Drawing Media

Technology Education Department
Introduction to Technical Drawing

DRAWING MEDIA

"Drawing Media" refers to the different types of sheets used in the process of creating Technical Drawings. The sheets described below are available in the Technical Drawing labs for student use in completing their assignments. Refer to Drawing Sheet Sizes for additional information.

Bond Sketching Grid Sheets - These colored and white sheets of offset paper in "A", "B", and "C" sizes contain preprinted 1/8" and 1/4" grid lines and are used to prepare preliminary, freehand, multiview, and pictorial sketches of your ideas.

Index Division Sheets - These colored and white sheets of index or cover stock paper in 8.5"x11" or 9"x11" sizes are used to prepare pages that will divide the units in your notebook.

Lettering Sheets - These white sheets of offset paper in 8.5"x11" size contain preprinted 1/8' spaced, "guide lines" and are used to complete "Lettering Exercises".

Bond Plotting or Printing Sheets - These white sheets of bond paper in "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E" sizes are used in plotters and printers to prepare hard copies of drawing completed on a CAD system. Glossy bond sheets are for final copies.

"Manila" Drawing Sheets - These buff colored sheets similar to index paper in weight and in "A" and "B" sizes are used for introductory pencil drawings.

"Vellum" Tracing Sheets - These transluscent sheets of treated "onion skin" paper in "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E" sizes are used for original pencil or ink drawings. Vellum is actually made from cloth fibers and is less susceptable to humidity changes.

"Mylar" Polyester Sheets - These sheets of plastic film in "A", "B", "C", and "D" sizes are used for original ink and special, plastic lead pencil drawings. Polyester sheets are very stable, resist tearing and easily erased. Drawing is done on the dull side of the sheet.

"Diazo" Reproduction Sheets - These sheets of chemically coated paper in "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E" sizes are used for making copies of vellum or mylar sheets using the "diazo" process. The diazo process uses flourescent light to remove a light sensitive chemical everywhere except where there is a line, and ammonia fumes to change the color of the remaining chemical to blue or black. The result is called a "blueline" or "blackline" print. This process provides very economical copies of drawings but requires a ventilated work area.

Illustration Boards - These sheets of cold and hot finished, heavy cardstock in "A", "B", and "C" sizes are used for making presentation drawings using colored pens, pencils or markers.