Create a set of working drawings that uses standardized views, dimensions, tolerances, annotations, and assembly information. Together, these must give a manufacturer enough unambiguous information to make each component and assemble the complete product without consulting the designer.
In B2.1 The design process, technical drawing is a form of design communication. Begin with correctly aligned orthographic projections, normally showing the front, plan, and side views. Add sectional or detail views where internal features or small areas cannot be understood clearly.
Use dimensions to define the product's size and geometry. Include overall dimensions first, followed by the locations and sizes of features such as holes, radii, angles, and thicknesses. Dimensions should be stated once, placed outside the object where possible, and measured from clear reference surfaces rather than estimated from the drawing's scale.
| Drawing information | Manufacturing purpose |
|---|---|
| Orthographic and sectional views | Communicate component shape and internal features accurately |
| Dimensions and units | Specify exact sizes and feature positions |
| Tolerances | Define acceptable variation caused by manufacturing processes |
| Material and surface finish | Identify required properties, appearance, and finishing processes |
| Detail drawings | Provide all information needed to manufacture individual components |
| Assembly drawing | Show how components fit together and their relative positions |
| Exploded view and numbered parts | Clarify assembly order and connect parts to a bill of materials |
| Title block | Records scale, projection convention, drawing number, date, and revision |
Assembly drawings should also identify fasteners, joints, and interfaces between components. Consistent line types, dimensioning conventions, symbols, and drawing scales reduce ambiguity and allow the drawing to be interpreted internationally.
A common misconception is that a realistic perspective sketch is sufficient for manufacturing. Perspective drawings communicate appearance, but they do not normally provide the precise dimensions, tolerances, and component relationships required for production.
In an IB exam response, distinguish between detail and assembly drawings, then explain how specific conventions make manufacturing information accurate and unambiguous. If asked to create or annotate a drawing, include dimensions, units, scale, materials, tolerances, and a clear title block.