Welding  ·  Level 6
Computer Aided Drawing
Chapter 4: Produce orthographic drawings
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What you will be able to do

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • develop first angle orthographic drawings accurately following standard drawing conventions
  • create third angle orthographic drawings correctly using the accepted orthographic standards
  • save your orthographic drawings properly according to work requirements

Mastering these skills will help you produce clear, professional technical drawings that are essential for communicating ideas in the trade.

Orthographic projection drawings are fundamental in welding design and fabrication, providing precise, two-dimensional representations of three-dimensional objects. These drawings enable welding professionals to communicate exact dimensions, shapes, and assembly details clearly, reducing errors and enhancing productivity. Mastery of orthographic drawing techniques is essential for welders working on complex structures in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding within Kenya.

4.1 Fundamentals of Orthographic Projection Drawings

Orthographic projection is a cornerstone of technical drawing used extensively in welding to depict objects accurately and unambiguously. This section explores what orthographic drawings are, their importance, and how they differ from other drawing types commonly encountered in welding practice.

4.1.1 Definition and Importance of Orthographic Drawing

Orthographic drawing is a method of representing three-dimensional objects in two dimensions through multiple views, typically the front, top, and side. These views are projected perpendicularly onto planes, preserving true dimensions without distortion.

Definition of Orthographic Drawing

  • Projection technique: Orthographic drawing uses perpendicular projection lines to transfer the object's features onto flat planes.
  • Multiple views: It commonly includes at least three views, front elevation, top plan, and side elevation, to capture all necessary details.

  • True scale representation: Dimensions in orthographic drawings are to scale, allowing measurements to be taken directly from the drawing.

  • No perspective distortion: Unlike perspective drawings, orthographic views do not depict depth or foreshortening, ensuring accuracy.
  • Standardized conventions: Orthographic drawings follow strict rules for line types, symbols, and layout as per BS 8888 and ISO standards.

Importance in Welding Practice

  • Accurate fabrication: Provides welders with exact dimensions and shapes to fabricate components precisely.
  • Clear communication: Eliminates ambiguity between designers, fabricators, and inspectors, minimizing costly errors.
  • Quality control: Facilitates inspection and verification of weldments against design specifications.
  • Material estimation: Enables accurate calculation of material quantities and cutting lengths.
  • Assembly guidance: Assists in visualizing how parts fit together, crucial for complex welded assemblies.

4.1.2 Differences Between Orthographic and Other Drawing Types

Welding professionals encounter various drawing types; understanding the distinctions ensures correct interpretation and application.

Orthographic vs Isometric Drawing

  • Projection method: Orthographic uses perpendicular projections; isometric uses angled projections at 30° to the horizontal.
  • View representation: Orthographic shows multiple 2D views; isometric displays a single 3D-like view.
  • Dimension accuracy: Orthographic drawings are dimensionally accurate and to scale; isometric drawings are approximate and not used for direct measurement.
  • Purpose: Orthographic is for precise fabrication and inspection; isometric aids in visualizing overall shape and assembly.
  • Complexity: Orthographic requires multiple views for full detail; isometric simplifies visualization but omits some specific details.

Orthographic vs Perspective Drawing

  • Projection lines: Orthographic uses parallel projection lines; perspective uses converging lines toward vanishing points.
  • Depth portrayal: Orthographic does not show depth realistically; perspective mimics human eye perception with foreshortening.
  • Use cases: Orthographic is technical and precise; perspective is used mainly for presentations and conceptual visualization.
  • Measurement: Orthographic supports direct measurement from drawings; perspective does not.
  • Interpretation difficulty: Orthographic requires familiarity with multiple views; perspective is more intuitive visually.
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🔒4.2 Types of Orthographic Projections

Orthographic drawings are classified mainly into first-angle and third-angle projections, differing by the arrangement of views relative to the object. Welding professionals must understand both systems to interpret engineering drawings used in Kenyan industri…

🔒4.3 Understanding Views

In welding fabrication, producing clear and precise orthographic views is essential for communicating complex joint details and component shapes. Kenyan welders and fabricators rely on these views to interpret design intent accurately, ensuring structures meet…

🔒4.4 First Angle Orthographic Drawings

In Kenya, first angle projection is the standardized method for orthographic welding drawings, conforming to BS EN ISO conventions. Mastery of this projection method ensures welders and fabricators can interpret drawings correctly, avoiding costly errors in jo…

🔒4.5 Third Angle Orthographic Drawings

Third angle orthographic projection is a fundamental technique in welding design and fabrication in Kenya. Welding professionals rely on this method to produce clear, standardized drawings that accurately represent the dimensions and views of welded components…

