6.1: Visualization of Orthographics Projections

Single View

A single view of an object is sometimes all that is needed for a complete visual explanation. When dimensions, material, and other information are included, an object requiring only a single view is easy to understand.

Most one-view drawings are of flat objects, made from materials such as sheet metal and gasket stock. Spherical objects, such as a cannonball, would require only one view and a note indicating the material and diameter of the sphere.

The object shown in the one-view drawing below could be made of any appropriate material that might be specified. In appearance, it is much like the gasket used as part of the cooling system on many cars. All that would need to be noted is the material type and thickness required.

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): A single view of a flat gasket.

Two View

Sometimes “two-view” drawings are used on prints. Two views may be all that is needed to show the shape of an object. Objects that are cylindrical, such as a length of pipe, are usually shown on a print with two views. In such a case, two views are sufficient to explain the shape. Notice in the two-view drawing shown below that the length of the pipe is shown in one view, while the diameter is called out in the other. Without the view on the right, what might this shape be mistaken for? Square tube, channel…

Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): A two-view drawing of a pipe.

Three View

The most common orthographic projection drawings usually have three views. The three views selected are the top, front, and right side for the third angle projection used commonly in North America. It is possible, of course, to select other views such as the left side or bottom, but you should have a good reason to do so. Generally, though, it’s the top, front and right side that are traditionally seen by the person reading prints.

Since most prints make use of the orthographic projection system, and because the top, front, and right side views are most often used, it is important that you have their order, or arrangement on the print fixed in your mind. To help you understand this system, think of a chalkboard eraser, a short length of 2″ x 4″ lumber, or a common brick that looks like Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\).

Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): An isometric view of a simple block.

When seen on a print, using orthographic projection, it would appear like this.

Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\): An orthographic projection of a simple block.

This system of orthographic projection may be difficult to understand or visualize at first, but you will grasp it with some practice. Here’s a basic example of how it works, using a simple object.

Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\): An isometric view of a stepped block.

Orthographic projection does not show depth, so the object shown above will appear flat. With practice, however, you will learn to scan the three views and “read” depth into them. Remember that the location of the top, front, and right side views does not change. The projection lines between the orthographic views in Figure \(\PageIndex{6}\) show the height, width, and depth relationship that exists between each view and the other two views.

Figure \(\PageIndex{6}\): An orthographic project of a stepped block.

In case you did not understand the three-view on the last page, let’s take another look at the same thing. This time numbers will be used for the identification of the surfaces.

Figure \(\PageIndex{7}\): An isometric view of a stepped block with the surfaces numbered.

Using orthographic projection, the object with the surfaces numbered appears like this:

Figure \(\PageIndex{8}\): Orthographic projection of the stepped block with the surfaces numbered for reference.

Notice that the front view (1) is the key to the drawing because it most clearly shows the shape of the object. It tells you the object is “L” shaped from the front. The other two views don’t tell you much by themselves. By looking at surface 1, however, you can see that 2 is taller than 3. Therefore, in “reading” the surfaces, 2 should appear to be closer to you than 3.

Exercise \(\PageIndex{1}\)

Now, look at 4 and 5. Which surface is projected closest to you?

Answer

Surface 5

Now draw a simple box and tape all sides together to form a cube. The cube will be 2”x 2”x 2”. Once the instructor has approved your drawing you will proceed to cut out and tape edges together to form a cube.

Visualization Quiz

Directions:

All visible surfaces on the objects shown are numbered. To complete this quiz, you are to place those numbers on the corresponding surfaces of the orthographic drawings.

You may be wondering at this point why something like orthographic projection is used on prints when isometric or oblique drawings are so much easier to visualize. The answer is that both of those types of pictorials are used for relatively uncomplicated drawings. When an object is complex, however, neither can equal the orthographic system for clear presentation of dimensions, notes, and configuration details.

Hidden Surfaces

Another advantage of orthographic projection is that it allows the person reading the print to have the ability to see the inside, or surfaces of an object which normally could not be seen.

With complicated objects this can become very useful.

In the drawing below, the hidden line in the right side view represents the entire surface of the flat area between the two higher sides.

In this example, the hidden lines result from a square hole through the middle of the object.

The hidden lines in this example are there because a part of one corner of the front surface was cut away, or “recessed.

Hidden Surfaces

Directions: Draw the hidden lines which are missing in the views below. Each problem has one incomplete view.

Curved Surfaces

Curved surfaces are perhaps tricky to “see” until you remember that the curve is only shown in one view. You must put the curve in the other views yourself, through visualization. Try to think that when there is a sharp change of direction like at a corner, then that will produce a line visible in another view. When the change of direction is smooth like a curve, no line will be seen.

Here’s another example of curved surfaces:

Curved surfaces exercise.

Directions: Draw the lines which are missing in the views below. Each problem has one incomplete view. Do not draw center lines.

Inclined Surfaces

Inclined surfaces are those which are at an angle, or slanted. In other words, they are surfaces which are neither horizontal nor vertical. In viewing orthographic drawings you need to be alert to angles and inclined surfaces, for they are often found on the prints you will be reading later.

Notice the hidden line in the right view created by the inclined surface on this object:

Here is an object with two inclined surfaces.

Inclined surfaces exercise

Directions: Draw the lines which are missing in the views below. Each problem has one incomplete view.