Lesson 2 –

Blueprint Reading

Prepared by:
Ricardo S. Balog, RME, MEng’g

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 Blueprint Reading
2.0 Intended learning outcomes
• Read and interpret engineering drawings:
 Identify component parts of an assembly drawing;
 Prepare a cutting list for each of the components/parts;
 Define the cutting/machining process, and operations in fabricating each
component;
 Define the methods of joining/assembling parts
 Prepare an operation sheet.
• Prepare detail (working) drawing of parts for fabrication
 Use/apply appropriate views
 Use/apply correct dimensioning
 Use/apply correct notes and specifications

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 Blueprint Reading
2.1 Introduction
2.1.1 What is a blueprint?
• A blueprint is a reproduction of a technical drawing or engineering
drawing using a contact print process on light-sensitive sheets.
Introduced by Sir John Herschel in 1842; the process allowed rapid
and accurate production of an unlimited number of copies
• The process is now obsolete. It was first largely displaced by the
diazo whiteprint process, and later by large-
format xerographic photocopiers.
• The term blueprint continues to be used less formally to refer to
any floor plan (and even less formally, any type of plan.

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 Blueprint Reading
2.1 Introduction
2.1.1 What is a blueprint?
• A blueprint is a reproduction of a technical drawing or engineering
drawing using a contact print process on light-sensitive sheets.
Introduced by Sir John Herschel in 1842; the process allowed rapid
and accurate production of an unlimited number of copies
• The process is now obsolete. It was first largely displaced by the
diazo whiteprint process, and later by large-
format xerographic photocopiers.
• The term blueprint continues to be used less formally to refer to
any floor plan (and even less formally, any type of plan.

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 Blueprint Reading
2.1 Introduction
2.1.2 What is technical drawing?
• Technical drawing, drafting , or drawing, is the act and discipline of
composing drawings that visually communicate how something functions
or is constructed.
• Technical drawing is essential for communicating ideas
in industry and engineering. To make the drawings easier to understand,
people use familiar symbols, perspectives, units of
measurement, notation systems, visual styles, and page layouts.
• Together, such conventions constitute a visual language and help to ensure
that the drawing is unambiguous and relatively easy to understand. Many
of the symbols and principles of technical drawing are codified in
an international standard called ISO 128

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 Blueprint Reading
2.1 Introduction
2.1.2 What is an engineering drawing?
• An engineering drawing is a type of technical drawing that is
used to convey information about an object. A common use is
to specify the geometry necessary for the construction of a
component and is called a detail drawing. Usually, a number
of drawings are necessary to completely specify even a simple
component. The drawings are linked together by a master
drawing or assembly drawing which gives the drawing
numbers of the subsequent detailed components, quantities
required, construction materials, etc. Although mostly
consisting of pictographic representations, abbreviations and
symbols are used for brevity and additional textual
explanations may also be provided to convey the necessary
information.

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 Blueprint Reading
2.1 Introduction
2.1.2 What is an Engineering drawing?
• Engineering drawing is a two-dimensional representation of
three-dimensional objects. In general, it provides necessary
information about the shape, size, surface quality, material,
manufacturing process, etc., of the object. It is the graphic
language from which a trained person can visualize objects.
Engineering drawings use standardized language and symbols to
accurately and visually communicate all the information
required to manufacture a product or part.
• Engineering drawing is called the universal language of
engineers. Engineering drawings use standardized language and
symbols. This makes understanding the drawings simple with
little to no personal interpretation possibilities.

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Blueprint Reading
2.2 Basic lines used in an
engineering drawing
• There are several different
types of lines used on a print
and each has a different
meaning. To be able to
interpret a print, the reader
should have knowledge of
these lines. Table 1.1 can be
used as a reference for the
common line types usually
found on a print. Note that the
purpose of each line deals with
either the shape of the object
or its dimensioning

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Blueprint Reading
2.2 Basic lines used in an
engineering drawing
• There are several different
types of lines used on a print
and each has a different
meaning. To be able to
interpret a print, the reader
should have knowledge of
these lines. Table 1.1 can be
used as a reference for the
common line types usually
found on a print. Note that the
purpose of each line deals with
either the shape of the object
or its dimensioning

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 Blueprint Reading
2.3 Basic components of an
engineering drawing
• Technical drawings typically
comprise the following:
 title block
 Coordinates
 orthographic views of the
part
 section views
 detail views
 notes and specifications

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 Blueprint Reading
2.3 Basic components of an engineering drawing
2.3.1 Title block
• The document’s title in an engineering drawing block is
found in the bottom right-hand corner of the page. Also
known as the information blocks, it includes the part
name, the names of the people who worked on the part
(design, checking, and approval), the name of the
company, the drawing number, and other relevant
information.
• In addition, it includes technical details such as the
measurement units, the angle of projection, the surface
polish criteria, the scale, and the material of construction.
Title blocks are used for a better understanding of all the
parts of the technical drawing.

