GRAPHICS 1

OBJECTIVES
Interpret plans, diagrams, and working drawings.

Apply appropriate technical and graphic communication in

the technological systems.

Identify Line Types for the Alphabet of Lines

Construct lines properly on drawings.

Hierarchy of lines
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
1. Why is drafting considered a universal language?

2. Why is it important to recognize the alphabet of lines?

3. What is the hierarchy of lines?

DRAFTING AS A LANGUAGE
Drafting is called a “universal language”

 Symbols (lines and figures) have specific

meaning are used.

 The symbols accurately describe the shape,

size, material, finish, and fabrication or
assembly of a product.
DRAFTING AS A LANGUAGE
Drafting is also known as the “language of
industry”
Industry uses this precise language because the
drawings must communicate the information the
designer had in mind to those who produce the
product.
ALPHABET OF LINES
ALPHABET OF LINES
Industry standard classifying the different types of
lines used in drawings.
Lines are classified by line thickness and drawn
thin or thick.
Thick lines are typically drawn with a 0.7 mm or 0.9
mm mechanical pencil.
Thin lines are typically drawn with a 0.3 mm or 0.5
mm mechanical pencil.
LINE TYPES
CONSTRUCTION LINES
Used to initially lay out a drawing.
Used for guide lines for lettering.
Draw very light and thin so they are barely visible.
Draw with a 0.5 mm pencil.
 VISIBLE/OBJECT LINE

These lines are thick and

dark solid (unbroken) lines
that are used on drawings
to indicate the edges and
details of an object.

These lines should be the most prominent on the drawing as

they are drawn thicker (wider) than most other lines. We will
use the 0.9 mm pencil.
HIDDEN LINES
These lines are medium dashed
lines used to indicate a surface,
edge, or contour of an object that
cannot be seen, or is hidden from
view.

The dashed lines are 1/8” long with a 1/16” space. Hidden lines will be
drawn with a 0.7 mm pencil.
 CENTER LINE

These lines are thin lines made up

of alternating long and short
dashes. They are used to indicate
the center of circles and of
symmetrical features. Also as an
aid in dimensioning.

The short dashed lines are 1/8” long, the

space is 1/16”, & the long line ranges from
3/4” to 1 ½”. Lines will be drawn with 0.5
mm pencil
 SECTION LINE

Section lines are thin “cross

hatching” lines used in sectional
views to symbolize different
parts of an object or different
materials from which an object
is manufactured.
Section lines are normally drawn at a 45° with
a 0.5 mm pencil.
 DIMENSION, EXTENSION, & LEADER

These lines are thin lines

(0.5 mm)used for
dimensioning purposes.
Dimension and leader lines
generally end with
arrowheads and are
accompanied by a number Extension lines aid dimension
indicating a size or location lines by extending the surface of
dimensions. the object so it can be
dimesioned.
 CUTTING PLANE OR VIEWING PLANE

These lines are very thick lines (0.9

mm) that indicate where an
imaginary cutting plane passes
through an object, for viewing or
sectioning purpose.

Arrowheads on both ends of the line point

to the surface to be viewed.
 BREAK

These lines are used to shorten a

view, or to eliminate repetitive
details when an entire view is not
necessary.

Short break lines are thick wavy freehand lines.

Long break lines are thin straight zigzags.
 PHANTOM

These lines are thin lines used

to indicate alternate
positions of moving parts,
lines of motion, adjacent
parts and repetitive details.

They are similar in style to a Cutting Plane Line,

but much thinner in weight.
 HIERARCHY OF LINE
It is not uncommon for line types to coincide or overlap in a
drawing.

When visible lines, hidden lines, or center lines coincide in the

same view, a preferred line is illustrated.

That chosen line is determined by what is called the

Precedence of Lines.
HIERARCHY OF LINE
This list ranks the line type precedence from highest to
lowest:
Object or visible line
Hidden line
Cutting plane line
Center line
Break line
Dimension and extension lines
Sectioning lines
 HIERARCHY OF LINE
In the example you can see where lines
coincide with one another line from the
front view to the side view.
 HIERARCHY OF LINE
The “X” lines are object lines which
overlap the hidden line of the circles
(holes). The object line has precedence
over the hidden line which means the
object line is drawn.
 HIERARCHY OF LINE
The “Y” line is an object line
which overlaps the center
line of the large circle. The
object line has precedence
over the center line which
means the object line is
drawn.
 HIERARCHY OF LINE
The “Z” line is a hidden line. Although
the center line for the small circle
(hole) is in front of the hidden line,
the hidden line has precedence over
the center line and is therefore shown
instead of the center line.
REVIEW
Why is drafting considered a universal language?
 Even though people around the world speak different languages, the graphic
language (symbols & line types) has remained common.
Why is it important to recognize the alphabet of lines?
 The lines in the Alphabet of Lines are used to describe shape, size, hidden
surfaces, interior detail, and alternate positions of parts.
 Each conveys a particular meaning on the drawing.
What is the hierarchy of lines?
 The order in which lines are drawn when more than one line type is located in
the same location on a drawing.
END