Pattern Development: Sheet Metal Level 1

Pattern Development: Sheet Metal Level 1

Line E

Brian Coey

BCcampus

Victoria, B.C.

Contents

1

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2

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3

About BCcampus Open Education

Pattern Development: Sheet Metal Level 1 by Brian Coey was funded by BCcampus Open Education.

BCcampus Open Education began in 2012 as the B.C. Open Textbook Project with the goal of making post-secondary education in British Columbia more accessible by reducing students’ costs through the use of open textbooks and other OER. BCcampus supports the post-secondary institutions of British Columbia as they adapt and evolve their teaching and learning practices to enable powerful learning opportunities for the students of B.C. BCcampus Open Education is funded by the British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training and the Hewlett Foundation.

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4

Introduction

When wanting to build a project, we need to first imagine it. The process of pattern development gives us the ability to take that visual representation and actually create the object. It allows us to turn two-dimensional metal, into three-dimensional objects, which is the basis for everything we fabricate.

Learning Objectives

  1. Understand the layout and pattern-development processes.

Layout Terms

  • Elevation view – looking at the front or side of something, to have elevation (height), 2D.
  • Element Line – a line representing an edge or bend.
  • Perimeter – the distance around an object.
  • Plan view looking down at something, a “birds eye view,” “floor plan,” 2D.
  • Profile – a view showing half of a plan view.
  • Sector – a special profile which is inside of an object, a section view.
  • Step-off – a length equal to \small\frac{1}{12} of a circumference.
  • Stretch-out – a shape which has been “stretched out,” to take a perimeter and make it straight.
  • True length – a dimension or line that is not distorted by the view.

I

Geometric Construction

Introduction

As a sheet metal worker, we work with different lines, angles and shapes. We work with geometry. Be it in the field or in a shop, geometry is a tool we use in many different ways. From creating 2D patterns of 3D objects, to making sure roof panels are installed square, to locating duct runs and penetrations, geometry is used everyday by a sheet metal worker. This is the foundation for which all layout is done. Craftspeople who excel at this stage are able to quickly transform any complex ideas into reality.

Learning Objectives

  1. Understand the process of geometric construction and its uses
  2. Learn geometric terms

Geometric Terms

  • Acute Angle/Triangle an angle/triangle with an angle smaller than 90°
  • Bisect to divide in half
  • Horizontal a line/plane level with the horizon. Flat, level
  • Obtuse Angle/Triangle an angle/triangle with an angle larger than 90°
  • Parallel a line/plane that is equal distance from another
  • Parts of a CircleA circle with its parts labelled. Described in the following list.
    1. Radius – the distance from centre to any point of the circumference or half the diameter
    2. Diameter – the distance across a circle at centre, twice the radius
    3. Circumference – the distance around a circle, perimeter of a circle
    4. Arc – a portion of a circumference
    5. Chord – a straight line from 2 points on a circumference
    6. Segment – the area of a circle bound by an arc and a chord
    7. Sector – the area of a circle bound by 2 radii and an arc
    8. Quadrant – a sector which equals one quarter of the area of a circle
    9. Tangent – a line which touches only 1 point of a circumference
    10. Point of Tangency – 90° to the centre of the circle
  • Perpendicular – a line/plane which is 90° to another
  • Right Angle/Triangle – an angle/triangle which has a 90° angle
  • Vertical – a line/plane straight up and down, vertically level (plumb)
  • Vertex – the point at which an angle is formed

Circle Facts:

Points, Lines, Angles and Shapes

In geometry we deal with many different shapes. All shapes are made up of various points, lines and angles.

Lines

We can define a point (A) as a single location on a shape or line.

A line (A-B) is made up of 2 points. There are different types of lines:

We also have lines which are parallel or equal distance apart and lines which are perpendicular or at right angles to one another.

Angles

An angle is formed at a point at where 2 lines meet (vertex). We deal with three different types of angles:

Shapes

With a combination of points, lines, and angles, we start to create shapes. Triangles (A-B-C), squares or rectangles (A-B-C-D), and circles are some of the most common shapes seen in the sheet metal industry. It is a combination of points, lines, and angles that make up different shapes —or in our case, our patterns.