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2.3 Basic components of an engineering
drawing
2.3.2 Orthographic views
Drawings are made to describe the object
in sufficient detail to permit fabrication.
Orthographic projection is the method
employed to do this. By this method, the
exact form of the object is shown by
various views of the object arranged in a
particular order. The selection and
arrangement of these views is shown in
the figure

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2.3 Basic components of an engineering drawing
2.3.2.1 Systems of orthographic drawing:

o First angle or English projection

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2.3 Basic components of an engineering drawing
2.3.2.2 Procedure – making a drawing in the first
angle projection

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Blueprint Reading
2.3 Basic components of an engineering
drawing
2.3.2.3 Systems of orthographic drawing:

o Third angle or American projection

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Blueprint Reading
2.3 Basic components of an engineering
drawing
2.3.3 Notes and specifications
• When it is not possible to give all the information
needed on a print by the combined use of lines and
dimensions. To provide additional information,
notes and specifications are used.
• A note is a lettered information (in capital
letters) concerning the details of construction.
The note explains, specifies, or refers to the
material and/or process needed to make the
part. To conserve space on the print, and to
save time in preparing the drawing, it is often
shown as an abbreviation or symbol.

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Blueprint Reading
2.3 Basic components of an engineering drawing
2.3. 3.1 Common abbreviations for written statements

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Blueprint Reading
2.3 Basic components of an
engineering drawing
2.3. 4 Dimensions
• In order that components can be
manufactured, the drawing must also
show the size of the component and the
position and size of any features on the
component. To avoid confusion and the
chance of misinterpretation, the
dimensions must be added to the
drawing in the manner laid down in the
appropriate Standard.

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2.3 Basic components of an engineering drawing

2.3. 4.1 Correct dimensioning

• Dimension lines should be thin full lines not more than half the thickness of the component outline.
• Wherever possible, dimension lines should be placed outside the outline of the drawing.
• The dimension line arrowhead must touch but not cross the projection line.
• Dimension lines should be well-spaced so that the numerical value of the dimension can be clearly read and
so that they do not obscure the outline of the drawing.

2.3. 4.2 Incorrect dimensioning

• Center lines and extension lines must not be used as dimension lines.
• Wherever possible dimension line arrowheads must not touch the outline directly but should touch the
projection lines that extend from the outline.
• If the use of a dimension line within the outline is unavoidable, then try and use a leader line to take the
dimension itself outside the outline.

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Blueprint Reading
2.3 Basic components of an
engineering drawing

2.3. 4.3 Dimensioning of diameters and radii

• The figure at the right shows how circles

and shaft ends (circles) should be
dimensioned. It is preferable to use those
techniques that take the dimension outside
the circle unless the circle is so large that
the dimension will neither be cramped nor
will it obscure some vital feature. Note the
use of the symbol Ø to denote a diameter.

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Blueprint Reading
2.3 Basic components of an engineering
drawing

2.3. 4.3 Dimensioning of diameters and radii

• The figure at the right shows how radii should

be dimensioned. Note that the radii of arcs of
circles need not have their centers located if the
start and finish points are known.

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Blueprint Reading
2.3 Basic components of an engineering
drawing

2.3. 4.3 Dimensioning of diameters and radii

• The figure at the right shows how notes may be
used to avoid the need for the full dimensioning
of certain features of a drawing.
• Leader lines are used to indicate where notes or
dimensions are intended to apply and end in
either arrowheads or dots.
• Arrowheads are used where the leader line
touches the outline of a component or feature.
• Dots are used where the leader line finishes
within the outline of the component or feature to
which it refers.

