Essential Information
Technical drawing is used by architects or drafters in the construction and manufacturing industries. These drawings provide detailed instructions for how to construct many products, like buildings, spaceships or microchips.
Technical drawing coursework includes training in computer aided drawing and design (CAD) software and 2-D modeling. Students get experience making measurements, reading prints, and creating engineering drawings. Class assignments introduce students to the skills needed in this field, and provide hands-on opportunities for students to create and assess technical drawings.
Here are common concepts taught in technical drawing classes:
- Materials
- Design and manufacturing
- Workspace fundamentals
- Technology
- Technical publications
List of Courses
Introduction to Technical Drawing
In this fundamentals course, students are introduced to basic technical drawing skills and terminology. Terms and definitions used in industries, such as manufacturing and construction, may also be covered. Specific skills introduced in this course may include sketching, geometric construction, auxiliary drawing, computing dimensions and lettering. Students may also be introduced to computer-aided drawing (CAD) software or techniques.
Engineering Drawing Basics
An engineering drawing basics course focuses specifically on renderings for engineering projects. Students study use of dimensions, shapes and angles or views of such drawings. Dimensions feature prominently, with focus on interpretation, importance and accurate reflection of dimensions in an engineering drawing. Other areas of study in this course may include projected views, cross sections and tables.
2D Modeling and Print Reading for Technical Drawing
In this course, students study vector images associated with 2D computer-aided design (CAD), as well as learning basics in blueprint reading. Specific skills are developed with the use of CAD software, including editing files, plotting, assigning notations and interpreting drawings. Topics studied during this course may also include geometric tolerance, mechanical symbols, axonometric projection and auxiliary views.
Computer-Aided Design
In a computer-aided design or CAD course, students learn directly through the use of specific CAD software. This course concentrates on the design of 3D objects for solid modeling. Each college program determines which of the many CAD software programs students use to develop skills for creating computer graphics, putting together a model history tree and creating assembly parts. In addition, students may learn to compare freehand drawings to drawings rendered using CAD software.
Mechanical Drawing and Measurements
In construction, engineering and manufacturing, precise measurements are critical to a project's success. In a mechanical drawing and measurements course, students learn how to keep and reflect accurate measurements on each drawing. Students learn to use precision measuring tools such as steel rules, calipers and micrometers. Students also review the meanings of technical drawing symbols, lines and views.
