Multiview Drawings

You’ve practiced different techniques for sketching objects so that they appear to have a three-dimensional quality. The resulting pictorials (such as concept sketches or isometric sketches) can quickly communicate ideas to both technical and non-technical people. However, pictorials often do not provide accurate information about the true size and shape of an object and all of its features. To accurately communicate design intent so that an object can be correctly manufactured, designers and engineers produce a multiview drawing to communicate the object’s precise details.

The resulting line drawing is called an orthographic projection. A multiview drawing typically includes top, front, and right-side orthographic projections and an isometric view of an object, as shown with the Dining Chair sketch.

Many rules and accepted techniques have evolved to standardize the conventions used to create technical drawings. Developing the skill to produce industry-standard drawings takes a great deal of time and practice. In this activity, you will begin to develop your ability to interpret and sketch a multiview drawing to detail an object and communicate design intent.

Guidelines for Selecting a Front View

Why is letter e the best front view?

Shows the longest dimension (2 inches)
Shows the best shape and characteristic contours
Hides the fewest edges and features (none)
Displays the most stable and natural position

Line Conventions (Types)

Line conventions are rules that professionals use to standardize the way lines are displayed on technical drawings. Lines used in orthographic projections on multiview drawings are differentiated by weight (thick/thin, heavy/light) and by style (solid, dashed, broken). Lines of varying style and thickness are used in specific ways to graphically communicate information about an object’s geometry.

Construction Line - Lightly drawn line used to guide drawing other lines and shapes

Object Line - A heavy solid line used to represent the outline of an object

Hidden Line - A Heavy dashed line type that represents an edge that is not directly visible

Centerline - A line that defines the center of arcs, circles, or symmetrical parts. A center line is half as thick as an object line

Centerlines and Center Marks

When indicating the center point of a circle or arc, two perpendicular centerlines are combined into a center mark. A center mark should be placed on the view where the feature appears as a circle or arc. A centerline is used to show the center between two lines or edges or to show that a part is symmetrical. Figure 6 shows an example of the use of both a center mark and a centerline.

2 Multiview Drawings Assignment

Pick any 2 of your large isometric drawings to create Multiview drawings.

Drawing Expectations - See example

Select Best Front View (Most Detail & Least Hidden Lines)
Project Vertical Lines Up
6 Boxes In Between Views
Top View
Project Horizontal to Right Side

Page updated

Report abuse