🔒4.6 Saving Orthographic Drawings

Proper saving of orthographic drawings is essential for welding professionals in Kenya to maintain document integrity, facilitate collaboration, and ensure traceability of design changes. Digital storage methods must align with organizational standards and sof…

🔒4.7 Dimensioning Orthographic Views

Dimensioning orthographic drawings is a critical skill for welding professionals in Kenya. Accurate dimensions ensure that welded components fit precisely during fabrication and assembly, reducing costly rework and delays. Kenyan welders working in manufacturi…

🔒4.8 Printing Orthographic Views

Printing orthographic views is a vital step in producing physical drawings that can be used on-site or in fabrication workshops. For Kenyan welders, the quality of printed drawings directly affects the accuracy of fabrication, inspection, and communication acr…

🔒4.9 Creating isometric drawing

Isometric drawings are essential in welding to represent three-dimensional components on two-dimensional media accurately. These drawings allow welding professionals in Kenya to visualize complex weldments and assemblies, facilitating fabrication and quality c…

🔒4.10 Creating 3D Model

In welding design and fabrication in Kenya, producing accurate 3D models is essential for visualising complex welded assemblies before actual fabrication. These models aid welders, fabricators, and engineers in understanding the spatial relationships of compon…

Chapter Summary

This chapter covers the fundamentals of orthographic projection drawings, emphasizing their definition and importance while distinguishing them from isometric and perspective drawings. It explains the two main types of orthographic projections, first-angle and third-angle, detailing their specific conventions. The chapter explores the essential views used in orthographic drawings, including front, top, and side views, as well as additional sectional and auxiliary views. Students learn to develop accurate first-angle and third-angle orthographic drawings following established standards. Proper techniques for saving and printing orthographic drawings are also examined to ensure correct documentation. The creation of isometric drawings is introduced, focusing on selecting the isometric cursor, dimensioning, and printing these drawings. Finally, the chapter guides learners through creating 3D models using specialized workspaces and tools, covering modifications, rendering, and printing of 3D representations.

Self-Assessment

🔒 PDFDownload this self-assessment, with answers

A. Written Assessment

  1. What is the primary purpose of orthographic drawings in welding design? (2 marks)
  2. Identify two key differences between orthographic and isometric drawings. (3 marks)
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Chapter Examination Questions

🔒 PDFDownload these examination questions, with model answers

SECTION A (40 Marks) - Answer ALL Questions

  1. Define orthographic projection and explain its importance in welding fabrication drawings. (4 marks)
  2. Differentiate between orthographic drawings and isometric drawings in the context of welding design. (4 marks)
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Chapter Practical Activities

Practical 1: Explain fundamentals and importance of orthographic drawings

Welding · Level 6
Computer Aided Drawing
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
TIME: 3 HOURS
⬇ PDFCandidate Instructions (Candidate Tool)

Type: Individual

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
1.  You are required to perform the following task:
i.  Prepare a comparative explanation report with sketches showing orthographic drawings and their differences from isometric and perspective drawings, including key dimensions of 150 mm x 100 mm for the orthographic sketch.
2.  You have been provided with the following resources for the practical task:
Tools & EquipmentMaterials
Pencil (HB)A4 plain paper
EraserSample drawings booklet (orthographic, isometric, perspective)
Ruler 300 mm
Set square 45°
Protractor
⬇ PDFResources Required (Cutting List)
S/NItemQuantity
1A4 plain paper5 sheets per Candidate
2Pencil (HB)1 per Candidate
3Eraser1 per Candidate
4Ruler 300 mm1 per Candidate
5Set square 45°1 per Candidate
6Protractor1 per Candidate
7Sample drawings booklet (orthographic, isometric, perspective)1 per 5 Candidates
⬇ PDFAssessor Guide
Items to be EvaluatedMarks AvailableMarks ObtainedComments
TASK 1: Adherence to safety and proper use of drawing tools
Wore appropriate PPE (e.g. dust coat if applicable)
(Award 1 mark if worn correctly, 0 if not)
1
Handled drawing tools correctly and safely
(Award 1 mark for correct handling, 0 if mishandled)
1
Maintained a clean and organized workspace during the task
(Award 1 mark for good housekeeping, 0 if untidy)
1
Sub-Total3
TASK 2: Demonstrated understanding of orthographic drawings fundamentals
Correctly identified orthographic drawings from sample booklet
(Award 2 marks for correctly identifying all orthographic views, 0 otherwise)
2
Differentiated orthographic drawings from isometric and perspective drawings with explanation
(Award up to 3 marks based on clarity and correctness of explanation)
3
Sub-Total5
TASK 3: Prepared sketches and annotations
Drew orthographic projection sketches with correct views (front, top, side)
(Award 1 mark per correct orthographic view drawn)
3
Included correct dimensioning for sketches (150 mm length x 100 mm width)
(Award 2 marks if all dimensions are correct and clearly shown)
2
Sub-Total5
TASK 4: Prepared a written explanation on importance of orthographic drawings
Explained importance of orthographic drawings in technical communication
(Award 3 marks for clear, relevant explanation)
3
Sub-Total3
TASK 5: Performed housekeeping
Left work area clean and tidy
(Award 1 mark if area is clean and tools returned)
1
Sub-Total1
PRODUCT CHECKLIST
Orthographic sketches with all three views correctly drawn and dimensioned
(Award 5 marks if all views are accurate and dimensioned as per specification)
5
Written explanation correctly differentiating orthographic from isometric and perspective drawings
(Award 5 marks for accurate and comprehensive explanation)
5
Sub-Total10
GRAND TOTAL27
ASSESSMENT OUTCOME:   ☐ Competent    ☐ Not Yet Competent (competent if at least 50%)

