Hidden Lines &

Choice of View
Hidden Lines
are similar to the visible lines of a
drawing
used to show intersections of surfaces
that are not directly visible from the
direction of sight.
each view in a drawing shows the entire
object as seen from that viewing
direction
Straight Lines Represent
the intersection of 2
plane surfaces
the edge view of a
surface
the limiting element
of a contoured
surface
Conventions
for Drawing Hidden Lines
dashes are 1/8 long, spaces are 1/16 long.
should intersect neatly except where a line of
a different linetype would appear to be
extended.
jump visible lines that they cross
closely spaced parallel hidden lines are
drawn with the dashes staggered
Conventions for Hidden Lines
Hidden lines should
join neatly with visible
lines except when it
causes a visible line
to be extended. When
two different lines join
to form a single line,
leave a gap on the less
important line.
Hidden lines should
join neatly to form T
or L shaped inter-
sections.
Hidden lines should
jump visible lines that
they do not intersect.
It is permissable for a
hidden line to cross a
visible line.
More Conventions for Hidden Lines
Stagger the dashes on
closely spaced parallel
hidden lines.
Hidden line dashes
should intersect neatly
to from clear corners,
as in the bottom of this
drilled hole.
Intersecting hidden
lines should form neat
corners, as in this
countersunk hole.
Conventions for Curved Hidden Lines
Curved hidden lines should
not extend a visible curve in
the same direction. Leave a
gap on the hidden line so
that you can easily see
where the visible line ends.
Curved hidden lines
dashes should extend to
the point of tangency.
Dont end with a gap at
the point of tangency. It
makes it hard to see the
location.
Choice of View
orient the object so that the front view shows
the shape of the object most clearly
chose front view so that it has a large number
of normal surfaces.
show the object in a usual or operating
position
show the right side view & top views unless
other views are better (fewer hidden lines)
Single View Drawings
Only show the necessary views of the object.
Parts like these may be shown in a single view.
One view drawing
of a shim
One view drawing
of a connecting rod
Eliminating Unecessary Views
Show only the views needed drawing to fully
define the shape of the object.
Choose the views which show the shapes of the
features clearly.
The right side view is preferred to the left side view
if they show the object equally well; the top view is
preferred to the bottom view if they show the
object equally well.
Showing only the necessary views saves time,
makes the drawing less cluttered, and makes it
easier to interpret.
Partial Views
When the entire view is not necessary to show the object clearly you
can use a partial view. Use a break line to limit the partial view as
shown in (a) below. For symmetrical parts, you can draw a half-view
on one side of the centerline as shown in (c).

Right & Left Hand Parts
Many parts are used in pairs where opposite parts are mirror-images
of one another. A left-hand part is not just a right hand part turned
around. It has to be manufactured differently from a right hand part. In
order to save time, a single drawing can be used for both a left and
right handed part by noting on the drawing such as,
LH PART SHOWN, RH OPPOSITE.
Summary
Hidden lines are used to show features that
are not directly visible in a view.
Hidden line conventions help assure that
hidden lines shown in the sketch will be
legible.
Choice of view is important to creating good
sketches and drawings. Show only the views
needed to fully describe the object.