Blueprint Reading

A learned skill

Blueprint reading is a learned skill, not an art as I heard some say. Blueprints consist of three primary parts:

1)     the drawing,

2)     the dimensions, and

3)     notes

The drawing

The drawing is the most important part of a blueprint. It tells us what the product looks like. Blueprints can have one of three views: orthographic, perspective or isometric. The orthographic print is the most common one used for manufacturing. Another name for an orthographic print is multi-view.

The multi-view print allows us to visualize the product three dimensionally.

Dimensions

Dimensions shown on the blueprint define the requirements for fit, form and/or function. The dimensions also include any tolerances that apply to the products features. Variation makes it impossible to duplicate an exact dimension on every product. This is the reason designers give us tolerances.

Notes

The notes on blueprints can cover many things. The designer uses notes to tell us about things that the drawing or dimensions don’t cover. For example, “No burrs”, or “Reference Only”.

Blueprint Training

Learn the basics of reading and interpreting blueprints. Interactive workshops help you understand and read blueprints. The students will work with the instructor and other students to gain a better understanding of the issues they see on a daily basis.

Some of the things we cover in the class are: Types of Drawings (Isometric, Perspective, Orthographic), Points of view (Perspective, Orthographic), Projected views (Isometric, Orthographic, How to visualize the part, Arrangement of views, Number of views required, Auxiliary views, Sectioned views, Dimensioning Systems, Dimensions for Angles, Rounds, Squares, and Arcs, Dimensions for Specific Purposes, Dimensions Not Shown and much more.

You can have this class presented at your business for as little a $65. per person.
The class is one day.

The course contents:

·       The alphabet and language of lines on blueprint

·       How to vision parts on multi-view prints

·       The drawing of the product

·       Auxiliary views

·       Detail and assembly prints

·       Dimensions and tolerances

·       Sectional views

·       Title blocks and information

·       Workshops

·       CEU and RU credits awarded