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The Language of Lines

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Ali kombo hassan
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46 views7 pages

The Language of Lines

Uploaded by

Ali kombo hassan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Language of Lines

 OBJECTLINE
 HIDDEN LINE
 SECTION LINE
 CENTER LINE
 DIMENSION LINE
 EXTENSION LINE
 LEADER LINE
 CUTTING PLANE LINE
 BREAK LINES
 PHANTOM LINES
 BORDER LINE
You have heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words”. This statement is particularly
true in regards to technical drawings.
It would be almost impossible for an engineer, designer, or architect to describe in words the
shape, size, and relationship of a complex object. Therefore, drawings have become the universal
language used by engineers, designers, technicians, as well as craftsmen, to communicate the
Information necessary to build, assemble and service the products of industry.
It is Important to remember, as you study Print Reading, that you are learning to communicate
with the graphic language used by Industry: Lines are part of that language.
Since technical drawings are made of lines, it is logical that the first step in learning to “read” a
drawing is to learn the meaning of each kind of line. Generally, there are 11 basic types of lines.
Each kind of line has a definite form and “weight”. Weight refers to line thickness or width.
When combined in a drawing, lines provide part of the Information needed to understand the
print.
Being able to interpret a blueprint and accurately build objects is a needed skill to become
successful in all trade crafts. It is a skill, like many others you will learn, and it will take time
and practice to fully understand and become proficient.

Object Line

A visible line, or object line is a thick continuous line, used to outline the visible edges or
contours of an object.
Hidden Line
A hidden line, also known as a hidden object line is a medium weight line, made of short dashes
about 1/8” long with 1/16”gaps, to show edges, surfaces and corners which cannot be seen.
Sometimes they are used to make a drawing easier to understand. Often they are omitted in an
isometric view.

Section Line
Section lines are used to show the cut surfaces of an object in section views. They are fine, dark
lines. Various types of section lines may indicate the type of material cut by the cutting plane
line.

Center Line
Center lines are used to indicate the centers of holes, arcs, and symmetrical objects. They are
very thin (size), long-short-long kinds of lines.

Dimension Line
Dimension lines are thin and are used to show the actual size of an object. There are arrowheads
at both end that terminate at the extension lines.

Extension Line
Extension lines are also thin lines, showing the limits of dimensions. Dimension line arrowheads
touch extension lines.
Leader Line
Leaders are more thin lines used to point to an area of a drawing requiring a note for explanation.
They are preferably drawn at a 45° angles.

Cutting Plane Line


A cutting plane line (very heavy) helps to show the internal shape at a part or assembly by slicing
through the object.

Break Line
There are three kinds of break lines used in drawings. They are used to remove, or ‘break out”
part of a drawing for clarity, and also to shorten objects which have the same shape throughout
their length and may be too long to place on the drawing.

Short and long break lines are used for flat surfaces. Cylindrical are used on rods, dowels, etc.

Phantom Line
Phantom lines are long-short-short-long lines most often used to show the travel or movement of
an object or a part in alternate positions. It can also be used to show adjacent objects or features.
Border Line
Borderlines are very thick, continuous lines used to show the boundary of the drawing or to
separate different objects drawn on one sheet. They are also used to separate the title block form
the rest of the drawing.

Quiz….
Directions: Name the types of lines shown below. Check your own answers
Identify the various line types used in this drawing. (instructor will provide a copy of this drawing)

Name the types of lines shown below. Check your own answers.
Directions: Draw and identify the lines needed to complete the figures as indicated.

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