1

Construct Triangles - "Triangulation"

When the Three Lengths Are Known (3-4-5)

  1. Draw a line equal to one of the known lengths.The triangles sides are 6 inches, 3 inches, and 7.5 inches. Draw a line for 7.5 inches. One side of the line is point A, the other is point B.
  2. Set your compass to the second known length (6 inches) and swing an arc from one end of the line (point A).
  3. Set your compass to the third known length (3 inches) and swing an arc from the other end (point B) of the line, crossing the first arc.
  4. Complete the triangle by drawing two lines from the ends (points A and B) of the line to the cross point of the two arcs.

2

Bisect a Line

  1. Draw a lineA horizontal line.
  2. Set your compass to approximately ¾ of the length of the line. (The important thing is that it is set to more than half. The further away from half way, the more accurate, but the larger the space required becomes.)
  3. Keeping this distance set on your compass, swing an arc from both ends of the line towards the centre of the line.
  4. Draw a line, connecting the two intersection points of the arcs.

3

Bisect an Arc

  1. Draw an arc.
  2. Draw a line (chord) that connects the two points of the arc (now, bisect the line).
  3. Set your compass to approximately ¾ of the length of the line. (The important thing is to set it to more than half. The further past half way, the more accurate, but the larger the space required becomes.)
  4. Keeping this distance set on your compass, swing arcs from both ends of the line, directed towards the centre.
  5. Draw a line through the two intersection points of the arcs.

4

Bisect an Angle

  1. Set your compass to a radius of reasonable distance inside the angle and swing it from the vertex to create an arc inside the angle.
  2. . Draw a line (chord) from the two points that cross the lines that make the angle.
  3. Now, bisect the line (chord). You can use the vertex as one point, so you only need arc outside the chord. Set your compass to approximately ¾ of the length of the line.
  4. Keeping this distance set on your compass, swing arcs from both ends of the line.
  5. Draw a line through the vertex to the intersection of the arcs.

5

Copy an Angle

This is a similar process to creating a triangle.
  1. Draw the angle to be copied and label it A-B-C. Then, draw a baseline for the new angle and label it A-B.
  2. Set your compass to a radius of reasonable distance. Swing it from the vertex point of the original angle and from point A of the new baseline.
  3. Pick up the distance of this arc from the original angle and transfer it to the copied angle.
  4. Draw in the line from point A to the intersection point to form the angle. Pick up distance A-C and transfer if required.

6

Create a Parallel Line

  1. Draw a line.
  2. Set your compass equal to the distance required for the parallel line.
  3. Swing at least two arcs from the line.
  4. Create the parallel line from the peak (point of tangency) of the arcs.

7

Create a Perpendicular Line

Create a Perpendicular Line at the Middle of a Line

  1. Draw a line.
  2. Bisect the line.
  3. In bisecting the line, we have created a perpendicular line (x-y axis).

Create a Perpendicular Line at the End of a Line

  1. Draw a line.
  2. Set your compass to a radius of reasonable distance.
  3. Swing that arc from the end of the line.
  4. Using the same distance (radius) on your compass, swing that distance along the arc twice. Each time you swing the radius along its own arc/circumference, it create a 60° angle and sector.
  5. Bisect the arc between the last two points. We are bisecting the second 60° sector to create two 30° sectors. If we then look at the arc, we have a 60° sector and a 30° sector, which combine to make a 90° quadrant.
  6. From the end of the line, draw a line through the last point.

8

Draw an Arc Through Three Points

  1. Establish three random points. (Under normal conditions, these points will not be random).
  2. Draw two lines to connect the points.
  3. Bisect the two lines and create perpendicular lines.
  4. Where the two perpendicular lines cross becomes the radius point for the arc.
  5. Set your compass from the established radius point to one of the three points.
  6. Swing the arc through the points.

9

Divide a Circle Into 12 Equal Parts

  1. Draw an x-y axis.
  2. Draw a circle.
  3. From each quadrant point, swing the radius in both directions to cross the circumference. (Remember, when we swing the radius along an arc of equal distance, we create 60°.) As we do it both ways, we end up with 30°-60°-90° all the way around the circumference.
This is one of the most common techniques we use. Know it well!!!

