TECHNICAL DRAWING

Technical drawings is a detailed, precise diagram or plan that conveys information about how an
object functions or is constructed. Engineers, electricians, and contractors all use these drawings as
guides when constructing or repairing objects and buildings. They are means of communications
and convey technical information of plant and equipment. They describe three-dimensional
objects through the medium of two-dimensional paper. The process of producing technical
drawings, and the skill of producing those, is often referred to as ‘drafting’. Technical drawing is
normally accepted as legal document and is frequently being used for regulatory approvals.
Technical drawings are most frequently used to establish engineering requirements. They describe
typical applications and minimum content requirements. They are standardized tools of graphical
language which avoid verbal exchanges. They are used and understood by the technical
personnel speaking different languages and belonging to different countries and cultures.
Technical drawings are prepared in such a way that they convey complete information of the plant
and equipment clearly and concisely. They often contain more than just a graphic representation
of the subject. They also contain dimensions, notes and specifications. Clarity is the essential aspect
of the technical drawings.
They normally represent two dimension view of the object though some drawings also provide three
dimensional views. They are prepared either manually or with the aid of computer. They are
generally prepared or printed in standard size of paper.
 Except a few category of drawings (e.g. process flow diagrams, control diagrams, piping and
instruments diagrams, and single line diagrams etc.), all the drawings are normally prepared in
plan and different section views usually to the scale in order to provide complete information
of the drawing object. Often help of standardized symbols are taken in the drawing for
depicting certain equipments or instruments. Those informations which cannot be given in the
plan and sections view such as material specification, tolerances, and bill of materials etc. are
normally given in a tabular form on the drawing usually on the right side or bottom of the
drawing.
 Technical drawings carry a ‘title block’ in the right bottom corner for their identification. The title
block includes (i) title of the drawing, (ii) type of drawing, (iii) drawing number and revision
number, (iv) date of the preparation, (v) scale of the drawing, (vi) measurement unit, (vii)
name of the organization who prepared the drawing, (viii) name of persons who prepared and
approved the drawing, and (ix) any other information which is needed for the drawing
identification.
TECHNICAL DRAWINGS
CAN BE CATEGORIZED
INTO MANY TYPES;
GENERAL LAYOUT DRAWING
A ‘general layout drawing’ is normally prepared in plan-view. It describes (i)
entry gates and plant boundary, (ii) plant approach roads, (iii) location of
the plant, equipment and facilities, (iv) provides the linkages between the
plant equipment and facilities, (v) road and rail movements, (iv) conveyors
and pipeline routings, (vi) critical and regulatory clearances if required, (vii)
location of chimneys and stacks, and (viii) green belts. The drawing is usually
prepared to the scale with building dimensions.
LAYOUT DRAWING
A layout drawing depicts design development requirements. It is similar to a detail, assembly, or
installation drawing, except that it presents pictorial, notational, or dimensional data to the extent
necessary to convey the design solution used in preparing other engineering drawings. The layout
drawing normally does not establish item identification.
The layout drawing includes (i) location of primary components, (ii) interface and envelope
dimensions including a cross-reference to applicable interface control documentation, (iii) paths of
motion, (iv) operating positions, (v) critical fits and alignments, (vi) selected materials, finishes, and
processes, (vii) cellars, pipeline routing and sizes, (viii) adjustments, (ix) critical assembly details and
sequence, and (x) identification of change parts and critical spare parts.
The layout drawing is not generally used to fabricate equipment. However, a detailed layout drawing
is sometimes used for this purpose. A layout drawing is drawn to scale with sufficient accuracy and
completeness for its intended use. It can also be used as an interim assembly drawing for
development equipment.
GENERAL ARRANGEMENT DRAWING
A general arrangement drawing (GA drawing) is a contract document, which records information
needed to understand the general arrangement structural elements on a project. A GA drawing is
created in BIM workflows from one or more model views, with associated schedules and on a project
title sheet.
A general arrangement (GA) drawing depicts the physical relationship of significant items using
appropriate projections or perspective views. Reference dimensions are to be included in GA
drawing. The GA drawing does not establish item identification. It is prepared to convey a general
description of the configuration and location of significant items. It is not normally used to control
design.
The GA drawing normally includes (i) sufficient views so that a general understanding of the
configuration and location of significant items is conveyed, (ii) overall, locating, and other general
dimensions necessary to describe the configuration, (iii) identities of significant items, and (iv)
reference to applicable documents for further details.
