Chapter 2

Orthographic Projection
Orthographic projection is a system of drawing to represent 3D objects by using multipleview drawings. The word Ortho is a Greek word that means right or true. In this system of projection, the 3D object is projected perpendicularly onto a projection plane with parallel projectors. (See Figure 2.1.)

Figure 2.1 3D object projected onto a plane orthogonally

Six Basic Views

You can project in six orthogonal directions. (See Figure 2.2.) The resulting views are called basic views. You may imagine that the 3D object is placed inside a transparent box, and views are projected orthogonally onto the six walls of the box.

Figure 2.2 Object projected inside a transparent box

Spreading out the Box

Because it is inconvenient to carry the box around, the box is cut open and spread out onto a common plane. This plane is the plane of the drawing paper. (See Figure 2.3.)

Chapter 2 Orthographic Projection

Figure 2.3 Cutting and spreading the box

Projection Systems
There are two systems of orthographic projection. In the other system, the projection plane is located at the far side of the object and the view is projected backward onto it. (See Figure 2.4.) Compare this with Figure 2.1.

Figure 2.4 Projection in the other direction

Similarly, there are six orthogonal viewing directions. You may also regard the object as being placed inside a box. (See Figure 2.5.)

Figure 2.5 Projection inside the box

Chapter 2 Orthographic Projection

Figure 2.6 shows how the drawing would look like after cutting and spreading out the box. Note the difference between this system and the aforementioned system by comparing Figure 2.6 with Figure 2.3.

Figure 2.6 Six basic views

Three Common Views

For many simple 3D objects, it may not be necessary to draw all the six basic views. Usually, three views are adequate in describing the object. See Figure 2.7 and Figure 2.8.

Figure 2.7 3 common views of one system

Figure 2.8 3 common views of another system

Chapter 2 Orthographic Projection

First and Third Angle Projection

The foregoing kinds of projection systems are commonly known as first angle projection and third angle projection. To explain why they are so called, you may put the boxes shown in Figures 2.7 and 2.8 together in accordance with Figure 2.9. Here, you can see that one system falls neatly in the first quadrant and the other in the third quadrant.

Figure 2.9 First and third angle projection

Projection symbols
To indicate the system of projection used, you should print one of the symbols shown in Figure 2.10 on your drawing.

Figure 2.10 Projection symbols

Assignments
Produce a top view, front view, and side view of the components shown in Figures 2.11 and 2.12.

Chapter 2 Orthographic Projection

Figure 2.11 Support hinge

Figure 2.12 Lever