Top 100 Orthographic Projection Interview Questions Answered!

Introduction

Welcome to the definitive resource for mastering Orthographic Projection interview questions! Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting in the field, this guide has you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the top 100 questions that may come your way during an Orthographic Projection interview. Let’s dive in and enhance your preparation.

Why is Orthographic Projection Crucial in Technical Interviews?

Orthographic Projection is a fundamental concept in engineering and design. Interviewers often gauge candidates’ understanding of this topic to assess their spatial visualization skills, technical knowledge, and problem-solving abilities. Now, let’s unravel the top 100 interview questions to ensure you’re well-prepared.

1. What is orthographic projection?

Orthographic projection is a technique used in engineering and design to represent a three-dimensional object in two dimensions. It involves projecting views of an object onto planes perpendicular to each other.

2. Name the three principal planes in orthographic projection.

  • Frontal (or Front) Plane
  • Horizontal (or Top) Plane
  • Profile (or Side) Plane

3. Explain the purpose of orthographic projection.

Orthographic projection helps in accurately representing the size, shape, and features of a three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional surface for design, analysis, and communication purposes.

4. What is the difference between isometric and orthographic projection?

  • Orthographic projection shows three views (front, top, and side) separately.
  • Isometric projection shows a 3D object in a single view.

5. Define multiview projection.

Multiview projection is a technique where an object is viewed from different angles and the views are presented together to provide a comprehensive understanding of its shape and dimensions.

6. What is the purpose of an auxiliary view?

An auxiliary view is used to show an inclined or oblique surface of an object more accurately by projecting it onto a plane perpendicular to the surface.

7. Explain the term “projectors” in orthographic projection.

Projectors are imaginary lines drawn from the object to the plane of projection, helping to transfer the object’s features onto the projection plane.

8. Describe the First Angle Projection method.

In First Angle Projection, the object is placed in the first quadrant, and the projections are formed by projecting onto planes located in the positive octants.

9. Differentiate between first angle and third angle projection.

  • First Angle: Object in the first quadrant, projections in positive octants.
  • Third Angle: Object in the third quadrant, projections in negative octants.

10. What is the purpose of a cutting-plane line in orthographic projection?

A cutting-plane line indicates where a section is taken and is used to show internal features of an object.

11. Explain the concept of sectioning in orthographic projection.

Sectioning involves cutting an object along a specific plane to reveal its internal features.

12. What is an orthographic drawing?

An orthographic drawing is a 2D representation of an object using multiple views to fully define its form and features.

13. How is scale represented in orthographic projections?

Scale is usually indicated by dimension lines and annotations, specifying the ratio of the drawing to the actual size.

14. What is the purpose of hidden lines in orthographic drawings?

Hidden lines represent edges or features that are not visible in a particular view, helping to understand the object’s structure.

15. Explain the concept of foreshortening in orthographic projection.

Foreshortening occurs when a feature is inclined to the plane of projection, causing its apparent length to be shorter.

16. What is a pictorial drawing, and how does it differ from orthographic drawing?

A pictorial drawing is a 3D representation that combines the views of an object into a single image, unlike orthographic drawings that show separate views.

17. Define the term “projection line.”

A projection line is a line connecting corresponding points on the object and its projection on the plane.

18. Explain the purpose of an arrowhead in dimensioning.

An arrowhead indicates the direction of measurement and prevents ambiguity in dimensioning.

19. How is an inclined surface represented in orthographic projection?

An inclined surface is projected onto an auxiliary plane perpendicular to the surface to represent its true shape and size.

20. What is the difference between a section view and an auxiliary view?

  • Section View: Reveals internal features by cutting through the object.
  • Auxiliary View: Shows inclined surfaces more accurately.

21. How are circles represented in orthographic projections?

Circles are represented by ellipses in orthographic drawings.

22. What is the purpose of center lines in orthographic drawings?

Center lines indicate the center or axis of symmetry of an object and help in dimensioning.