10

Divide a Line Using a Ruler on an Angle

  1. Draw a rectangle.
  2. Determine a larger length that divides easily into how many equal spaces you want. (For example, if four equal spaces are required, 10 inches, 12 inches, 16 inches, etc. are good choices.)
  3. Angle the ruler so that zero and the number chosen, in this case 10 inches, are on the vertical, outside edges of the rectangle (you may need to extend the vertical lines of the rectangle).
  4. Mark the divisions along the ruler and square them vertically. If four divisions are required and 10 inches is chosen, then mark every 2.5 inches on the ruler.
This is one of the most common techniques we use. Know it well!!!

11

Create a Hexagon

If we think of a hexagon inside a circle, it has a radius equal to the length of any given side. This makes it quite easy to construct.

  1. Set your compass to the desired radius or side length.
  2. Draw a circle
  3. Using the same radius, swing it along the circumference six times. Remember, this creates 60° sectors.
  4. Connect the points to create the hexagon.

12

Create Other Polygons

  1. Choose how many side you want.
  2. Choose a side length. Think of this line as a radius.
  3. Draw a baseline double that length.
  4. Set you compass to the side length (radius).
  5. Draw a half circle from the centre of the line.
  6. Divide the half circle into the number of sides required and number it (other geometric construction techniques will be used here).
  7. Draw a line from the radius point to the third point and label the angle/triangle A-B-C. This will create an angle equal to the polygon angle (for example, five sides equals 5 ÷ 360 = 72°).
  8. Use “Draw an Arc Through Three Points” to find the radius point for A-B-C.
  9. Use this radius to draw a complete circle.
  10. Set your compass to the required side length and swing it along the circumference however many times needed to complete the polygon.

13

Video: Geometric Construction

Watch the following video: Geometric Construction (30 minutes)

II

Parallel Line Pattern Development

Introduction

When wanting to build a project, we need to first imagine it. The process of pattern development gives us the ability to take that visual representation and actually create the object. It allows us to turn two-dimensional metal into three-dimensional objects, which is the basis for everything we fabricate.

Consider a globe and a map. The map is a 2D representation of a 3D object. What should the map look like? Is it truly flat? Well, maybe some would argue, but a map is not a true representation of the Earth until we remove some of it. The actual shape of the map will have numerous “cut outs” which would allow it to form a sphere. This is a form of pattern development.

Learning Objectives

  1. Understand the parallel line pattern development processes.
  2. Understand the “language” of layout.

Layout Terms

  1. Allowance – the material needed for a specific component. “We must allow this much extra.” Usually a seam for connection.
  2. Auxiliary Line – an extra element line added, different from the standard divisions.
  3. Elbow Rule – the number of pieces of a round elbow times 2 then minus 2 (# of pcs × 2 − 2) gives us the number of gores in the elbow.
  4. Element Line – a line representing an edge or bend.
  5. Elevation View – looking at the front or side of something, to have elevation (height), 2D.
  6. Gore – a part of a round elbow which allows us to calculate the miter angle.
  7. Miter – an intersection of 2 pieces, an irregular cut on the end of something.
  8. Pattern – the shape of the object, still in 2D form.
  9. Plan view – looking down at something, a “birds eye view,” “floor plan,” (2D).
  10. Profile – a half of a plan view, drawn on the outside of an object.
  11. Sector – a special profile which is inside of an object, a section view.
  12. Stretch-out -a shape which has been “stretched out,” to take a perimeter and make it straight.

Parallel Line Development

The process of pattern development is the way we turn 2D sheets of metal into 3D objects. A parallel line is one of the basic forms of layout. We use it when element lines (bends) on an object are indeed parallel. The two ends of the part must be the same. Consider a gutter: It may have curves and bends and angles, but each end is the same shape. The element lines and bends are all parallel. This is the only factor which will allow parallel line pattern development to be used.

Basic Steps

  1. Draw a full plan and elevation view, complete with all element lines and miter lines.
  2. Draw a stretch-out, complete with all element including auxiliary lines.
  3. Transfer the lengths (height) of the element lines from the elevation view to the corresponding element line on the stretch-out.
  4. Join the point to create the pattern.

