Engineering drawing
An engineering drawing is a type of technical drawing used to define the requirements for engineering products or components. Typically, the purpose of an engineering drawing is to clearly and accurately capture all geometric features of a product or component so that a manufacturer or engineer can produce the required item. It may also describe the process of making the item, may be used to convey engineering ideas during the design process, or may provide a record of an existing item.
Rather than being an illustration, an engineering drawing is intended to describe the size and shape of an item and may provide information regarding acceptable variations, load limits, materials and any other information that can help give a complete understanding of an item.
Drawings can be created in Oblique and Isometric as well as 1st and 3rd projection.
It is usual for engineering drawings to include a series of projections showing different angles of the item, as well as sections, ‘exploded’ views and so on. Projections may create two dimensional or three dimensional representations of the item. See Projections for more information.
Increasingly, engineering drawings are prepared using computers that can also create files used to instruct machines how to manufacture the item. See computer aided design, computer aided manufacture and building information modelling for more information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Comments