23. Explain the concept of true length in orthographic projection.

True length is the actual length of an edge when projected onto a plane perpendicular to that edge.

24. What is meant by the term “projection reference line”?

A projection reference line is a line used to project features from the object to the plane of projection.

25. Define the term “scale factor” in orthographic projections.

The scale factor is the ratio of the size of the drawing to the actual size of the object.

26. How do you represent a tangent in orthographic projection?

A tangent is represented by drawing a line perpendicular to the point of tangency.

27. What is the purpose of a break line in orthographic drawings?

A break line is used to omit a portion of an object that is not relevant to the current view.

28. Explain the concept of inclined projection in orthographic drawings.

In inclined projection, the plane of projection is inclined to one of the principal planes, providing a unique view of the object.

29. How are dimensions placed in orthographic drawings?

Dimensions are typically placed outside the views and are aligned with the corresponding features.

30. What is the purpose of a leader line in dimensioning?

A leader line connects a dimension to the feature it represents, reducing clutter on the drawing.

31. How do you represent a threaded hole in orthographic drawings?

A threaded hole is represented by using standard thread symbols and specifications.

32. Explain the concept of half-section in orthographic projection.

In a half-section, one quarter of the object is removed to reveal internal features on one side.

33. What is the purpose of a phantom line in orthographic drawings?

Phantom lines are used to represent alternate positions, adjacent parts, or repeated details in the drawing.

34. How do you determine the true shape of an inclined plane in orthographic projection?

The true shape of an inclined plane is determined by projecting it onto a plane perpendicular to its surface.

35. Explain the purpose of a witness line in orthographic drawings.

A witness line is used to indicate the location or direction of a specific view or detail.

36. What is meant by the term “baseline dimensioning” in orthographic drawings?

Baseline dimensioning involves using a baseline to dimension groups of related features, simplifying the drawing.

37. How are arcs represented in orthographic drawings?

Arcs are represented by using center marks and dimensioning the radius or diameter.

38. Explain the concept of an aligned section in orthographic projection.

In an aligned section, the cutting plane is parallel to one of the principal planes.

39. What is the purpose of a reference dimension in orthographic drawings?

A reference dimension provides additional information but is not essential for defining the object.

40. How is a rib feature represented in orthographic drawings?

A rib feature is typically shown using hatching or shading to distinguish it from the surrounding material.

41. Explain the concept of “projected true length” in orthographic projection.

Projected true length is the true length of a line when projected onto a plane perpendicular to that line.

42. How are revolved features represented in orthographic drawings?

Revolved features are typically shown in a sectional view to reveal their internal structure.

43. What is the purpose of a dimension line in orthographic drawings?

A dimension line indicates the direction and extent of a dimension.

44. Explain the concept of oblique projection in orthographic drawings.

In oblique projection, the object is rotated at an angle to the plane of projection, providing a distorted but visually appealing representation.

45. How is symmetry represented in orthographic drawings?

Symmetry is indicated by using center lines and dimensioning from the center.

46. What is the purpose of a cutting-plane arrow in orthographic drawings?

A cutting-plane arrow indicates the direction in which the object is cut for a sectional view.

47. Explain the concept of a broken-out section in orthographic projection.

In a broken-out section, a portion of the object is removed to reveal internal features.

48. How are internal threads represented in orthographic drawings?

Internal threads are represented by using standard thread symbols and specifications.

49. What is the purpose of a hatch line in orthographic drawings?

Hatch lines are used to indicate materials in sectional views, providing a clear distinction between different parts.

50. Explain the concept of “baseline location” in dimensioning.

Baseline location refers to the predetermined position of a baseline for dimensioning, ensuring consistency throughout the drawing.

51. How do you represent an inclined plane that is not parallel to any principal plane in orthographic projection?

To represent an inclined plane that is not parallel to any principal plane, an auxiliary view is created by projecting the inclined plane onto a plane perpendicular to it.

