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A blueprint is a critical form of communication, a tool to convey descriptive information to employees who are involved in all phases of engineering, quality, manufacturing, production and estimating. The descriptive information conveyed to the reader will be in the form of text or drawings, drawn to show specific detail without confusing the reader.
SHOULD WE CALL BLUEPRINTS BLUEPRINTS?
Currently, the majority (more than 95 percent) of businesses are producing computer plotted drawings or prints. Original blueprints may be found when researching old work, such as the structural methods used in an old building. The original blueprint term has carried on for several generations. Originally, the blueprint did have a blue background with white lines. Subsequent improvements to the copying process involved ammonia and coated papers that react to light. Additional improvements eliminated the ammonia process leading up to today's prints, generated with computer-aided drafting (CAD) software, then printed on large printers designed to quickly provide the required prints.
This most recent improvement in the generation of prints provides more accuracy and detail and makes them easier to read, correct and reprint. CAD software products are specialized for various industrial uses. Electronic libraries of stored information may be downloaded and used to detail joinery, hardware, construction and other details critical for accurate work. Layers of detailed drawings provide specifics about plumbing, electrical or other trades. All layers can be combined on one drawing to locate areas where trades should not be combined, such as telephone and electrical work, for example. More details on this will be provided in later installments of this course.
MATH AND MEASURING
An absolutely critical skill in print reading is an understanding of basic math functions. Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers and fractions are essential. A skilled reader of prints will need to estimate materials usage, verify dimensions and know how to measure a finished part for its accuracy, quality and finish. Typically, the first three to four weeks of the course will bring the student up to speed on the math skills necessary to successfully understand a print. This course will be no different as these skills are essential building blocks for subsequent learning. Included with an understanding of math is an ability to convert numbers into another form. For example, we must know how to convert decimal numbers to fractional numbers and decimal numbers into metric numbers. We must also know how to find what size drill is necessary to bore for a pilot hole.
In addition to the math component, a blueprint reader must be able to converse with others using the appropriate terms — words that demonstrate knowledge of this subject. A blueprint reader must know such terms as title box, fillet, auxiliary view and break line. The proper use of terminology will quickly resolve questions and demonstrate an ability to process the information on a print. Reading a ruler is important, but knowing how and why scaling is used will make it easy to understand that the size of the drawing has no influence on the size of the produced part.
VISUALIZATION AND INTERPRETATION
Print reading utilizes two very important primary skills: visualization and interpretation. In this class, we will attempt to learn both skills. Visualization is the ability to picture a three-dimensional item in your mind after studying it on the print. Visualization of objects will enhance your ability to describe it and freehand sketch the object to your peers. Visualization is an acquired skill with most people, requiring practice to be able to see the object from different sides, as well as see the hidden features located inside or behind the object. The textbook used in this class provides several activities to practice this skill. The equally important skill of interpreting the lines, terms, symbols and the myriad of items on a print may be extremely difficult. Through practice and repetition using prints from several trades and having several reference books, this skill can be easily learned and taught to other readers of prints.
TAKING CARE OF PRINTS
To a print reader, prints are one method of communication and are used by many members of your organization. Small numbers and symbols need to be interpreted correctly. Notes must be read and lines must be visible. Reasonable care must be maintained to keep the prints clean, reduce the chance of spilling liquids or tearing the print so the information is not legible. Architectural millwork and many other woodworking sectors require full-size prints to be reduced onto 8 ½" x 11" sheets of paper. This reduction in size will also make it difficult to accurately read numbers and symbols. To maintain accuracy, reduce prints of individual parts only and keep the clarity and size legible. If damage occurs to a print, reprint the damaged print and make it available to those who require it.
CHANGES TO PRINTS
If a change needs to be made, your company will have a proper procedure for making such changes. If a procedure is not in place, it is NOT advisable to change dimensions or notes directly to the print. It is always best to bring these changes to the draftsperson or engineer and make them aware of a needed change. Typically, several people need to verify the change and determine its implications, if any, to other parts in the process.
The change process is important to maintain continuity for future production runs and accuracy of costs pertaining to labor and materials. In most companies I have seen, only a few people have the responsibility and clearance to make actual changes to a series of prints. The skill to evaluate a change and determine its implications to a series of prints is an advanced form of print reading and may be a goal to attain.
TRY IT YOURSELF!!
To all readers and students: To explore the discussion topics above, you can follow along at home or at work. For enrolled students: As part of your homework, write a one-page paper about the history of blueprints. A bulleted chronological list is acceptable. Try surfing the Net using phrases or terms from this article. If you find technical information, please let the class know about them on Blackboards Discussion Board or e-mail to me.
Mount Wachusett Community College and The Forest and Wood Products Institute sincerely thank Microvellum Corporation for sponsoring the continuation of Wood Digest's Education In Print series and the Blueprint Reading online course. Thank you also to Wood Digest and WoodLINKS USA for their ongoing support of wood products education for the industry and schools.