However, when you see one it becomes very clear. Simply put, a GA drawing is like a blueprint that
shows all the design elements required for a building. In our industry, GA Drawings will include
information such as roof cladding, PVC gutters and eaves height.
DETAIL DRAWING
A "detail drawing" is a drawing of a single component, assembly of multiple parts, or an entire system
of assemblies. A detail drawing provides complete and precise descriptions of a part's dimensions,
shape and how it is manufactured.
A detail drawing provides the complete end-product definition of the part or parts depicted on the
drawing. A detail drawing establishes item identification for each part depicted thereon. It is either a
mono detail drawing or a multi detail drawing.
A mono detail drawing defines a single part. It is prepared to provide maximum clarity in defining the
part. It describes all features of the part which include configuration, dimensions, tolerances,
materials, mandatory processes, surface texture, protective finishes and coatings, and markings.
A multi detail drawing defines two or more uniquely identified parts in separate views or in separate
sets of views on the same drawing. It is a single drawing prepared to describe parts usually related to
one another. A multi detail drawing is to be used cautiously. The same revision status applies to all
details on a multi detail drawing and hence a change to one detail of the drawing can affect the
associated records of all other details (material control data, manufacturing planning, and microfilm
etc.). Some significant benefits are to outweigh this potential disadvantage, as well as such others as
diminished clarity and usefulness resulting from increased drawing complexity.
ASSEMBLY DRAWING
A drawing which displays the parts of a machine or a machine unit assembled in their relative working
positions is known as assembly drawing.
Assembly drawing defines the configuration and contents of the assembly or assemblies depicted
thereon. It establishes item identification for each assembly. Where an assembly drawing contains
detailed requirements for one or more parts used in the assembly, it is a detail assembly drawing. The
assembly drawing is prepared for each group of items which are to be joined to form an assembly
and that reflect one or more of the (i) a logical level in the assembly or disassembly sequence, (ii) a
testable item, (ii) a functional item and (iv) a deliverable item. It is the preferred drawing type for an
inseparable assembly. However, individual pieces of the inseparable assembly need not be
individually detailed provided they are controlled by the specified assembly requirements or by
separate detail drawings.
ERECTION DRAWINGS
Erection drawings are used to guide the steel erector on the construction site ("in the field") as to
where and how to erect the fabricated steel members.
An erection drawing provides information for properly positioning and installing items relative to their
supporting structure and adjacent items. This information includes dimensional data, hardware
descriptions, and general configuration information for the installation site. The erection drawing is
prepared to provide detailed installation information for (i) functionally related items (such as a
control system, electrical system, or hydraulic system) which cannot be effectively shown on an
assembly drawing of the item to which it belongs, or (ii) a part or assembly which is so large or
complex that the major assembly drawing cannot accommodate all relevant data.
PIPING AND INSTRUMENT DRAWING
A piping and instrumentation diagram/drawing (P&ID) is a detailed diagram in the process plant
which shows the piping and vessels in the process flow, together with the instrumentation and control
devices. It is the primary schematic drawing used for laying out a process control installation. It is a
diagram which shows the interconnection of process equipment and the instrumentation used to
control the process. Normally a standard set of symbols is used to prepare drawings of processes.
A diagram which shows the interconnection of process equipment and the instrumentation used to
control the process. In the process industry, a standard set of symbols is used to prepare drawings of
processes.
CONTROL DRAWINGS
A Control Drawing is a type of technical
drawing used to present the functions and
performance requirements for the acquisition
items and manufacturer developed portions
from specialised segments of industry without
disclosing details of designs.
Control drawing is that drawing which is used
for the control of certain activities. There are
usually six categories of control drawing (Fig
1)
THE FIRST CATEGORY OF CONTROL DRAWING IS
THE PROCUREMENT CONTROL DRAWING.
It provides criteria for performance, acceptance, and identification of supplier items by
disclosing the engineering design characteristics required normally for control of interfaces
and to ensure repeatability of performance. It is prepared to specify criteria for (i)
purchased items, (ii) alterations to purchased items, (iii) selection from purchased items, (iv)
development and qualification of new items, and (v) item identification. It includes (i)
performance requirements to ensure that performance characteristics critical to the
intended application are met, (ii) envelope dimensions to ensure physical
interchangeability in using assemblies, (iii) interface characteristics to ensure functional
interchangeability in using assemblies, (iv) qualification requirements necessary to verify that
performance requirements and functional interchangeability, (v) identification requirements
including marking, instructions, lot serialization, etc., (vi) procurement data, (vii)
acceptance criteria, and (viii) to identify any variations between items.