52. Explain the purpose of a cutting-plane line with an offset in orthographic drawings.

A cutting-plane line with an offset is used when the cut does not pass through the entire object, and the offset indicates the distance from the cut to the visible features.

53. What is the difference between a full section and a half section in orthographic projection?

  • Full Section: The object is cut completely, revealing internal features on both sides.
  • Half Section: Only one quarter of the object is removed, showing internal features on one side.

54. How are chamfers and fillets represented in orthographic drawings?

Chamfers are shown as diagonal lines at the corners, while fillets are represented as rounded curves.

55. Explain the purpose of a center mark in orthographic drawings.

A center mark is used to identify the center of a circle or arc and helps in dimensioning.

56. What is the significance of a phantom line with a long dash in orthographic drawings?

A phantom line with a long dash is used to represent a cutting plane, indicating where a sectional view is taken.

57. How is symmetry about an axis represented in orthographic drawings?

Symmetry about an axis is indicated by using center lines and dimensioning from the center, similar to symmetrical features.

58. Explain the concept of “projection cone” in orthographic projection.

The projection cone represents the field of view from the object to the plane of projection and helps visualize how features are projected.

59. How are inclined planes intersecting each other represented in orthographic drawings?

The point of intersection of inclined planes is projected onto a view, and the lines representing the intersection are drawn accordingly.

60. What is the purpose of a foreshortened view in orthographic projection?

Foreshortened views are used to represent features that are inclined to the plane of projection, showing their shortened lengths.

61. Explain the term “reference plane” in orthographic projection.

A reference plane is an imaginary plane used for projection purposes, aiding in visualizing features from different perspectives.

62. How are non-cylindrical holes represented in orthographic drawings?

Non-cylindrical holes are typically shown with hidden lines to indicate their shape and position within the object.

63. What is the purpose of a dimension extension line in orthographic drawings?

A dimension extension line connects the dimension line to the feature being measured, providing clarity in dimensioning.

64. How are curved surfaces represented in orthographic projections?

Curved surfaces are represented by projecting their true shape onto the projection plane, creating elliptical curves.

65. Explain the concept of “projected true width” in orthographic projection.

Projected true width is the true width of a line when projected onto a plane perpendicular to that line.

66. How is a conical feature represented in orthographic drawings?

A conical feature is shown by projecting its true shape onto the plane of projection, revealing its dimensions and details.

67. What is the purpose of a dimension origin in orthographic drawings?

A dimension origin indicates the starting point for a dimension, providing a reference for measurements.

68. How are inclined lines represented in orthographic projection?

Inclined lines are projected onto the projection plane at their true length, revealing their orientation.

69. Explain the concept of “projected true height” in orthographic projection.

Projected true height is the true height of a line when projected onto a plane perpendicular to that line.

70. What is the significance of a cutting-plane line with a zigzag pattern in orthographic drawings?

A cutting-plane line with a zigzag pattern indicates that the cut extends through the entire length of the object.

71. How are cylindrical features represented in orthographic drawings?

Cylindrical features are typically shown with hidden lines and dimensioned using diameter or radius dimensions.

72. Explain the purpose of a phantom line with a short dash in orthographic drawings.

A phantom line with a short dash is used to represent alternate positions, adjacent parts, or repeated details, providing clarity in the drawing.

73. What is the role of an extension line in orthographic dimensioning?

An extension line extends from the object to the dimension line, indicating the boundaries of the dimension.

74. How do you represent an inclined surface that is parallel to one of the principal planes in orthographic projection?

An inclined surface parallel to one of the principal planes is projected onto that plane to represent its true shape and size.

75. Explain the concept of “limit dimensions” in orthographic drawings.

Limit dimensions specify the acceptable range of variation for a dimension, providing tolerance information.

76. What is the purpose of a dimension witness line in orthographic drawings?

A dimension witness line points to the feature being dimensioned, reducing clutter on the drawing.

