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2.4: Hidden edges in orthographic projections

  • Page ID
    117107
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    Learning Objectives

    By the end of this section, learners will be able to

    1. Explain the purpose of hidden lines in multiview drawings.
    2. Identify and interpret hidden edges in multiview drawings.

    The previous sections introduced orthographic projections and multiview drawings. The L-shaped solid used as an example in those chapters showed only visible edges in the three regular views: the top, front, and right-side views. As explained in Section 1.2: Line types, visible edges are represented by thick, continuous lines.

    In contrast, edges that are hidden from view are known as hidden edges, and they are represented using thin, dashed lines. This section introduces hidden edges in multiview drawings.

    Isometric drawing of object and profile plane of projection.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Object and profile plane.

    In Figure 2.4.1, an object is projected onto the profile plane using parallel projectors. When viewed from the right side, only two surfaces are visible. They are labeled as Surface 1 and Surface 2 in Figure 2.4.2.

    Projection of visible surfaces labeled 1 and 2 in profile plane using construction lines.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Two visible surfaces projected on the profile plane.

    The right-side view shown in Figure 2.4.2 is incomplete: there is a third square surface located behind Surface 1, which is not visible from that viewpoint. To complete the view, the vertical edge on the right side of Surface 3 must be represented as a hidden line (see Figure 2.4.3). The other three edges of this surface lie directly behind visible edges of Surface 1, so only the vertical edge will appear as a hidden line. In the left-side view of this object, that same vertical edge would appear as a visible line, separating Surface 3 from the L-shaped surface that encloses the object on the left side.

    Projection of hidden edge and surface 3 on profile plane.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): Surface 3 in right-side and left-side views.

    If the object is modified by adding a circular hole through its lower portion, the edges of the hole must also be shown using hidden lines in the appropriate views (see Figure 2.4.4). In this example, the hole would appear as a hidden line in the front and right-side views. Since the hole is circular, its central axis is represented by a center line.

    Projection of a circular hole on profile plane showing both hidden and center lines.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\): Circular hole in left-side view.
    Note

    Unlike center lines, hidden lines should not extend beyond the object's visible edges. Hidden lines represent actual edges of features that are not visible in a particular view and therefore must connect to the object's edges. They should not appear to "float" on the drawing sheet.


    This page titled 2.4: Hidden edges in orthographic projections is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Edoarda Corradi Dell’Acqua and Jamshid Mohammadi.