THE SECOND CATEGORY OF CONTROL DRAWING
IS THE VENDOR ITEM DRAWING.
It provides an engineering description and acceptance criteria for
purchased items. It provides sufficient engineering definition for acceptance
of interchangeable items within specified limits. It is used to provide
engineering requirements for a purchased item. It is not the intent of a
vendor item drawing to portray a complete design disclosure. This drawing
discloses sufficient information to ensure identification and re-procurement
of interchangeable items. The drawing includes (i) configuration, (ii)
dimensions of item envelope and their limits, (iii) mounting and mating
dimensions and their limits, (iv) interface characteristics and their limits, (v)
acceptance criteria, (vi) performance, maintainability, reliability,
environmental, and other functional characteristics, (vii) schematic,
interconnection, or other appropriate diagram to define item function or
provide inter-connection information.
THE THIRD CATEGORY OF CONTROL DRAWING IS
THE SOURCE CONTROL DRAWING.
It provides engineering description and acceptance criteria for purchased
items which need design activity imposed qualification testing and
exclusively provide performance, installation, and interchangeability
characteristics specifically required for the critical applications. It establishes
item identification for the controlled items. It is used to provide a means of
establishing engineering requirements for the selection, qualification testing,
and acquisition of an item, and documentation to assure interchangeability
of specified items. It includes (i) configuration, (ii) dimensions of item
envelope and their limits, (iii) mounting and mating dimensions and their
limits, (iv) interface characteristics and their limits, (v) acceptance criteria,
(vi) qualification test requirements, (viii) performance, maintainability,
reliability, environmental, and other functional characteristics, (ix) schematic,
interconnection, or other appropriate diagram to define item function or
provide interconnection information, and (x) identification requirements
including marking instructions.
THE FOURTH CATEGORY OF CONTROL DRAWING IS
THE DESIGN CONTROL DRAWING.
It discloses the basic technical information and performance
requirements necessary for a contractor to complete the
detailed design required to develop and produce an item. The
drawing in itself does not provide complete design for which a
detailed design drawing is needed. It includes those details which
are necessary to develop the detail design of the item such as (i)
configuration, mounting, mating, and other necessary
dimensions, (ii) performance, installation, reliability, and
interchangeability requirements, (iii) test requirements,
(iv) schematic, connection, or other appropriate diagram (if
electrical, electronic or other circuitry is involved), (v) the mating
connections, their location, and a connection diagram, and (vi)
reference to other documentation.
THE FIFTH CATEGORY OF CONTROL DRAWING IS
THE INTERFACE CONTROL DRAWING.
It depicts physical and functional interfaces of related or co-
functioning items. It does not establish item identification. This
drawing controls one or more of the interfaces such as
mechanical, electrical, interconnections, configuration,
installation, operational sequence requirements, and system
switching etc. The drawing includes (i) configuration and
interface dimensional data applicable to the envelope,
mounting, and interconnection of the related items, (ii) complete
interface engineering requirements (mechanical, electrical,
electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic etc.) which affect the
physical or functional characteristics of the co-functioning items,
and (iii) any other characteristics which cannot be changed
without affecting system interfaces.
THE SIXTH CATEGORY OF CONTROL DRAWING IS
THE IDENTIFICATION CROSS REFERENCE DRAWING.
It is an administrative type drawing which
assigns unique identifiers which are
compatible with automated data processing
systems, item identification specifications,
and provides a cross reference to the original
incompatible identifier. It does not specify
any engineering or design requirements
beyond those already contained in the
drawings, and specification etc. governing
the original item.
CIVIL DRAWING
A civil drawing, or site drawing, is a type of technical drawing that shows information about grading,
landscaping, or other site details. These drawings are intended to give a clear picture of all things in a
construction site to a civil engineer.
