Blueprints, or “prints,” show what is needed to make parts. They include details such as size, shape, and acceptable variations. They also tell you the material, finish, special assembly and processing instructions, and inspection requirements. Blueprints come from engineering departments and provide all the necessary information to all those involved in making the part. They turn ideas into products, and help communicate between customers, sales, engineers, drafters, purchasers, machinists, operators, assemblers, and inspectors.

Chock full of industry practices, standards, and copies of industrial prints, Blueprint Reading Basics has long been a favorite of beginners and educators, offering readers the opportunity to practice what they’ve learned. Each chapter includes detailed review of a topic, numerous figures to help illustrate essential concepts, review questions, and worksheets. Metric and English drawings are given an equal presentation, as are international symbols, allowing readers and professionals from around the globe to understand and successfully interpret the meaning of prints without ambiguity.