drawing 3d shapes to the scale

DrawingThe aim of this presentation is to learn to draw 3D (three dimensional) shapes

with correct proportion. It starts by learning to visualize an object from

different angles. Drawing to the scale is very important especially in the field of engineering. It is also important to label the diagrams correctly. These different views of the object along with its labels

are very useful in communication in absence of the object.

Why drawing is important?

It is an effective way of communication!

?

?

?

This man is wondering how big is this structure?

Can you think what might help?

To get an exact idea of any object, dimension, proportion and labels are important. Drawings done ‘to the scale’ are smaller than the real

thing, but have the correct proportions. Therefore to get the dimension, you can

measure straight off the drawing.

Drawing different views of the object is also important. This is to allow viewer to understand

what the shape looks like, and also to know measurements of surfaces easily.

Drawings of different views are helpful to calculate the amount of material required to

manufacture the object.

Let’s study one example...

Labels

Key

Scale 1.2 m

1 m

2.4 m

1.5 m

1.5 m 2 m

Scale 1:10 1 cm on drawing = 10 cm in real life

= iron sheet

= wire mesh

Why it is important to draw different views of an object?

To calculate area, work out how much material is required

2 m

2.5 m3 m

1.5 m

1.6 m

1.5 m

2.1 m

1.5 m

1.5 m

1.5 m

2.1 m

1.6 m

1.6 m

0.5 m

2.5 m

2.5 m

1.5 m

1.5 m

20 centimetres (on drawing)

2 metres = 200 centimetres (in real life)

Scale 1:10 1 cm on drawing = 10 cm in real

life

1.5

metr

es

= 1

50

cen

tim

etr

es

(in

real

life)

15

centi

metr

es

(on

dra

win

g)

How scale works?

5 m= 5 cm

1:100

7 m = 70 cm

1:10

1 m = 50 cm

1:2

10 m = 20 cm

1:50

1:100

5 cm = 5 m

1:2

2 cm = 4 cm

4 cm = 0.8 m

1:20

4 cm = 2 m

1:50

Understand the scale

1:10

2 metres

20 centimetres

1.2 metre 1.2 metre

12 centimetres 12 centimetres

Draw a three dimensional diagram of any simple structure (e.g. A table, a step stool, a barrel etc.) to the scale.

Based on the diagram, make a 3D model of it. You can use thick or hard

paper as your base material. This activity will help you understand the importance of drawing 3D diagram to

the scale.

Activity