Civil drawing is used for specifying the shape and position of the civil foundation. It typically includes
the information such as (i) setting out dimensions for the concrete structure on site, (ii) plans, sections
and elevations showing layout, dimensions and levels of all concrete members, (iii) location of all
holes, chases, pockets, fixings and other items affecting the concreting work, (iv) notes on
specifications, finishes and all cross-references affecting the construction. The drawing provides the
detailer with the layout and sectional information required to specify the length, shape and number
of each type of reinforcing bar.
STRUCTURAL DRAWING
A structural drawing is a type of technical drawing which depicts the design and working drawings for
building as well as technological structures. It includes a plan or set of plans for the building or other
structures. Structural drawings are primarily concerned with the load-carrying members of a structure.
They outline the size and types of materials to be used, as well as the general demands for
connections. They do not address architectural details like surface finishes, partition walls, or
mechanical systems. The structural drawings guide in detailing, fabricating, and installing parts of the
structure.
Structural drawings are of three types namely (i) design drawings, (ii) detail fabricating drawings, and
(iii) erection drawings. Structural detail fabrication drawing includes all the details needed for the
fabrication of the structures.
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC DIAGRAMS
Electrical and electronic diagrams is a simple visual representation of the
physical connections and physical layout of an electrical system or circuit. It
shows how the electrical wires are interconnected and can also show where
fixtures and components may be connected to the system.
Electrical and electronic diagrams depict the elements or functions of
electrical or electronic items using standard symbols and connecting lines or
data in tabular form. These diagrams do not depict items to scale. They are
design information drawings. They are of following types.
THE FIRST TYPE IS THE FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM.
It depicts the functions of the major elements
of a circuit, assembly, and system etc. in
simplified form. It is prepared to illustrate the
functional relationship of major elements of
an assembly, and system etc. It includes
major circuit functions depicted by single
lines, rectangular blocks, and explanatory
notes or text.
THE SECOND TYPE IS THE SINGLE LINE DIAGRAM.
It depicts the course of an electric or electronics circuit, or system of circuits,
and the elements thereof using single lines, symbols, and notes. A single line
diagram conveys basic information about the operation of the circuit, but
omits much of the detailed information usually shown on schematic
diagrams. The single line form of presentation provides for (i) simplified
diagrams of complex circuits and (ii) diagrammatic representation of
systems in which a single line represents a multi-conductor circuit. It includes
(i) connections of major elements of a circuit represented by single line
graphic symbols, (ii) the course of the main circuits (connection of major
components) shown in the most direct path and logical sequence, and (iii)
electrical characteristics which are essential to an overall understanding of
the system.
THE THIRD TYPE IS SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM.
It depicts the electrical connections and functions of a specific
circuit arrangement without regard to the physical shape, size, or
location of the elements. It is prepared to show the detailed
design of a circuit and to assist in tracing the circuit and its
functions. It can be prepared for any level of assembly and can
include one or more levels. It includes (i) symbolic representation
of each element in the circuit with the symbols interconnected to
depict circuit paths, (ii) reference designations, (iii) values for
such items as resistors, capacitors, and inductors, and (iv)
standard type designations for such items as semiconductor
devices, microcircuits, and electron tubes etc.
THE FOURTH TYPE IS CONNECTION DIAGRAM OR
WIRING DIAGRAM.
It depicts the general physical arrangement of electrical connections and
wires between circuit elements in an installation or assembly. It shows internal
connections, but may include external connections which have one
termination inside and one outside the assembly. It contains the details
necessary to make or trace connections involved. It is prepared to show the
connection of wires and circuit elements at any level of assembly or
installation. It includes (i) physical relationship of circuit elements and their
connections, (ii) items identified by reference designations, (iii) clearly
identified terminal arrangements, (iv) wires numbered for reference, and (v)
wire and termination descriptions.
THE FIFTH TYPE IS THE INTERCONNECTION DIAGRAM.
It depicts only external connections between
assemblies, units, or higher level items. It is
prepared to show the interconnections between
units, sets, groups, and systems. It is prepared either
as a wiring type diagram which shows each wire,
or as a cabling type diagram which primarily
shows cables but can also include wires. It does
not necessarily show physical relationship.
THE SIXTH TYPE IS THE WIRING LIST.
It consists of tabular data and instructions necessary to establish
wiring connections. The wiring list is a form of connection or
interconnection diagram. It is normally prepared for one or more
related assemblies. It includes (i) location identification and
termination methods for each end of wire, (ii) a description of
each wire (e.g. type, size, and colour etc.), (iii) connection of
items with wire leads, (iv) material (wire, and sleeving etc.) and
process requirements for connections, (v) reference to
associated assembly drawing, connection diagram,
interconnection diagram, or wiring harness drawing.