14

Pipe on a Miter

  1. Draw a full plan (top) and elevation view (front) of the project, complete with the miter line.
  2. Divide the plan view into 12 equal parts (see Divide a Circle Into 12 Equal Parts) and label it. It is common practice to label a round object with numbers.
  3. Project the plan view divisions down into the elevation view.
  4. Draw the stretch-out directly to the right of the elevation view and divide it into 12 equal parts (see Divide a Line Using a Ruler on an Angle). Label it to match the plan view and make sure to start the labeling where you want the seam. Add any required seam allowances outside of the stretch-out.
  5. At the points where the element lines cross the miter line, project them into the stretch-out.
  6. Following the labeling, circle the intersection points on the stretch-out. Don’t put a dot over the points, but circle around them.
  7. Using a flexible curve, join the points to draw in the miter line, completing the pattern.

15

Equal Diameter 90 Degree Tee

We can start to take some short-cuts in our drawing. Instead of drawing a full plan view, we will use profiles. You can always go back to drawing the full plan view!
  1. Draw a full front elevation view and end elevation view (right side). Notice that the tee does not go passed centre of the pipe, it never will. Because of that, we can delete that portion of the drawing.
  2. Draw profiles on the tee in both views and divide into 6 equal parts (see Divide a Circle Into 12 Equal Parts). Include all labeling. Keep in mind that the labeling will rotate 90° with the view.
  3. Draw in the element lines from the profile divisions.
  4. Where the element lines hit the pipe in the end elevation view, project them horizontally into the front view.
  5. Following the labeling, draw in the miter line in the front view.
  6. Draw the tee stretch-out and divide into 12 equal parts (see Divide a Line Using a Ruler on an Angle). Label the stretch-out to match the elevation views.
  7. Transfer/project the corresponding points from the elevation views to the stretch-out.
  8. Use a flexible curve to draw in the miter line, completing the pattern.

16

Unequal Diameter 90 Degree Tee-Shop Method

We will continue to use short-cuts. In this example, we move the views into the blank size and minimize our drawing. It still gives us the point “where the tee hits the pipe” and it is much more manageable to do in the shop. This method can be used on any tee besides an oblique tee.
  1. Calculate the blank size. Use the stretch-out for one dimension (horizontal) and the seam height plus the radius of the pipe for the second (vertical) dimension. Add any seam allowances on before shearing the blank size.

  2. With your dividers, swing the radius of the pipe to 180° at the bottom of the blank. Then, from the same radius point, swing the radius of the tee and divide it into 6 equal parts (see Divide a Circle Into 12 Equal Parts) and label it. Remember that only the tee is divided. Also, notice that the half circles are symmetrical, so a quarter circle is the minimum required in this case.

  3. Project the divisions of the tee vertically into the pipe and where they intersect, project them horizontally.

  4. Divide the blank size into 12 equal parts (see Divide a Line Using a Ruler on an Angle). Remember to only divide the circumference, any seam allowance should not be included in the divisions.

  5. Label the stretch-out to match the profiles, starting at the seam.
  6. Start the pattern at your seam and follow the labeling. Notice the pattern of over 1, up/down 1, until you reach the last line and then it reverses.

  7. Draw the miter line on the pattern with a flexible curve

17

Off Centre 90 Degree Tee

  1. Draw a full front elevation view and end elevation view.
  2. Draw profiles on the tee in both views and divide into 6 equal parts (see Divide a Circle Into 12 Equal Parts). Include all labeling. Remember that the labeling will flip with the view.
  3. Draw in the element lines from the profile divisions.
  4. Where the element lines hit the pipe in the end view, project them horizontally into the front view.
  5. Following the labeling, draw in the miter line in the front view.
  6. Draw the tee stretch-out and divide into 12 equal parts (see Divide a Line Using a Ruler on an Angle). Label the stretch-out to match the elevation view.
  7. Transfer/project the corresponding points from the front elevation view to the stretch-out.
  8. Circle the points and use a flexible curve to complete the pattern.

