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A drawing is a graphical representation of an object, or part of it, and is the result of creative thought by an engineer or technician. When one person sketches a rough map in giving direction to another, this is graphic communication. Graphic communication involves using visual materials to relate ideas. Drawings, photographs, slides, transparencies, and sketches are all forms of graphic communication. Any medium that uses a graphic image to aid in conveying a message, instructions, or an idea is involved in graphic communication.

It serves the functions of a Tee square, set square, protractor and scale. They come in different sizes and a pattern called ‘Pantagraph’ type. It is fitted on the top left side, edge of the drafting board, mounted on an adjustable frame or table. It requires large area of working place. The angle of the drafting board can be adjusted by pedal operating system. There are two counter weights to balance the angular position of the board and the drafting head. It is more suitable for production drawing office.

Drop spring bow pencil and pen : Drop spring bow pencil and pen are designed for drawing multiple identical small circles. Example: rivet holes, drilled/reamed holes. The central pin is made to move freely up and down through the tube attached to the pen or pencil unit. It is used by holding the knurled head of the tube between thumb and middle finger while the index finger is placed on the top of the pin. The pin point is placed on the centre point of the circle to be drawn and pencil or pen is lowered until it touches paper. The instrument is turned clockwise and the circle is drawn.

It is of ‘T’ shape, made of well seasoned wood. It has two parts., head and blade. One of thr edge of the blade is the working edge. The blade is screwed to this head such that the working edge is at right angle to head 

The standard ‘T’ square are designated as follows with dimensions shown in mm; as per IS:1360-1989.

Drawing board is one of the main equipment of Draughtsman. It is used for supporting the drawing paper/tracing paper for making drawings. It is made of well seasoned wood strips of about 25 mm thick or masonite, free from knots and warping. It should be softer enough to allow insertion and removal of drawing pins. Two battens are fastened to the board by screws, in slotted joints. They prevent warping and at the same time permit expansion and contraction of the strips due to the change of moisture in the atmosphere.

To draw larger circles, it is fitted to the compass. The pencil point or pen point is inserted to its end.

Drawingpaper: These are of two types:

• Hand-made paper
• Mill-made paper

Hand-made papers have rough surfaces, pale in colour and not used for regular work, but meant for charts. Mill-made papers are most commonly used for regular work, and are available in different sizes and rolls. They are specified by their weight in kg per ream or density in grams per square meter.

Set square (IS:1361-1988): Transparent celluloid /Plastic setsquares are preferred and are commonly used rather ebonite ones. They are two in number, each having one corner with 90°. The setsquare with 60°-30° of 250 mm long and 45° of 200mm long is convenient for use. Setsquares sometimes loose their accuracy due to internal strains. So they should be tested periodically

Sometimes set squares have french curves. Set squares are used to draw all straight lines except horizontal lines. It is convenient to draw horizontal lines using Mini drafter.

Large divider: It is used to transfer dimensions and dividing lines into a number of equal parts. Divider with adjustable joints is preferable rather than plain legs

Technical drawings allows efficient communication among engineers and can be kept as a record of the planning process. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, a technical drawing is a much more effective tool for engineers than a written plan.