The
front is the primary plane, and the other sides are hinged and rotated into position.
 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-13

In actual work there is rarely an occasion when all six principal views are needed on
one drawing, but no matter how many are required, their relative positions need to be
maintained. These six views are known as the six principal views. In performing
orthographic projection, each of 2D views shows only two of the three dimensions
(height, width, and depth) of the 3D object
4-14 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

Examining the Glass Box Model

1. Click the Open icon in the Standard toolbar area as

shown.

2. In the Select File dialog box, enter the following file name:
http://www.sdcACAD.com/acad2007/AdjusterGlassBox.dwg

3. Click the Open icon and the Adjuster file is downloaded from the
www.sdcACAD.com web site to the local computer.

4. Select 3D Orbit in the View pull-

down menu.

[View]
[Orbit]
[Free Orbit]

5. On your own, examine the relations

of the 2D views, projection planes
and the 3D object.
 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-15

Alphabet of Lines
In technical Engineering drawings, each line has a definite meaning and is drawn in
accordance to the line conventions as illustrated in the figure below. Two widths of lines
are typically used on drawings; the thick line width should be 0.6 mm and the thin line
width should be 0.3 mm.

Visible Line Cutting-Plane Lines

Hidden Line

Phantom Line
Center Line

Dimension Line, Extension Line Break Line

4-16 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

Visible Line Visible lines are used to represent visible edges and boundaries. The line
weight is thick, 0.6mm/0.024″).

Hidden Line Hidden lines are used to represent edges and boundaries that are not
visible from the viewing direction. The line weight is thin, 0.3mm/0.012″.

Center Line Center lines are used to represent axes of symmetry. The line weight is
thick, 0.3mm/0.012″.

Dimension Line, Extension Line and Leader Dimension lines are used to
show the sizes and locations of objects. The line weight is thick, 0.3mm/0.012″.

Cutting Plane Lines Cutting Plane lines are used to represent the location of an
imaginary cut has been made, so that the interior of the object can be viewed. The line
weight is thick, 0.6mm/0.024″. (Note that two forms of line type can be used.)

Phantom Line Phantom lines are used to represent imaginary features or objects,
such as a rotated position of a part. The line weight is thick, 0.3mm/0.012″.

Break Line Break lines are used to represent imaginary cut, so that the interior of the
object can be viewed. The line weight is thick, 0.6mm/0.024″.
 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-17

Precedence of Lines
In multiview drawings, coincidence lines may exist within the same view. For example,
hidden features may project lines to coincide with the visible object lines. And center
lines may occur where there is a visible or hidden outline.

In creating a multiview drawing, the features of the design are to be represented,

therefore object and hidden lines take precedence over all other lines. And since the
visible outline is more important than hidden features, the visible object lines take
precedence over hidden lines. As shown in the below figure.

The following list gives the order of precedence of lines:

1. Visible object lines
2. Hidden lines
3. Center line or cutting plane line
4. Break lines
5. Dimension and extension lines
6. Crosshatch/section lines

In the following sections, the general procedure of creating a 3rd angle three-view
orthographic projection using AutoCAD is presented.
4-18 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

The Locator Design

 Before going through the tutorial, make a rough sketch of a multiview drawing of the
part. Based on your knowledge of AutoCAD® 2007 so far, how would you arrange
and construct these 2D views? Take a few minutes to consider these questions and do
preliminary planning by sketching on a piece of paper. You are also encouraged to
construct the orthographic views on your own prior to following through the tutorial.
(Download the 3D Locator model by opening up the following URL:
http://www.sdcACAD.com/acad2007/Locator.dwg)

Starting Up AutoCAD® 2007

1. Select the AutoCAD 2007 option on the Program menu or select the AutoCAD
2007 icon on the Desktop.
 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-19

2. In the Startup dialog box, select the Start from Scratch option with a single
click of the left-mouse-button.

Metric

3. In the Default Settings section, pick Metric as the drawing units.

4. Click OK to accept the settings and exit the Startup window.

GRID and SNAP Intervals Setup

1. In the pull-down menus, select:

[Tools]
[Drafting Settings]

2. In the Drafting Settings dialog box,

select the SNAP and GRID tab if it
is not the page on top.

3. Change Grid Spacing to 0.5 for both

X and Y directions.

4. Also adjust the Snap Spacing to 0.5

for both X and Y directions.