18

Oblique Tee

Note: This is the only tee which requires a full front elevation view.
  1. Draw a full front and end elevation view.
  2. Draw profiles on the tee in both views and divide into 6 equal parts (see Divide a Circle Into 12 Equal Parts). Include all labeling.
  3. Draw in the element lines from the profile divisions.
  4. Where the element lines hit the pipe in the end view, project them horizontally into the front view.
  5. Following the labeling, draw in the miter line in the front view.
  6. Draw the tee stretch-out to the right and divide it into 12 equal parts (see Divide a Line Using a Ruler on an Angle). Label to match the elevation views.
  7. Using your compass, transfer the corresponding points from the front elevation view to the stretch-out.  Note: The element lines cannot be projected in this case because the stretch-out is not perpendicular to the tee. In the case of a 90° tee, it is at a right angle to the stretch-out. To be able to project an oblique tee, the stretch-out must be draw at an angle equal to the tee angle. This usually takes too much room to justify doing so.
  8. Use a flexible curve to join the points and complete the pattern.

19

Round Elbow

For this example we will use a 6″ diameter-6″ throat radius-4pc-90°.
  1. Use the elbow rule (# of pcs × 2 − 2) to find the number of gores. For our example, it is 4 × 2 − 2 = 6. Each end piece is made up of one gore and each middle piece is made up of two gores.
  2. Use the angle of the elbow divided by the number of gores to find the miter angle. In our case, 90° ÷ 6 = 15°.
  3. Now that we know the miter angle is 15°, we can use an end gore and lay it out similar to a “Pipe on a Miter” (see Pipe on a Miter).
    1. Draw an elevation view, complete with the miter line.
    2. Draw a profile below (see Divide a Circle Into 12 Equal Parts) and label it.
    3. Project the profile divisions up into the elevation view.
    4. Draw the stretch-out (6 × Pi) directly to the right of the elevation view and divide it into 12 equal parts (see Divide a Line Using a Ruler on an Angle). Label it to match the elevation view and make sure to start the labeling on centre of the gore. Add any required seam allowances outside of the stretch-out.
    5. At the points where the element lines cross the miter line, project them into the stretch-out.
    6. Following the labeling, circle the intersection points on the stretch-out. Don’t put a dot over the points, but circle around them.
    7. Using a flexible curve, join the points to draw in the miter line, completing the pattern.
  4. We now need to finish the calculation for the blank size of the elbow. We already have the stretch-out, but we need the height. This is found by multiplying the seam height by the number of gores. For our example, simply measure the elevation view and find the height of the element line on centre of the gore. This should be 2 7/16″. 2 7/16″ × 6 =14 5/8″.
  5. Now, cut out the blank size.
  6. Mark the seam height of each gore vertically on the stretch-out.
  7. To complete the elbow, trace or transfer the first gore pattern onto the blank and cut it out. Then, flip it and trace it for the rest of the gores. Do not flip left to right, only up and down and remember that you must leave 2 seam heights (2 gores) for the middle pieces. This will allow the seams to be orientated on opposing sides and produce the “fish” pattern.
     

III

Radial Line Pattern Development

In Parallel Line Pattern Development, we required parallel element line or bends. Some objects are of a conical shape and parallel line will not work on them. Rather, we will look at using Radial Line Pattern Development.

In radial line, we develop patterns for shapes that have a taper, all element lines (bends) must radiate back to a common point, a radius point. We need two things for this process to work:

So, when we find ourselves determining if radial line will work, we look at those two things. If the cone is a scalene or oblique cone, it will not work. If a radius point is 40 feet away, it is not worth the effort with this process, another should be chosen, but if it will fit in our bench space, then it will work.

Being one of the simplest forms of layout, it allows us to create these patterns with accuracy and speed. If we can use radial line, it is an effective and efficient choice.

Learning Objectives

  1. Understand the process of Radial Line Pattern Development and its uses.
  2. Understand the language of Radial Line.

Terms

  1. Apex – the intersection point of a cone, as seen in the elevation view.
  2. Slant Height (small or large) – the hypotenuse of a cone, outside edge. The slant height is always a true length in the elevation view.
  3. Stretch-Out Angle/Arc – the angle or arc which encompasses a radial line pattern.
  4. Frustum – a cone with the top cut parallel to the base.
  5. True length – a dimension or line that is not distorted by the view.

Basic Steps

  1. Draw a full elevation view and plan view complete with all element lines.
  2. Swing the slant height with your compass. Remember, in the elevation view, the slant height is always a true length. This arc is also called the stretch-out arc.
  3. Make the length of the stretch-out arc equal to the distance/circumference of the base. There are many ways to accomplish this, but we will focus on the most common method, using step-offs.
A step-off can come from calculating the circumference and dividing by 12 or simply set your compass to one of the profile divisions. Keep in mind that either way will have accuracy problems, it depends on how accurate the pattern must be. We will cover the most accurate method, layout by mathematics, in another unit later.

