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11 Blueprints

Technical Drawings

Create the flat, dimensioned views that a 3D printer, laser cutter, or machine shop needs to build your part.

11. Traditional Engineering Blueprints

A 2D drawing is the contract between designer and manufacturer, specifying exactly what to make and to what precision.

Drawing Views
Base View

The primary orthographic projection (usually Front) placed first on the sheet. Choose an orientation that reveals the most features with the fewest hidden lines.

Projected View

Top, Right, Left, or Bottom views projected directly from the base view. Use third-angle projection (standard in ASME/North America) or first-angle (standard in ISO/Europe) to arrange them correctly.

Section View

A cross-sectional cut revealing internal features (holes, cavities, wall thicknesses). Indicated by a cutting-plane line on the parent view.

Detail View

An enlarged callout of a small area where fine features (fillets, chamfers, threads) are too small to dimension at drawing scale.

Auxiliary View

Projected perpendicular to an angled surface to show its true shape and size without distortion. Essential for inclined faces.

Isometric View

A small 3D pictorial for visual reference. Not used for dimensioning, but helps the reader understand overall part shape.

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Dimensioning Standards

Dimensions must follow recognized standards so any manufacturer can interpret your drawing without ambiguity.

Topic ASME Y14.5 (North America) ISO (International)
Projection Third-angle projection First-angle projection
Units Inches (with optional mm dual dimensions) Millimeters (primary)
Tolerance notation Bilateral ± or limit dimensions General tolerances per ISO 2768
GD&T frame style Feature control frames per Y14.5 Geometrical tolerancing per ISO 1101

Types of Dimensions:

  • Linear: Distances between features (horizontal, vertical, or aligned).
  • Angular: Degrees between two lines or faces.
  • Radial: Radius (R) and Diameter (∅) callouts for arcs and cylinders.
  • Ordinate: Dimensions measured from a common zero-point datum.

GD&T Basics (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing):

  • Position: Controls how far a feature's center may deviate from its theoretically exact location.
  • Flatness: Ensures a surface lies within a tolerance zone defined by two parallel planes.
  • Concentricity: Requires median points of a feature to fall within a cylindrical tolerance zone centered on a datum axis.
Title Block & Border

Every drawing includes a title block (lower-right corner) carrying all metadata a manufacturer needs at a glance.

  • Part Name & Number: The official identifier used in the BOM and purchasing system.
  • Material: The specified stock material (e.g., 6061-T6 Aluminum).
  • Revision Letter/Number: Tracks design changes with date, description, and approver.
  • General Tolerances: Default ± values for dimensions without explicit tolerance callouts.
Section Views

Section views slice through a part to expose internal geometry. The type depends on the complexity and symmetry of the feature.

  • Full Section: A straight cutting plane passes entirely through the part to reveal internal features.
  • Half Section: One half is sectioned while the other shows the exterior — ideal for symmetrical parts.
  • Offset Section: The cutting plane jogs to pass through staggered features not on a single line.
  • Broken-Out Section: A small boundary is removed to expose a specific internal feature without a full section view.
Bill of Materials (BOM)

The BOM is the master inventory table listing every component needed to build the product.

  • BOM Table: A structured table listing Item Number, Part Number, Description, Material, and Quantity for every component.
  • Balloon Callouts: Leader lines connecting each component in the assembly view to its BOM item number.
  • Quantity Tracking: The QTY column drives purchasing, kitting, and inventory planning downstream.
Drawing Creation Workflow
1
Create Drawing from 3D Model

Link a new drawing document to your 3D part or assembly and choose the sheet size and standard.

2
Place Base View

Place the primary orientation (usually Front) on the sheet at an appropriate scale.

3
Add Projected Views

Project Top, Right, and Isometric views from the base — include only the views needed to fully describe the geometry.

4
Add Sections & Details

Create section and detail views as needed, labeled with standard letters (SECTION A-A, DETAIL B).

5
Dimension Critical Features

Add all necessary dimensions from datum surfaces, avoiding redundancy.

6
Add Notes & Tolerances

Apply GD&T frames, surface finish symbols, and general notes.

7
Insert BOM & Title Block

Add balloon callouts, BOM table, and complete the title block — the drawing is now release-ready.

Tip: A drawing should be dimensioned so a machinist never has to measure the model, scale the print, or assume any value. Every feature affecting fit, function, or assembly needs an explicit dimension and tolerance.
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Stage 4 Apply What You Learned

Create a manufacturing drawing for a custom drivetrain plate that will be waterjet-cut.

  • Select the appropriate standard views (front, top, right, isometric)
  • Add critical dimensions that the manufacturer needs
  • Include tolerances on the bearing pocket and bolt holes
  • Add a title block with material, finish, and revision information
  • Include a Bill of Materials if the assembly has multiple parts
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