77. How are intersecting features represented in orthographic projections?

The points of intersection between features are projected onto the view, and lines are drawn to represent the intersections.

78. Explain the significance of a cutting-plane line with an arrowhead in orthographic drawings.

A cutting-plane line with an arrowhead indicates the direction of the cut for a sectional view, ensuring clarity in communication.

79. What is the role of an inclined projection plane in orthographic drawings?

An inclined projection plane is used to create unique views of an object by projecting features onto a plane inclined to one of the principal planes.

80. How are tangent edges represented in orthographic projections?

Tangent edges are projected as straight lines perpendicular to the point of tangency, accurately representing their orientation.

81. Explain the concept of “axial projection” in orthographic drawings.

Axial projection involves projecting features along an axis, providing a comprehensive view of the object’s axial details.

82. How are symmetrical features dimensioned in orthographic drawings?

Symmetrical features are dimensioned from a centerline or axis, ensuring symmetry is accurately represented.

83. What is the significance of a break line with a zigzag pattern in orthographic drawings?

A break line with a zigzag pattern is used to indicate that a portion of the object has been removed for clarity, and it does not affect the overall representation.

84. How are oblique surfaces represented in orthographic projection?

Oblique surfaces are projected onto the plane of projection, showing their true shape and size as they appear in the view.

85. Explain the purpose of a projection angle in orthographic drawings.

A projection angle is the angle between the projection plane and the object, influencing the appearance of features in the drawing.

86. What is the role of a center mark in orthographic dimensioning?

A center mark is used to locate the center of circular features, helping in accurate dimensioning.

87. How are revolved features dimensioned in orthographic drawings?

Revolved features are typically dimensioned using radial dimensions, specifying the distance from the center.

88. Explain the concept of “interference” in orthographic projection.

Interference occurs when features intersect or interfere with each other, and it’s crucial to represent such relationships accurately in drawings.

89. What is the significance of a break line with a wave pattern in orthographic drawings?

A break line with a wave pattern is used to indicate that a section of the object is intentionally omitted, usually due to its extensive length.

90. How is a cone feature represented in orthographic drawings?

A cone feature is projected onto the projection plane, showing its true shape and dimensions.

91. Explain the purpose of a dimension terminator in orthographic dimensioning.

A dimension terminator indicates the endpoint of a dimension line, providing clarity in measurement.

92. What is the significance of a cutting-plane line with a letter designation in orthographic drawings?

A cutting-plane line with a letter designation is used to identify multiple cutting planes in complex objects, ensuring clear representation.

93. How are irregularly shaped holes represented in orthographic drawings?

Irregularly shaped holes are typically shown using hidden lines and dimensioned according to their shape.

94. Explain the concept of “interference allowance” in orthographic projection.

Interference allowance is the intentional gap or space left between features to account for manufacturing tolerances and prevent interference during assembly.

95. What is the purpose of a projection reference line with an arrowhead in orthographic drawings?

A projection reference line with an arrowhead indicates the direction in which the object is projected onto the plane.

96. How are internal features represented in orthographic drawings?

Internal features, such as holes and cavities, are typically shown using hidden lines to distinguish them from external features.

97. Explain the concept of “dimensioning to the feature” in orthographic drawings.

Dimensioning to the feature involves placing dimensions directly adjacent to the feature being measured, enhancing clarity and understanding.

98. What is the significance of a dimension line with an arrowhead in orthographic drawings?

A dimension line with an arrowhead indicates the direction and extent of the dimension, ensuring precise measurement.

99. How are non-planar surfaces represented in orthographic projections?

Non-planar surfaces are projected onto the plane of projection, showing their true shape and dimensions.

100. Explain the purpose of a jogged extension line in orthographic drawings.

A jogged extension line is used when there is an obstruction, and the extension line needs to be adjusted to maintain clarity in dimensioning.

By Ananta

Ananta has more than 10 years of experience as a lecturer in civil engineering & a BIM Implementation Specialist.