BLENDING

Definitions:
• Blending in technical drawing refers to the process of smoothly transitioning between lines and curves.
• It is the act of joining lines with a curve. It may be a line and a line, a curve and a curve or a line and a curve.
Importance or reasons for blending
• Aesthetics: Blending creates a smoother transition between lines and curves, making the drawing appear more
visually appealing and professional.
• Functionality: Blending can be used to create parts that fit together more smoothly, reducing friction and wear.
• Safety: In some cases, blending can be used to create parts that are less likely to snag or catch on clothing or
other objects.
Two types of blending
• Linear blending: This involves creating a smooth transition between two straight lines or between a straight
line and a curve using a straight line. This is typically used when a sharp, angular transition is desired.
• Curvilinear blending: This involves creating a smooth transition between two curves or between a curve and a
straight line using a curved line. This is typically used when a more gradual, flowing transition is desired.
Linear blending
BLENDING OF LINES INTERSECTING AT RIGHT ANGLES. Given radius (r)
Step 1: With center A, radius r, draw arcs to cut the lines of the angle in B and C.
Step 2: With centers B and C, radius r, draw two arcs to intersect at point O.
Step 3. With point O as the center, and radius r which is the given radius produce the required curve.

BLENDING OF LINES INTERSECTING AT ANY ANGLE. Given radius (r)

Step 1: Construct lines, parallel with the lines of the angle at a distance of r away, to intersect in O.
Step 2: with point O as the center and radius r produce the required arc.

Blending of lines and curves Page | 1

TO FIND THE CENTRE OF AN ARC, RADIUS r, WHICH PASSES THROUGH A POINT P AND BLENDS WITH A
STRAIGHT LINE
Step 1: Construct a line, parallel with the given line, distance r away. The center must lie somewhere along this line.
Step 2: With center P, radius r, draw an arc to cut the parallel line in O.
Step 3: with point O as the center and radius r produce the required arc to pass through point P to the line.

Curvilinear blending
BLENDING OF A LINE AND A CIRCLE
TO BLEND A LINE AND A CIRCLE EXTENALLY.
Given line AB of any length and a circle, radius 20mm with its center 30mm away from line AB. Produce an arc of R30
that will blend the line and the circle externally.
STEP1: Construct a line, parallel to line AB, distance equal to the radius R30 away. The center must lie somewhere
along this line.
STEP2: With center B, radius R+r, (30+20=50) draw an arc to intersect the parallel line at point O.
Step3: with point O as the center and radius r produce the required arc.

Blending of lines and curves Page | 2

TO BLEND A LINE AND A CIRCLE EXTENALLY.
STEP1: Construct a line, parallel to line AB, distance equal to the radius R50 away. The center must lie somewhere
along this line.
STEP2: With center B, radius R-r, (50+20=30) draw an arc to intersect the parallel line at point O.
Step3: with point O as the center and radius r produce the required arc.

Find the centres of the bending arcs in the following drawing. Show all constructions used to obtain arcs.

Blending of circles
Blending of two circles externally
Step 1: produce the required circles to be blended

Blending of lines and curves Page | 3

Step 2: with centre B and radius R+r (which is the addition of the given radius and the big circle radius) mark an arc.
Step 3: with centre A and radius R+r (which is the addition of the given radius and the small circle radius) mark another
arc to intersect the first arc at point O.
Step 4: with centre O and radius R (which is the given radius) produce a curve to blend the two circles

Blending of two circles internally

Step 1: produce the required circles to be blended
Step 2: with centre B and radius R-r (which is the addition of the given radius and the big circle radius) mark an arc.
Step 3: with centre A and radius R-r (which is the addition of the given radius and the small circle radius) mark another
arc to intersect the first arc at point O.
Step 4: with centre O and radius R (which is the given radius) produce a curve to blend the two circles

Blending of lines and curves Page | 4

Class practice question
Draw this view, to full size, showing clearly the method of establishing the centers of the arcs.

Blending of lines and curves Page | 5