5. Pick OK to exit the Drafting Settings dialog box.

4-20 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

Layers setup

1. Pick Layer Properties Manager in the

Object Properties toolbar.

2. Click on the New icon to create new layers.

3. Create two new layers with the following settings:

Layer Color LineType

Construction White Continuous
Object Yellow Continuous

4. Highlight the layer Construction in the list of layers.

5. Click on the Current button to set layer Construction as

the Current Layer.

6. Click on the OK button to accept the settings and exit the Layer
Properties Manager dialog box.

7. In the Status Bar area, reset the option buttons so that only SNAP, GRID, and
MODEL are switched ON.
 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-21

Drawing Construction Lines

Construction lines are lines that extend to infinity. Construction lines are usually used
as references for creating other objects. We will also place the construction lines on
the Construction layer so that the layer can later be frozen or turned off.

1. Select the Construction Line icon in the Draw toolbar.

In the command prompt area, the message “_xline Specify a
point or [Hor/Ver/Ang/Bisect/Offset]:” is displayed.

• To orient construction lines, we generally specify two

points. Note that other orientation options are also
available.

2. Select a location near the lower left corner of the graphics

window. It is not necessary to align objects to the world
coordinate origin. CAD systems provide us with many
powerful tools to manipulate geometry. Our main goal is to
use the CAD system as a flexible and powerful tool, and to
be very efficient and effective with the systems.

3. Pick a location above the last point to create a vertical construction line.

4. Move the cursor toward the right of the first point and pick a location to create
a horizontal construction line.

5. Inside the graphics window, right-mouse-click to end the Construction Line

command.

6. In the Status Bar area, turn OFF the SNAP option.

Using the Offset command

1. Select the Offset icon in the Modify toolbar. In the command
prompt area, the message “Specify offset distance or
[Through/Erase/Layer]:” is displayed.

2. In the command prompt area, enter: 5.0 [ENTER].

3. In the command prompt area, the message “Select object to

offset or <exit>:” is displayed. Pick the vertical line on the
screen.
4-22 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

4. AutoCAD next asks us to identify the direction of the offset. Pick a location
that is to the right of the vertical line.

5. Inside the graphics window, right-mouse-click to end the Offset command.

6. Hit the [SPACE BAR], or right-mouse-click inside the

graphics window and select Repeat Offset in the popup list,
to repeat the Offset command.

7. In the command prompt area, enter: 2.5 [ENTER].

8. In the command prompt area, the message “Select object to offset or <exit>:”
is displayed. Pick the horizontal line on the screen.

9. AutoCAD next asks us to identify the direction of the offset. Pick a location
that is above the horizontal line.

10. Inside the graphics window, right-mouse-click to end the Offset command.

11. Repeat the Offset command and create the offset lines as shown.
 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-23

Set layer Object as the current layer

1. On the Object Properties toolbar, choose the Layer Control box with the left-
mouse-button.

2. Move the cursor over the name of the layer Object. The tool tip “Object”
appears.

3. Left-mouse-click once and the layer Object is set as the Current Layer.

Using the Running Object Snaps

In AutoCAD® 2007, while using geometry construction commands, the cursor can be
placed to points on objects such as endpoints, midpoints, centers, and intersections. In
AutoCAD, this tool is called the Object Snap.
Object snaps can be turned on in one of two ways:
• Single Point (or override) Object Snaps: Sets an object snap for one use.
• Running Object Snaps: Sets object snaps active until we turn them off.

The procedure we have used so far is the Single Point Object Snaps option, where we
select the specific object snap from the Object Snap toolbar for one use only. The use of
the Running Object Snaps option to assist the construction is illustrated next.

1. In the pull-down menus, select:

[Tools]
[Drafting Settings]

4-24 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

2. In the Drafting Settings dialog box select the Object Snap tab.

The Running Object Snap options can be turned on or off by clicking the
different options listed. Notice the different symbols associated with the
different Object Snap options.

3. Turn ON the Running Object Snap by clicking the Object Snap On box, or
hit the [F3] key once.

4. Confirm the Intersection, Endpoint and Extension options are switched ON

and click on the OK button to accept the settings and exit from the Drafting
Settings dialog box.

Notice in the Status Bar area the OSNAP button is switched ON. We can toggle the
Running Object Snap option on or off by clicking the OSNAP button.