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Blueprint Reading
2.3 Basic components of an engineering drawing
2.3. 4.4 Tolerance dimensions
• Tolerance is another important element of dimension. It is a figure (or figures) given as a plus (+) or
minus (−) quantity that allows for a variation in the dimension to which it is applied.
• Tolerances are used to ensure the accuracy and proper fit of parts. This allows assembly and construction
with a minimum of rework or adjustment.
• It specifies the amount of error allowed when making a part. Any or all of the fractional, decimal or
angular dimensions found on a print can be given tolerances. When tolerance is given, it follows the
dimension to which it refers, or it is given as a note or specification.
• For example:
FOLLOWING DIMENSION: 12″ ±1 ⁄8″
12.740″ ±.005″
60°± 2°
NOTE: UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED TOLERANCES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
FRACTIONAL DIMENSIONS ±1 ⁄8″
DECIMAL DIMENSIONS ±.005″
ANGULAR DIMENSIONS ±2deg

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Blueprint Reading
2.3 Basic components of an engineering drawing
2.3. 4.5 Scale sizes
• Dimensions placed on a print may be full, enlarged, or on a reduced scale. Reduced scale size is more
commonly used on prints and may be one of the following. The scale size that is used is noted on the
print, examples are:
3 ⁄4″ = 1″1 ⁄2″
1 ⁄4″ =1″
1 ⁄8″ =1″
• However, an enlarged scale size is often used for detailed drawings describing small components, for
example, 1 ⁄2″ =1 ⁄8″.
• The scale size of a drawing is always in direct proportion to the actual size of the object. The scale is
always listed in the form of an equation, although it is actually a ratio. The figure on the left side of the
equal sign represents the quantity of measure for the drawing. The figure on the right represents the
corresponding quantity of measure for the object being illustrated. For example, assume that a scale of
1 ⁄2″ =1″ is used and the dimension of the object is 6″ long. The linear distance on the print, therefore,
is half of the object distance, or 3″.

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Blueprint Reading
2.3 Basic components of an engineering drawing
2.3. 5 Other views: Sections
• 2.3.5.1 Full sections - A full section (or cross-section) is a view of
an object which is imagined to be cut entirely in half, with half of the
object then removed so that the cut surface can be viewed for its
details. However, the imagined removed part is not left out of the
other views. The cut surface is represented by section lines. Different
materials can be represented by various arrangements of these lines
but, for the most part, regular section lining is used and a note is
added to specify the material. The extent of the cut surface also
called the cutting plane, is shown by a cutting plane line located on
one of the principal views. This line indicates the direction from
which the principal view is to be viewed to derive the section. In
addition, the line indicates where the section is located in relation to
the principal view. Note that the cutting plane line is composed of
long dashes alternating with a pair of short dashes

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2.3 Basic components of an engineering drawing
2.3. 5 Other views: Sections
• 2.3.5.2 Half sections - A half section is a view of an
object which is imagined to be cut only halfway through
(a one-quarter section of the part. The cut portion is then
removed so that the details of the cut surface can be
viewed. The view of the cut surface shows one half as a
section and the other half as it normally appears in a
principal view. Half sections are used primarily to show
the interior construction details of symmetrical parts.
Section lines are used to indicate the imaginary cut
surface of a half section in the same manner as for full
sections. The cutting plane lines serve the same function
as those used for full sections but differ as shown in the
figure. Note the difference in the way a half section is
represented as compared to a full section

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Blueprint Reading
2.3 Basic components of an engineering drawing
2.3. 5 Other views: Sections
• 2.3.5.3 Revolved sections - The cross section (true shape)
of a structural metal shape is often shown on a view by a
revolved section. As the name implies, a revolved section of
a shape is a cross-section that has been turned (revolved)
90°. When the metal is of such a shape and length that break
lines are not necessary, the revolved section appears as a
view placed on top of another. A revolved section can be
placed in a space between break lines when break lines are
used to indicate a reduced length. A revolved section may
also be shown in a space between break lines when the
structural shape is not uniform in size. In this case, break
lines are not necessarily used to signify a reduced length,
but may be used to indicate where the revolved section
applies.

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Blueprint Reading
2.3 Basic components of an engineering drawing
2.3. 5 Other views: Sections
• 2.3.5.4 Assembly sections - An assembly section is
achieved in the same manner as a full section or half
section. However, in this case, the interior details of
assembled parts are represented. The section lines used in
assembly sections are shown running in different
directions so that one part can be differentiated from
another. Surfaces of thin materials shown in the section are
not indicated by section lines; rather, they are shown as
solid black lines. When several thin materials are shown
adjoining one another, a thin space is allowed between the
solid lines to show their separation. The figure at the right
illustrates a section of an assembled part. Note the
difference in the directions of the section lining

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Blueprint Reading
2.3 Basic components of an engineering drawing
2.3. 5 Other views: Sections
• 2.3.5.5 Phantom sections - A phantom section is a
view primarily used to show a mating part. The
phantom section may or may not be shown in detail
on the drawing. Its primary purpose is to show how
the parts fit or operate together, as shown in the
figure. The Phantom section may also be used to
illustrate the function of the object. This type of
section is not dimensioned or shown in great detail.
The shape (perimeter) of the phantom object and its
alternate positions are shown through the use of
short, thin dashed lines (-----).

