Understanding engineering drawings

Engineering drawings are what we use to communicate designs to other entities. Whenever we produce a design for a specific product, we are often required to present an engineering drawing with it to communicate the design. Within an engineering drawing, we can communicate the shape of the design, the materials, the suppliers, and any other information we want to communicate.

Also, when engineers and technicians maintain a certain plant or a facility, they interact with engineering drawings in their day-to-day jobs. This is to identify what the machine comprises, how to maintain it, and the materials required for that. A couple of examples of engineering drawings are as follows. The following figure is of a simple part, communicating only the shape and overall dimensions of the part:

Figure 9.1 – A drawing communicating a simple part

The following figure is of a more complex assembly. Note that this drawing does...