5. Press the [F3] key once and notice the OSNAP button is switched OFF in the
Status Bar area.

6. Press the [F3] key again and notice the OSNAP button is now
switched ON in the Status Bar area.

 AutoCAD® 2007 provides many input methods and shortcuts; you are encouraged to
examine the different options and choose the option that best fits your own style.
 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-25

Creating Object Lines

We will define the areas for the front-view, top-view and side-view by adding object
lines using the Running Object Snap option.

1. Select the Line command icon in the Draw toolbar. In the

command prompt area, the message “_line Specify first point:”
is displayed.

2. Move the cursor to the intersection of any two lines and notice
the visual aid automatically displayed at the intersection.

3. Pick the four intersection points closest to the lower left corner
to create the four sides of the area of the front view.

4. Inside the graphics window, right-mouse-click to activate the

option menu and select Enter with the left-mouse-button to end
the Line command.

5. Repeat the Line command to define the top view and side view as shown.

Top View

Front View Side View

4-26 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

Turn OFF the Construction Lines layer

1. On the Object Properties toolbar,
choose the Layer Control box
with the left-mouse-button.

2. Move the cursor over the light-

bulb icon for layer Construction.
The tool tip “Turn a layer On or
Off” appears.

3. Left-mouse-click once and notice the icon color is changed to gray,

representing the layer (layer Construction) is turned OFF.

Adding more objects in the Front View

1. Use the Offset command and create the two parallel lines in
the front view as shown.

2. Use the Trim command and modify the front view as shown.
 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-27

AutoCAD’s AutoSnapTM and AutoTrackTM features

AutoCAD’s AutoSnap and AutoTrack provide visual aids when the Object Snap options
are switched on. The main advantages of AutoSnap and AutoTrack are as follows:

• Symbols: Automatically displays the Object Snap type at the object snap location.

• Tooltips: Automatically displays the Object Snap type below the cursor.

• Magnet: Locks the cursor onto a snap point when the cursor is near the point.

With Object Snap Tracking, the cursor can track along alignment paths based on other
object snap points when specifying points in a command. To use Object Snap Tracking,
one or more object snaps must be switched on. The basic rules of using the Object Snap
Tracking option are as follows:

• To track from a Running Object Snap point, pause over the point while in a
command.

• A tracking vector appears when we move the cursor.

• To stop tracking, pause over the point again.

• When multiple Running Object Snaps are on, press the [TAB] key to cycle
through available snap points when the object snap aperture box is on an object.

1. In the Status Bar area, turn ON the OTRACK option.

2. Select the Line command icon in the Draw toolbar. In the

command prompt area, the message “_line Specify first
point:” is displayed.
4-28 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

3. Move the cursor near the top right corner of the vertical protrusion in the front
view. Notice that AutoSnap automatically locks the cursor to the corner and
displays the Endpoint symbol.

4. Move the cursor upward and notice that Object Tracking displays a dashed
line, showing the alignment to the top right corner of the vertical protrusion in
the front view. Move the cursor near the top horizontal line of the top view
and notice that AutoSnap displays the intersection point.

5. Left-mouse-click to place the starting point of a line at the intersection.

 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-29

6. Move the cursor to the top left corner of the front view to activate the tracking
feature.

7. Create the line as shown in the above figure.

Adding more objects in the Top View

1. Use the Offset command and create the two parallel lines in
the top view as shown.
4-30 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

2. Move the cursor to the Standard toolbar area and right-mouse-click on any
icon to display a list of toolbar menu groups.

3. Select Object Snap, with the left-mouse-button, to display the Object Snap
toolbar on the screen.

4. Select the Line command icon in the Draw toolbar. In the

command prompt area, the message “_line Specify first point:”
is displayed.

5. In the Object Snap toolbar, pick Snap From. In the command

prompt area, the message “_from Base point” is displayed.
AutoCAD now expects us to select a geometric entity on the
screen.

 The Single Point Object Snap overrides the Running Object Snap option.

6. We will measure relative to the

lower right corner. Pick the corner
as shown.

Pick this corner

7. In the command prompt area, enter @0,0.25 [ENTER].

8. In the Object Snap toolbar, pick Snap From. Pick the

lower right corner of the top view again.

9. In the command prompt area, enter @-1.75,0 [ENTER].

 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-31

10. Inside the graphics window,

right-mouse-click to activate
the option menu and select
Enter with the left-mouse-
button to end the Line
command.