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Blueprint Reading
2.3 Basic components of an
engineering drawing
2.3. 5 Other views: Sections
• 2.3.5.6 Aligned sections - When the
revolved projection is incorporated
within a sectional view it is called an
aligned section. In this case, the
cutting plane line is literally bent to
include certain features in the part
that are best shown as revolved
projections.
• NOTE: Notice that part A is not
completely shown in the sectional
view, (refer to figures). The
advantage of drawing an aligned
section becomes apparent in
comparing these views.

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2.3 Basic components of an engineering
drawing
2.3. 6 Auxiliary views
• The auxiliary view represents a view of
the slanted surface from a position at
right angles (90°, perpendicular) to it.
The surface represented in this manner
is shown in its true size and shape. In
any other view, this surface is distorted
or foreshortened.

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2.3 Basic components of an engineering
drawing
2.3. 6 Auxiliary views
• The development of the auxiliary view is
sometimes shown by lines projected
perpendicularly from the slanted surface. Usually,
only that part of the view that represents the
slanted surface is shown. A short break line
indicates the extent of the view. Dimensions are
applied to auxiliary views in the same manner as
for other views. The number of auxiliary views
required depends on the number of slanted
surfaces an object has. For example, as shown in
the figure, shows the auxiliary views used to show
the true shape of each of the two oblique surfaces
of an object

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 Blueprint Reading
2.4 Constructing a technical (detail) drawing

2.4.1 Roles that a technical drawing must depict:

• A technical drawing must give a clear and absolute view of parts, making
it easy for a machinist to interpret a part’s geometry and identify its primary
dimensions, functions, and crucial features.
 Features, such as internal and external threads that cannot be adequately
conveyed in a 3D CAD model through dimensions, tolerances, and
annotations,
 Enable the machinist to have a complete understanding of the part to be
created
 Contain critical details such as tolerances that exceed standard tolerances
 Enable the designer to communicate certain requirements, such as finishing
and surface roughness, to the machinist

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 Blueprint Reading
2.4 Constructing a technical drawing

2.4.1 Roles that a technical drawing must depict:

• A technical drawing must give a clear and absolute view of parts, making
it easy for a machinist to interpret a part’s geometry and identify its primary
dimensions, functions, and crucial features.
 Features, such as internal and external threads that cannot be adequately
conveyed in a 3D CAD model through dimensions, tolerances, and
annotations,
 Enable the machinist to have a complete understanding of the part to be
created
 Contain critical details such as tolerances that exceed standard tolerances
 Enable the designer to communicate certain requirements, such as finishing
and surface roughness, to the machinist

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 Blueprint Reading
2.4 Constructing a technical drawing

2.4.2 What makes up a technical drawing?

Technical drawings typically comprise the following,
coordinates, a title block, orthographic views of the part,
section views, detail views, and notes to the manufacturer.
• Title Block – located at the bottom right corner of the
document, it contains basic information about the part,
including the part name, names of the people that worked
on the part (design, checking, and approval), the name of
the company, etc. It also contains technical information
such as the system of measurement, angle of projection,
surface finish requirements, scale, and material. The title
block’s template (size and content) may be standard or
may be custom.

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2.4 Constructing a technical drawing

2.4.2 What makes up a technical drawing?

• Coordinates – are usually used in big or complex
technical drawings and are placed along the borders
of the drawing. They serve as reference points
when discussing the contents of the drawing.

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2.4 Constructing a technical drawing

2.4.2 What makes up a technical drawing?

• Orthographic views – The orthographic views
convey the most important information about a
part’s geometry. These views carry the majority of
the dimensions and tolerances. They are 2D
representations of a 3D object, obtained from
various points of view, typically the front, plan, and
end.
Note: Hidden lines may be included in orthographic
views to depict essential features that are not visible.
In most cases, two to three orthographic views are
enough to correctly describe the entire geometry of a
part.