THE SEVENTH TYPE IS THE LOGIC CIRCUIT DIAGRAM.
It depicts the logic functions of a system at any level of
assembly. It is prepared to (i) illustrate logic functions, and
(ii) facilitate circuit analysis and diagnosis of equipment
problems. It includes (i) logic functions depicted by logic
symbols connected by lines which represent signal paths,
and (ii) pin numbers, test points, assembly boundaries,
and non-logic functions necessary to describe the
physical and electrical aspects of the circuit.
WIRING HARNESS DRAWING
A wiring harness drawing specifies the engineering requirements and establishes item identification for
a wiring harness (a group of individually insulated conductors, including shielded wires and coaxial
cables, held together by lacing cord or other binding). It is prepared as either a detailed or simplified
drawing. It includes (i) pictorial views, (ii) a wiring tabulation or reference to a wiring list which identifies
wire numbers or colour codes, circuit reference designations, wire lengths, wire type and gauge,
termination methods, and other related data, (iii) instructions for fabrication of the harnesses,
minimum bend radii for conductors, and cross-references to the using assembly or installation
drawings and associated electrical diagrams, (iv) parts list specifying parts (connectors, terminal lugs,
etc.) and bulk materials required for the fabrication of the harness, and (v) applicable processes.
CABLE ASSEMBLY DRAWING
A cable assembly drawing depicts an electrical cable assembly of defined length and establishes
item identification for that assembly. It is prepared to describe power, signal, radio frequency, audio
and general purpose electrical cable assemblies including both single-run and branched cables. It
includes (i) dimensions and tolerances for overall length and breakout locations, (ii) identification of
parts, bulk materials, and processes required for fabrication of the cable assembly, (iii) preparation of
the cable ends, (iv) orientation and offset of connectors, (v) maximum diameter of cable, (v)
minimum bend radii for wiring within the assembly, (vi) detail views of moulded areas, (vii) conductor
lay patterns, (viii) identification band or other marking requirements, (viii) a wiring list, wiring diagram,
or schematic diagram, (ix) finish, special assembly, and/or storage instructions and (x) test
requirements.
MICROCIRCUIT DRAWING
A microcircuit drawing specifies the engineering requirements and
establishes item identification for a microcircuit. It is prepared to establish the
physical and functional characteristics necessary to ensure microcircuit
interchangeability. It includes (i) outline and mounting requirements, (ii)
performance requirements, (iii) schematic diagrams showing functional
electrical elements of the microcircuit, (iv) marking requirements, (v)
identification of input and output pin functions, and (vi) quality assurance
provisions.
CONTOUR DEFINITION DRAWING
A contour definition drawing contains the mathematical, numeric, or graphic definition
required to locate and define a contoured surface. It does not establish item identification
for the items described thereon. It is prepared to define complex surface geometry which
cannot be conveniently included in the detail drawings of an item. It includes (i)
mathematical equations for the geometric features, (ii) tabulated coordinates, (iii) graphic
sections, and (iv) a summary of features and relationships to more basic coordinate systems
in appropriate combinations to define the contoured surface or the desired points on a
contoured surface.
COMPUTER PROGRAM DRAWING
A computer program drawing describes the design details, establishes item identification, and
provides for control of the software it represents. Three types of drawings are generally used. These are
(i) computer program listing drawing, (ii) computer program assembly drawing, and (iii) computer
program set drawing. Computer program listing drawing is prepared to document operational
computer programs / software. It provides design details and establishes item identification for the
computer program. It identifies the master source code, object code, or both, for the computer
program in human readable form. The drawing specifies the media materials, marking requirements,
and the applicable specifications. The type of software tools (computer, assembler, and compiler
etc.) required to produce the object code from the source code is also specified. The computer
program assembly drawing contains computer generated load maps of computer programs with
multiple components / subprograms. It lists each subprogram and specifies the media materials, type
of equipment required to produce the computer program, marking requirements, and applicable
specifications. It establishes item identification for the assembly process. The computer program set
drawing groups two or more individual computer programs into a set for handling convenience. It
consists of a parts list which identifies the computer programs and applicable notes. It establishes item
identification for the set.