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Mechanical Drafting

Beverly Rebelo, Academy D – Ext. 632

Statement of Purpose

Student working on building model building

Exploratory Program

The Mechanical Drafting Exploratory program introduces the student to basic Architectural and Mechanical Drafting techniques using the latest version of AutoCAD, a 2D software, used for architectural and mechanical drafting and Chief Architect, a 3D BIM (Building Information Modeling) software. The AutoCAD assignments include an assortment of 2 dimensional objects, floor plans and a multitude of mechanical parts. A Chief Architect assignment includes designing a penthouse apartment. During each project the student will be introduced to more advanced commands and applications. Students will also learn the various career paths available to graduates from this program. All students are assessed on each assignment and results are compiled using the school wide exploratory rubric grading template.

Freshman Program

Permanent CAD Drafting students entering the 9th grade are provided with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for success in the Drafting profession. The Basic Level course will be in AutoCAD and Chief Architect. Computer-aided design (CAD) drafters utilize software to create technical drawings for building construction and product manufacturing. Students will expand their knowledge through assignments that include; pictorial drawing, orthographic projection, dimensioning, sketching, measurement, blueprint reading, assembly and working drawings.

These courses are the fundamentals of the drafting industry, and students will be instructed with the latest software available to the architectural/mechanical drafter and designer.

Instruction includes demonstrations, hands-on applications; math, reading/writing assignments, and quizzes/tests will determine competency levels of the students.

Sophomore Program

This course is designed to further develop the skills and knowledge needed for success in the drafting field. The curriculum focuses on both architectural and mechanical drafting which now moves into the intermediate level. Mechanical topics include orthographic projection, isometrics, section views, auxiliary views, hand sketching, tolerances, and 3D modeling. Skill

are reinforced using the latest versions of 2D AutoCAD, and 3D Solidworks software. Software instruction includes solid part modeling and assembly modeling. This course will continue the architectural drafting curriculum featuring 2D AutoCAD; topics include floor plans, sections, elevations, details and their application. Instruction includes demonstrations, hands-on application; math, reading/writing assignments, quizzes and tests will be used to determine competency levels. Students are encouraged to attend after school help sessions if they are behind in their assignments and feel they need extra help.

Student working on paper work for drafting
Related Class & Placement/Co-Op Opportunities
Sophomore Year
Drafting Technology Sophomore Related Math

This course is based on the Vocational Technical Education Frameworks written by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (June 2014). The student is taught various aspects of drafting technology in practical and realistic mathematical problems that the student will encounter in everyday work situations. This course provides the students with the technical skills required to succeed in the field of drafting technology and is a prerequisite for entrance into both the Architectural Drafting and Mechanical Drafting Shop programs. 

Students will:

  • Demonstrate mastery in basic math operations such as basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, and fractions.
  • Demonstrate mastery of reading a scale.
  • Demonstrate mastery of converting feet and inches into decimals.
  • Demonstrate mastery in finding areas of: circles, squares and rectangles.
  • Demonstrate mastery of finding volume of a cube and rectangle and unit conversions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge in finding angles in a triangle.
  • Demonstrate knowledge in simple trigonometry functions.
  • Mechanical Drafting
  • Orthographic (Multiview) Projection
  • Dimensioning different styles
  • Section View types
  • Hatch patterns
  • Isometric Projections
  • Perspective Projection (for architectural)
  • Working Drawings for different industries
  • Auxiliary Projections
  • Basic Dimension Tolerances and how they affect the work.
  • Basic screw threads
  • Occupations in drafting
Junior Year
Structures I

Each student will develop a basic related theory notebook of all lessons from their first two years, to build on as seniors in Mechanical Drafting Understanding of Precision and tolerances and their importance in making parts interchangeable.

  • Use of Geometric Tolerances (ISO) in combination with nominal tolerances Understanding of Fastening devices and their uses (screws, nuts, rivets, snap rings, keys, etc.)
  • Use of Springs in drafting
  • Surface specifications and Finishes
  • Welding symbols and their use in a drawing
  • Piping symbols and their use in a drawing
  • Cams and timing diagrams
  • Pattern Development
  • Right angle trigonometry for drafting design
  • A course will specialize only in the electro-mechanical area of drafting. Covering symbols and drafting styles for electronic drafting
  • Job types / responsibility
  • Types of diagrams
  • Components and symbols
  • Schematic drawings
  • Wiring methods
  • Printed circuits/circuit board
  • Enclosure drawings (pattern development)
Senior Year
Electro / Mechanical Drafting

Students learn basic skills as outlined in the description area in a classroom environment, allowing them to further develop those skills in an office setting in the drafting shop areas. Each student will have developed a basic related theory notebook of all lessons from their past year, to build on as seniors in Electro/Mechanical.

Subjects covered senior year include:

  • Jigs & Fixtures-design and uses
  • Dies- types and uses
  • H.V.A.C. rules for development
  • Fluid power
  • Steel types
  • Development of Spur, Bevel and worm gears.
  • Speed ratios for gear trains
  • Instrumentation and control

Students receive training in design areas that include:

  • Types of Manufacturing Materials and their uses.
  • Types of Forming Processes and materials made from
  • Strength of Materials in industry
  • Use of Design Concepts to correctly design for best results and lowest cost.
  • Use of Belts & Chains for drive applications
  • Use of Bearings & Seals in drive applications
  • Use of Linkages & Actuators
  • Structural Drafting

Junior Program:

This course is designed to give students the opportunity to advance their knowledge and technical skills in the field of drafting. The curriculum features mechanical drafting and solid modeling projects using the latest versions of SolidWorks and AutoCAD. Students will learn SolidWorks 3D CAD, while reinforcing earlier concepts such as manufacturing processes, fasteners, tolerances, working and assembly drawings. New related theory topics include geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GDT), sheet metal (bending and transitions), and mechanical components. The third trimester of the junior year will focus on advanced Solid modeling using Solidworks and review of AutoCAD. The primary focus in the junior year is to prepare students for cooperative employment outside of the school. Students are encouraged to attend after school help sessions if they are behind in their assignments and feel they need extra help.

Senior Program

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to continue proficiency in their technical skills and comprehension level in the drafting program. The major focus for this year is 3D modeling and translation of 3D to 2D drawings. Students will demonstrate their proficiency in hand sketching, CAD drawing creation, presentation skills and physical model building. Live jobs are a major concentration in the course, where students work on various projects for both inside and outside customers, requiring the use of various software products, and a wide range of technical skills. Students are encouraged to attend after school help sessions if they are behind in their assignments and feel they need extra help.

Students in Drafting working on computers
Mechanical Drafting Certifications
  • Career Safe Certification, recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • Certified Solidworks Associate Exam 3D modeling
  • The Autodesk® Certified User exam – 2D AutoCAD
  • The ADDA Drafter Certification Examination-Certified Mechanical Drafter
Career Opportunities
  • Detail Draftsperson
  • Engineering Assistant
  • CAD Detailer
  • Mechanical Drafter
  • Mechanical Designer
  • Civil Drafter
  • Electrical Drafter
Post-Secondary Education

Upon completion of this Technical Program, students will be better prepared for postsecondary education (college) in the following courses of study:

Two or four year options in:

  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Electro-mechanical Technology
  • Industrial Engineering Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Industrial Design