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2.4 Constructing a technical drawing

2.4.2 What makes up a technical drawing?

• Section views – The section view is a 2D depiction
of the part when it’s cut through. Section views are
used to show the internal features of a part that are
not visible in both the isometric and orthographic
views. They are usually positioned in line with an
orthographic view.
A labeled cutting line in the orthographic view shows
where the part is cross-sectioned to provide the section
view and the direction of the cut. Section views are
characterized by their crosshatch patterns which
indicate areas where the material was cut away.
Complex parts may feature several section views.

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2.4 Constructing a technical drawing

2.4.2 What makes up a technical drawing?

• Detail views – When the orthographic view
features complex and difficult to dimension
areas, detailed views are used to highlight
such areas. Detailed views don’t have to be
the same size or placed in line with the
orthographic views and can be placed
anywhere in the drawing. Detailed reviews
are labelled with a single letter that shows
what area of the orthographic view is being
detailed.

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 Blueprint Reading
2.4 Constructing a technical drawing

2.4.3 Basic steps to prepare a technical drawing.

• Note that there are no hard set, absolutely compulsory techniques for creating technical drawings. There are various
standards and best practices involved. Therefore, as long as all the technical requirements are clearly communicated
and your drawing can be interpreted by machinists, your drafting techniques aren’t of immense importance.

Step 1. Select your template

There are standard ASTM, DIN, and ISO templates that specify the coordinates, angle of protection, and title block
characteristics. You can also create a custom template, but take note to include all the necessary details in the title
block.

Step 2. Place your orthographic views, centering them as much as possible

Remember to leave sufficient space between them to add dimensions. Avoid excessive use of hidden lines as these can
make the drawing confusing and disorganized.

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2.4.3 Basic steps to prepare a technical drawing.

Step 3. Add detail and/or section views accordingly

If the part is highly complex, has hidden features, or has difficult-to-dimension areas.

Step 4. Add the isometric view

The isometric view isn’t always necessary but should be included whenever there is space and if the part geometry is
too complex to easily interpret from only the orthographic views.

Step 5. Place construction lines

Such as centerlines, center marks, and cutting lines on all the views.

Step 6. Add dimensions to your drawings

Focus on the vital dimensions on the orthographic and detail views. Ensure that all the dimension lines and figures are
clearly visible and do not cross each other or the drawing. Dimensions are very important aspects of a technical
drawing. Dimensions are placed on the orthographic, detail, and section views. The dimensions are numbered for
identification.

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2.4.3 Basic steps to prepare a technical drawing.

Step 6. Add dimensions to your drawings

Guide trips to dimension a technical drawing correctly:

 Begin by adding overall dimensions before adding dimensions that are critical for the part’s end use.
Next, add dimensions to all other features.
 Try to add all dimensions on a view from a common baseline.
 When a feature is visible in more than one view, there’s no need to dimension it on all views. Instead,
add dimensions on the view that most clearly describe the feature.
 When there are multiple identical features, add dimensions to only one of them, indicating the number
of times the feature appears in the current view. For example, if there are three identical holes of 12
mm in diameter visible on the plan orthographic view of a part, add the following dimension to one of
the holes - 3 x ø12.0.

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2.4.3 Basic steps to prepare a technical drawing.

Step 7. Specify the location, length and size of all

holes and threads
Use standard-sized holes in your design as these can
easily be drilled in after machining. As shown in the
image, Nos. 5 and 12 specify a thread and a hole,
respectively. Holes may include counter-bores or
countersinks. Dimensioning all the aspects of a hole is
tedious, and so callouts are used instead. A typical hole
callout specifies the hole depth and diameter, the
number of identical holes, and the presence of a
counter-bore or countersinks, along with the depth of
these features. Threads should also be of standard
thread sizes and also need to be specified.

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2.4.3 Basic steps to prepare a technical drawing.

Step 8. Add tolerances to critical features

For the features that require higher tolerances than those defined by the ISO-2768 medium tolerance
standard. Similar to dimensions, tolerances play a vital role in the end use of a part and should be
very carefully applied. Tolerances specify a range of acceptable deviations from the values of a
dimension. There are various types of tolerances that may be applied to a technical drawing. These
include bilateral tolerances, unilateral tolerances, interference tolerances, and geometric
dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).

Step 9. Fill the title block

Make sure that all basic and technical details are included.

Step 10. Include all notes and additional work-related instructions

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