Practical 2: Identify and label first-angle and third-angle orthographic projections

Welding · Level 6
Computer Aided Drawing
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
TIME: 4 HOURS
⬇ PDFCandidate Instructions (Candidate Tool)

Type: Individual

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
1.  You are required to perform the following task:
i.  Identify and label the first-angle and third-angle orthographic projection views of a 150 mm cube and a 120 mm diameter cylinder as per the provided working drawings.
2.  You have been provided with the following resources for the practical task:
Tools & EquipmentMaterials
Pencils (HB)A4 plain drawing sheets
Eraser
Set square (45° and 60°)
Drawing compass
Steel ruler 300 mm
Protractor 180°
⬇ PDFResources Required (Cutting List)
S/NItemQuantity
1A4 plain drawing sheets2 sheets per Candidate
2Pencils (HB)2 pcs per Candidate
3Eraser1 pc per Candidate
4Set square (45° and 60°)1 set per Candidate
5Drawing compass1 pc per Candidate
6Steel ruler 300 mm1 pc per Candidate
7Protractor 180°1 pc per Candidate
⬇ PDFAssessor Guide
Items to be EvaluatedMarks AvailableMarks ObtainedComments
TASK 1: Identification of Orthographic Projection Types
Wore appropriate PPE (overall, safety boots)
(Award 1 mark each for wearing overall and safety boots)
2
Set up drawing tools correctly and prepared drawing sheets
(Award 1 mark for correct tool setup and 1 mark for neat sheet preparation)
2
Correctly identified and labeled first-angle projection views for cube and cylinder
(Award 2.5 marks each for cube and cylinder correctly identified and labeled)
5
Correctly identified and labeled third-angle projection views for cube and cylinder
(Award 2.5 marks each for cube and cylinder correctly identified and labeled)
5
Used correct orthographic projection symbols (first-angle and third-angle)
(Award 1 mark each for correct symbol drawing and placement)
2
Sub-Total16
PRODUCT CHECKLIST
Orthographic drawings show correct dimensions: cube 150 mm sides, cylinder diameter 120 mm
(Award 2 marks for cube dimensions and 2 marks for cylinder dimensions)
4
Projection views are correctly arranged according to projection type standards
(Award 4 marks for correct arrangement for both first-angle and third-angle projections)
4
Labels and symbols are clear, accurate, and correctly placed
(Award 4 marks for clarity and accuracy of labels and symbols)
4
Sub-Total12
GRAND TOTAL28
ASSESSMENT OUTCOME:   ☐ Competent    ☐ Not Yet Competent (competent if at least 50%)
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🔒Interpretation and Marking of Orthographic ViewsPractical 3
🔒Produce sectional and auxiliary views from orthographic drawingPractical 4
🔒Produce a First Angle Orthographic Drawing of a Mechanical ComponentPractical 5
🔒Produce Third Angle Orthographic Drawing of a Mechanical ComponentPractical 6
🔒Dimension Orthographic Views of a Mechanical ComponentPractical 7
🔒Saving Orthographic Drawings Correctly Using CAD SoftwarePractical 8
🔒Print Orthographic Views of Mechanical ComponentPractical 9
🔒Create an isometric drawing of a mechanical part using isometric cursorPractical 10
🔒Dimensioning an Isometric Drawing of a Mechanical PartPractical 11
🔒Print an Isometric Drawing of a Mechanical PartPractical 12
🔒Create a 3D CAD Model of a Mechanical ComponentPractical 13
🔒Modify a 3D Model Using CAD Tools to Specified DimensionsPractical 14
🔒Render and Print a 3D Model with Realistic EffectsPractical 15
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Am I competent?

At the start of this chapter we promised you would be able to:

  • develop first angle orthographic drawings accurately following standard drawing conventions
  • create third angle orthographic drawings correctly using the accepted orthographic standards
  • save your orthographic drawings properly according to work requirements

Tick each one you can genuinely do.

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