11. Repeat the procedure and create the line and circle (diameter 1.0) as shown in
the figure below.

12. Select the Trim icon in the Modify toolbar. In the command
prompt area, the message “Select boundary edges... Select
objects:” is displayed.

13. Pick the following objects as boundary edges: the circle and
the lines that are near the circle.
4-32 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

14. Inside the graphics window, right-mouse-click to accept the selected objects.

15. Select the unwanted portions and modify the objects as shown.

16. On your own, use the Offset and Trim commands and modify the top view
as shown.
 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-33

Drawing using the Miter Line method

The 45° miter line method is a simple and straightforward procedure to transfer
measurements between the top view and the side view.

1. On the Object Properties

toolbar, choose the Layer
Control box with the left-
mouse-button.

2. Move the cursor over the light-

bulb icon for layer
Construction. The tool tip
“Turn a layer On or Off ”
appears.

3. Left-mouse-click once and notice the icon color is changed to a light color,
representing the layer (layer Construction) is turned ON.

4. Left-mouse-click once over the name of the layer Construction to set it as the
Current Layer.

5. Use the Line command and create the miter line by connecting the two
intersections of the construction lines as shown.

45° Miter Line

4-34 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

6. Select the Construction Line command in the Draw

toolbar as shown.

7. Inside the graphics area, right-mouse-click

once and select the Horizontal option as
shown.

8. On your own, create horizontal projection lines through all the

corners in the top view as shown.

9. Use the Trim command and trim the projection lines as shown in the figure
below.

10. On your own, add additional Construction Lines (vertical

option) through all the intersection points that are on the miter
line.
 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-35

More Layers setup

1. Pick Layer Properties Manager in the Object Properties toolbar.

2. Click on the New icon to create new layers.

3. Create two new layers with the following settings:

Layer Color LineType

Hidden Cyan HIDDEN
Center Red CENTER

• The default linetype is Continuous. To use other linetypes, click on the Load button
in the Select Linetype dialog box and select the desired linetypes.

4. On your own, set the layer Object as the

Current Layer.
4-36 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

Top View to Side View Projection

1. Using the Running Object Snaps, create the necessary object-lines in the side
view.

2. Set layer Hidden as the Current Layer and create the two necessary hidden
lines in the side view.

3. Set layer Center as the Current Layer and create the necessary centerlines in
the side view.
 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-37

4. In the Layer Control box, turn OFF the construction lines.

5. Set layer Object as the Current Layer.

6. Use the Line command and create the two

30° inclined lines as shown.

(Hint: Relative coordinate entries of

@40<-30 and @40<210)

7. Use the Line command and create a horizontal line in the side view as shown.

8. On your own, use the Trim command and remove the

unwanted portions in the side view.
4-38 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

Completing the Front View

1. Select the Line command icon in the Draw toolbar. In the

command prompt area, the message “_line Specify first
point:” is displayed.

2. Move the cursor to the top left corner in the side view and
the bottom left corner in the top view to activate the
Object Tracking option to both corners.

3. Left-mouse-click once when the cursor is aligned to both corners as shown.

 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-39

4. Create the horizontal line as shown.

5. Repeat the procedure and create the lines in the front view as shown.
4-40 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

6. Add in any additional object lines that are necessary.

7. Set layer Hidden as the Current Layer and create the necessary hidden lines in
the front view.

8. Set layer Center as the Current Layer and create the necessary centerlines in
the top view and front view.

Saving the CAD file

1. In the pull-down menus, select:

[File]
[Save As]

2. In the Save Drawing As dialog box, select the

folder where you want to store the CAD file and
enter Locator in the File name box.

3. Pick Save in the Save Drawing As dialog box to

accept the selections and save the file.
 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-41

Questions:
1. Explain what an orthographic view is and why it is important to engineering graphics.

2. What does the Running Object Snaps option allow us to do?

3. Explain how a miter line can assist us in creating orthographic views.

4. Describe the AutoCAD AutoSnap and AutoTrack options.

5. Identify the following commands:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)
4-42 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

Exercises: (Unless otherwise specified, dimensions are in inches.)

1.

2.
 Orthographic Views and Multiview Constructions 4-43

3.

4. Dimensions are in Millimeters.

4-44 Engineering Graphics and AutoCAD

5.