INTRODUCTION TO PRINT READING
DOE-HDBK-1016/1-93
Introduction To Print Reading
Anatomy of a Drawing
A generic engineering drawing can be divided into the following five major areas or parts.
1.
Title block
2.
Grid system
3.
Revision block
4.
Notes and legends
5.
Engineering drawing (graphic portion)
The information contained in the drawing itself will be covered in subsequent modules. This
module will cover the non-drawing portions of a print. The first four parts listed above provide
important information about the actual drawing. The ability to understand the information
contained in these areas is as important as being able to read the drawing itself. Failure to
understand these areas can result in improper use or the misinterpretation of the drawing.
The Title Block
The title block of a drawing, usually located on the bottom or lower right hand corner, contains
all the information necessary to identify the drawing and to verify its validity. A title block is
divided into several areas as illustrated by Figure 1.
First Area of the Title Block
The first area of the title block contains the drawing title, the drawing number, and lists
the location, the site, or the vendor. The drawing title and the drawing number are used
for identification and filing purposes. Usually the number is unique to the drawing and
is comprised of a code that contains information about the drawing such as the site,
system, and type of drawing. The drawing number may also contain information such as
the sheet number, if the drawing is part of a series, or it may contain the revision level.
Drawings are usually filed by their drawing number because the drawing title may be
common to several prints or series of prints.
Second Area of the Title Block
The second area of the title block contains the signatures and approval dates, which
provide information as to when and by whom the component/system was designed and
when and by whom the drawing was drafted and verified for final approval. This
information can be invaluable in locating further data on the system/component design or
operation. These names can also help in the resolution of a discrepancy between the
drawing and another source of information.
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