How do you create and use templates and symbols for common mechanical elements?

1 Choosing the right template and symbol

Before you start drawing, you need to choose the right template and symbol for your mechanical element. Templates and symbols can vary depending on the type, size, scale, and orientation of the element, as well as the drafting standard you are following. For example, there are different templates and symbols for screws, bolts, nuts, washers, gears, bearings, valves, pipes, and so on. You can find templates and symbols in drafting books, manuals, online resources, or in the libraries of your drafting software. You should always check the specifications and dimensions of the template and symbol before using it, and make sure it matches your design requirements.

2 Creating your own template and symbol

If you cannot find a suitable template or symbol for your mechanical element, you can create your own using drafting tools and equipment. You can use a ruler, a compass, a protractor, a curve, and a pencil to draw the shape of the element on a paper or a plastic sheet. You can then cut out the shape with a knife or a scissors, and use it as a template to trace the element on your drawing. Alternatively, you can use a drafting software to draw the shape of the element on your computer screen, and save it as a symbol in your library. You can then insert the symbol on your drawing as many times as you need.

3 Using templates and symbols on your drawing

Once you have chosen or created your template or symbol, you can use it on your drawing to represent your mechanical element. You can use a template by placing it over your drawing paper, and tracing the shape of the element with a pencil or a pen. You can then erase or modify the shape as needed, and add details, dimensions, and annotations. You can use a symbol by selecting it from your library, and dragging and dropping it on your drawing. You can then resize, rotate, move, or copy the symbol as needed, and add details, dimensions, and annotations. You should always align your templates and symbols with the grid, the axes, or the reference points on your drawing, and follow the drafting conventions and rules for placing and labeling them.

4 Editing templates and symbols

Sometimes, you may need to edit your templates and symbols to suit your design changes or preferences. You can edit your templates and symbols by using drafting tools and equipment, or by using drafting software. You can use a drafting tool such as an eraser, a pencil, or a pen to erase, redraw, or add features to your template or symbol on your paper. You can also use a drafting software to edit your template or symbol on your computer screen. You can use the editing tools such as the select, move, rotate, scale, trim, extend, mirror, copy, or delete tools to modify your template or symbol. You should always save your edited templates and symbols in your library for future use.

5 Sharing templates and symbols

You may want to share your templates and symbols with other drafters or designers who are working on the same or similar projects. Sharing templates and symbols can help you collaborate and communicate more effectively, and ensure consistency and quality across your drawings. You can share your templates and symbols by using different methods, depending on the format and the medium of your drawing. You can share your paper templates and symbols by scanning them, printing them, or mailing them to your colleagues or clients. You can also share your digital templates and symbols by emailing them, uploading them to a cloud service, or exporting them to a compatible file format.

6 Benefits of templates and symbols

Using templates and symbols for common mechanical elements can save time and effort, improve accuracy and precision, enhance clarity and readability, increase efficiency and productivity, reduce errors and mistakes, and facilitate collaboration and communication. This is accomplished by avoiding repetitive drawing tasks, using standardized shapes and dimensions, using recognizable and familiar symbols, simplifying and streamlining the drawing process, minimizing manual drawing and editing, and sharing common templates and symbols.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?