Isometric drawings

(perspectives)

Isometric projections
A cube shown with this type of projection pivots 45 to show two faces on the projection plane instead of a single face. It is then tilted frontward or backward, allowing three faces to be observed.

Isometric projections
A cube shown with this type of projection pivots 45 to show two faces on the projection plane instead of a single face. It is then tilted frontward or backward, allowing three faces to be observed.

Isometric projections

Top view

Three views of a cube in multi-view orthogonal projection.

Front view

Right side view

Isometric projections
We pivot the cube 45 to show two of its faces.

45
Top view

Front view

Right side view

Isometric projections

The cube turns around point O until the AB diagonal becomes horizontal.

A
The cube is lifted and pivots around point O.

B O

Isometric projections

This front view shows the isometric projection of the cube in its new position.

Because the cube is tilted, most of the dimensions of its isometric projection are about 80% of their true dimensions.

True dimensions

Isometric projections

This front view shows the isometric projection of the cube in its new position.

Because the cube is tilted, most of the dimensions of its isometric projection are about 80% of their true dimensions.

True dimensions

Isometric projections
Characteristics of isometric projections
All lines parallel to axes 1, 2 and 3 are isometric lines. Axes 1, 2 and 3 form 120 angles between one another. The projection is isometric (equal measures) because the height of axis 1, the length of axis 2 and the width of axis 3 are all proportionally reduced.

120 2

3
The sides of the cube and all planes parallel to them are isometric planes.

The lines not parallel to axes 1, 2 and 3 are non-isometric lines.

The isometric lines are angled at 30.

Isometric projections
Characteristics of isometric projections
All lines parallel to axes 1, 2 and 3 are isometric lines. Axes 1, 2 and 3 form 120 angles between one another. The projection is isometric (equal measures) because the height of axis 1, the length of axis 2 and the width of axis 3 are all proportionally reduced.

120 2

3
The sides of the cube and all planes parallel to them are isometric planes.

The lines not parallel to axes 1, 2 and 3 are non-isometric lines.

The isometric lines are angled at 30.

Isometric drawing
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28 20 20 14

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35 10

We will illustrate the main stages of isometric drawing of the object shown above in multi-view. We will use a method called box construction.

Isometric drawing
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28 20 20 14

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35 10

To create the box, use construction lines to outline an isometric box as large as the overall object to be drawn. The vertical axis is equal to the real height. The two other axes, drawn at 30 to horizontal, correspond to the actual width and length of the object.

We will illustrate the main stages of isometric drawing of the object shown above in multi-view. We will use a method called box construction.

Isometric drawing
50

28 20 20 14

8
35 10

To create the box, use construction lines to outline an isometric box as large as the overall object to be drawn. The vertical axis is equal to the real height. The two other axes, drawn at 30 to horizontal, correspond to the actual width and length of the object.

We will illustrate the main stages of isometric drawing of the object shown above in multi-view. We will use a method called box construction.

Isometric drawing
The box is an isometric drawing as large as the overall object to be shown. Its lines are drawn very faintly. Measurements are reported on the isometric axes, or on lines parallel to these axes.

The object is drawn by removing volumes from the box.

A 30- 60 set square is used to trace the isometric lines.

Isometric drawing
The box is an isometric drawing as large as the overall object to be shown. Its lines are drawn very faintly. Measurements are reported on the isometric axes, or on lines parallel to these axes.

The object is drawn by removing volumes from the box.

A 30- 60 set square is used to trace the isometric lines.

Isometric drawing
STAGES OF DRAWING IN ISOMETRIC PERSPECTIVE STAGE 1 Sketch the box. STAGE 2 Measure on the axes and trace the details in construction lines. STAGE 3

Carry out the final layout.

Isometric drawing
STAGES OF DRAWING IN ISOMETRIC PERSPECTIVE STAGE 1 Sketch the box. STAGE 2 Measure on the axes and trace the details in construction lines. STAGE 3

Carry out the final layout.

Isometric drawing
How to draw non-isometric lines and surfaces
A

Non-isometric (oblique) lines and surfaces are not true to size in isometric perspective.
A B C B C D D

Dimensions of inclined lines and surfaces are determined by using their coordinates which must be located on isometric lines.

Isometric drawing
How to draw non-isometric lines and surfaces
A

Non-isometric (oblique) lines and surfaces are not true to size in isometric perspective.
A B C B C D D

Dimensions of inclined lines and surfaces are determined by using their coordinates which must be located on isometric lines.

Isometric drawing
Grids and isometric drawing
A grid which includes all three isometric axes may be used to draw isometric perspectives.

Isometric drawing
Grids and isometric drawing
A grid which includes all three isometric axes may be used to draw isometric perspectives.

Isometric drawing
Showing circles and arcs of circles in isometrics
Circles and arcs of circles on isometric planes are shown in isometric projection using ellipses within an isometric square.

The sides of the square are equal to the diameter of the circle and each side of the circle touches the square. To draw a circle in isometric perspective on the computer, use a modified circle inserted into an isometric square.

To draw it as a sketch or with a compass, draw four arcs of the circle in an isometric square.

Isometric drawing
How to draw an ellipse composed of four arcs using a compass

1- Trace an isometric square. 2- Find the center of the square using diagonals, then trace the axis lines.

Isometric drawing
How to draw an ellipse composed of four arcs using a compass

1- Trace an isometric square. 2- Find the center of the square using diagonals, then trace the axis lines.

3- Finally, trace the median lines.

Isometric drawing
How to draw an ellipse composed of four arcs using a compass

1- Trace an isometric square. 2- Find the center of the square using diagonals, then trace the axis lines. 3- Finally, trace the median lines. The meeting point of the medians shows the center of the four arcs of the circle.

Isometric drawing
How to draw an ellipse composed of four arcs using a compass

1- Trace an isometric square. 2- Find the center of the square using diagonals, then trace the axis lines. 3- Finally, trace the median lines. The meeting point of the medians shows the center of the four arcs of the circle.

Isometric drawing
How to draw an object containing rounded parts

Construction box

ORTHOGRAPHIC MULTI-VIEW PROJECTION

ISOMETRIC PROJECTION

Isometric drawing
How to draw an object containing rounded parts

Construction box

ORTHOGRAPHIC MULTI-VIEW PROJECTION

ISOMETRIC PROJECTION

Bibliography

GIESECKE, Frederick E., MITCHELL, Alva, SPENCER, Henry Cecil, HILL, Ivan Leroy, GYGDON, John Thomas et NGUYEN, Dinh N. Dessin technique , Montral, ditions du Renouveau Pdagogique inc., 1982, 769 p
JENSEN, C.H. Dessin industriel , Montral, McGraw-Hill, 1972, 752 p.

STIRLING, Norman. lments de dessin industriel , Montral, HRW, 1979, 372 p.