Chapter Eight

Pictorial drawing:
Isometric, 3D Solids
Modelling and Oblique
Parallel Projection

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Purpose
This chapter provides an overview of how to:
produce isometric, 3D solids modelling and
oblique parallel pictorial drawings from
orthogonal views
select the best viewing direction when
making a pictorial drawing
understand the relationship between twoand three-dimensional drawing.

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Introduction
Pictorial views are not normally dimensioned.
Three general classifications of pictorial
drawings:
1. axonometric projection
2. oblique projection
3. perspective projection (used mainly by
architects)

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Axonometric projection
Axonometric projection turning the object
so that any three principal faces can be seen
from the one viewing position.
Any number of viewing angles; however,
certain positions are classified as isometric,
dimetric and trimetric.
The most common used is isometric.

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Isometric projection
Isometric means equal measure.
Isometric projection it is necessary to view
an object so that its principal edges are
equally inclined to the viewer and hence are
foreshortened equally; see Figure 8.2, p.214.
When an isometric view is drawn using an
isometric scale, it is termed an isometric
projection.
Isometric scale for correct isometric
projection, a scale is used which allows for the
foreshortening of isometric lines.
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Isometric projection
Isometric drawing prepared without
shortening measurements, about 22.5 per
cent larger than the isometric projection and
is used for most purposes.
The main purpose of an isometric view is to
provide a pictorial view which reveals as
much detail as possible, and this fact should
be remembered when selecting the principal
edges as the isometric axes; see Figure 8.4
(a)(h), p.215.
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Isometric projection
Circles may be drawn whole or in part in
isometric view by the use of ordinates
constructed on an orthogonal view and
transferred to the isometric view; see Figure
8.5, p.216.
Circles may also be constructed using the
four-centre method; see Figure 8.6, p.216.

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Isometric projection
Isometric curves points on these curves are
plotted by the method of ordinates taken
from an orthogonal view, as shown in Figure
8.7., p.217.
Isometric angles and non-isometric lines
these have to be plotted by the use of
horizontal and vertical measurements as
shown in Figure 8.8.

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Making an isometric drawing

Making an isometric drawing (refer to Figure 8.9,
p.218):
a)Orthogonal views for making the isometric
drawing
b)Draw in light construction lines (circles and
curves full thickness)
c)Remove excess lines (simplified if construction
lines lightly drawn)
d)Line in 30 right lines
e)Line in 30 left lines
f)Line in vertical lines to complete view
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Representation of details common to

pictorial drawing
Filleted corners and rounded edges may be
represented by either straight or curved lines as
shown in Figure 8.10, p.219.
Pictorial drawings should be sectioned along
centre lines, the cutting plane cutting parallel to
one of the principal viewing planes of the object
(Fig. 8.12(a)).
If dimensioning required either unidirectional (read
from the bottom of drawing) or principal plane
dimensioning (where dimensions lie in one or more
of the three pictorial planes (Fig. 8.13(b)) are used.
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Basic 3D solid modelling concept

A solid model is a 3D representation that has the
properties of mass, volume, centre of gravity and
moments of inertia. This information can be used
in other computer programs, e.g. numerical
control machining or stress analysis.
A solid part (3D model) generally consists of a
group of features, added one at a time, until the
model is complete. Engineering solid models are
generally built from a base sketch and then either
extruded or revolved to create a 3D model.

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Basic 3D solid modelling concept

There are many 3D modelling software packages
available; however, this information is directly
related to the Autodesk Inventor Suite.
Inventor has the ability to produce the following:
1. Part (.ipt)
2. Drawing (.idw)
3. Assembly (.iam)
4. Presentation (.ipn)
5. Sheet Metal (.ipt)
6. Project (.ipj)
7. iFeature (.ide)
8. Design Variables (.idv)
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Basic 3D solid modelling concept

Each model is created using the same basic steps:
1. Sketch (to produce basic shape)
2. Add constraints (either dimensions or
physical constraints)
3. Extrude/revolve (both can be used to add or
remove material)
4. Add features (chamfers, fillets, holes etc.)
5. This process is repeated to complete the
model

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Oblique parallel projection

Front face is parallel to the picture plane,
depth lines are drawn at an angle (45, 30 or
60); however, any suitable angle may be
used.
Cavalier projection depth lines drawn to full
length (Figure 8.39(a)) appearance is
unnatural.
Cabinet projection depth lines drawn to half
length (Figure 8.39(b)) appearance more
natural, used in most drawings.

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Oblique parallel projection

Rules worth remembering when making oblique
drawings:
Rule 1
Place the object so that the view with the most
detail is parallel to the picture plane, especially if
the view consists of arcs and circles. This is
illustrated in Figure 8.40.
Rule 2
Place the object so that the longest dimension
runs horizontally across the sheet, as shown in
Figure 8.41.
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Oblique parallel projection

Rule 3
In some cases the above two rules conflict, and
when this is so, Rule 1 has preference as the
advantage gained by having the irregular face
without distortion is greater than that gained
by observing Rule 2. This rule is illustrated in
Figure 8.42.
Rule 4
Decisions about viewing an object in oblique
projection should aim to show the object so
that its shape is most clearly presented and is
conducive to showing its dimensions.
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Oblique parallel projection

Circles can be plotted using a similar method
as isometric circles except that
measurements along the 45 axis are taken
from the half size quadrant (refer to Figure
8.43, p.229) .
Alternatively, oblique circles may be plotted
using true shape semicircles located on the
edges of the oblique face and projecting
points on the oblique circles as shown in
Figure 8.43.

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Oblique parallel projection

Angles on oblique drawings are constructed
as per Figure 8.44, p.229.
A number of views which can be obtained by
varying the angle of the receding axis are
shown in Figures 8.45(a)(d); each view is
chosen because it reveals the maximum
amount of detail for that particular
orientation of the object.

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Summary
Pictorial drawings present information in an
easily identified manner as a 3D model is
more simply identified than a 2D drawing.
They are constructed from the dimensions
recorded on 2D orthogonal drawings either
manually or on a CAD system. Isometric
projection is commonly used, but oblique
projections are a viable alternative.

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