Orthographic Projection

Created by Steven Colgan

What is Orthographic Projection?

Orthographic Projection is a method of
representing a three dimensional object on
paper using several two dimensional views.
It is the international language of Engineers and
Designers

How does it work?

We look directly at the different faces of the
object (90 to the face) and draw the lines
that we see.
Click here to view the movie

How many views?

One view is never enough to describe an object.
We need at least two views to accurately describe
even the most simple of objects.
Generally we se three views and arrange them as
shown in the movie
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You can use as many views as the object
requires.

Is it really an international language?

Yes. However America and Australia arrange the
views differently.
This arrangement of views is called third angle
projection.
Click here to view the movie

How do I know which method is being

used?
Each method has its own symbol and they are as
follows
First angle projection

Third angle projection

How do I draw this symbol?

The recommended proportions for the symbol
are as follows

How did they get their names?

The name first angle is derived from the objects
position in the first quadrant of the planes of
reference.
The name third angle is derived from the objects
position in the third quadrant of the planes of
reference.

Is that it?
Sometimes features of an object are hidden (for
example they are at the back of the object)
To show these features we add dashed lines in
their place.
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If a dashed line meets a thick line leave a gap as
shown
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Theres too many dashed lines!

If there is too much hidden detail and the
drawing becomes confusing use a sectional view
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Draw the Hatching lines at 45 as shown
Always place the section line (the dashed line
that ends in arrows) exactly were you are cutting
the object.
To see more types of Sectional views click here

Anything else?
Make sure you keep your drawing neat.
Recommended proportions are shown below.
Keep construction lines light and finished lines
heavy