20

Right Cone

  1. Draw an elevation view.
  2. Profile the base of the elevation view and divide it into six equal parts (see Divide a Circle Into 12 Equal Parts).
  3. Label the profile from 1 to 7 and project the divisions vertically into the base of the cone.
  4. Project the element lines from the base to the apex of the cone.
  5. Locate a radius point where you want to develop the pattern. Unlike Parallel line, it doesn’t matter where this is. There is no projection into the pattern like we used before. But keep in mind that you may require enough room to fit a diameter equal to two slant heights.
  6. With your compass, take the slant height from the elevation view and swing an arc (stretch-out arc). Because we don’t know how long the arc needs to be yet, we use best judgement. We do know that it will be equal to the base circumference. The shallower the cone is, the larger the stretch-out angle will be. A very steep cone will be a much smaller angle
  7. Establish a starting point for the pattern and draw a line back to the radius point. The starting point can be anywhere along the arc
  8. Set your compass to a step-off. From your starting point, swing it 12 times along the stretch-out arc.
  9. Connect the last point back to the radius point to complete the pattern.
Watch the following video: Radial Line – Right Cone (17 minutes)

21

Pyramid

Any number of sides can be developed with this same method.
  1. Draw a plan and elevation view. When a pyramid is being developed, the plan view must have a point on the X axis to to give it a true length in the elevation view.
  2. Locate a radius point where you want to develop the pattern.
  3. With your compass, take the slant height from the elevation view and swing an arc (stretch-out arc).
  4. Establish a starting point for the pattern and draw a line back to the radius point. The starting point can be anywhere along the arc.
  5. Set your compass to a length equal to one side of the base. From your starting point, swing it as many times as sides along the stretch-out arc.
  6. Connect all the points back to the radius point to complete the pattern.
Watch the following video: Radial Line – Pyramid (5 minutes)

22

Frustum of a Cone

  1. Draw an elevation view, including the apex point.
  2. Profile the base of the elevation view and divide it into 6 equal parts.
  3. Label the profile from 1 to 7 and project the divisions vertically into the base of the cone.
  4. Project the element lines from the base to the apex of the cone.
  5. Locate a radius point where you want to develop the pattern.
  6. With your compass, take the large slant height from the elevation view and swing an arc from the radius point.
  7. Set your compass to the small slant height and swing it from the same radius point.
  8. Along the stretch-out (large) arc, establish a starting point for the pattern and draw a line back to the radius point.
  9. Set your compass to a step-off. From your starting point, swing it 12 times along the stretch-out arc. In this case, this must be done on the large or stretch-out arc because that is where the step-off is taken from.
  10. Connect the last point back to the radius point to complete the pattern.

23

Cone on a Pitch/Miter

  1. Draw an elevation view, including the apex point.
  2. Profile the base of the elevation view and divide it into six equal parts.
  3. Label the profile from 1 to 7 and project the divisions vertically into the base of the cone.
  4. Project the element lines from the base to the apex of the cone.
  5. Draw in the miter line.
  6. Where the element lines cross the miter line, project them horizontally to the outside edge. This now creates seven different slant heights.

  7. Locate a radius point where you want to develop the pattern.
  8. With your compass, take the large slant height and swing an arc.
  9. Set your compass to all of the remaining slant heights and swing them from the radius point.
  10. Establish a starting point for the pattern and draw a line back to the radius point.
  11. Set your compass to a step-off. From your starting point, swing it 12 times along the stretch-out arc and label each point to match the elevation view. Start your numbering where you want the seam, commonly put on the short side of the cone.
  12. Connect the all of the points back to the radius point.
  13. Following your numbering, circle each intersection point. This will create the pattern of over 1, down 1.
  14. Use a flexible curve to connect the points and create the pattern.

IV

Triangulation

When we looked at both parallel line and radial line pattern development, we saw fairly simple and limited layout process. We have conditions that must be met in order to use them. Triangulation is the process used when nothing else works. There are very few conditions in which triangulation will not work. It is the most complex and time consuming, but it allows us to create patterns of endless possibilities. When all else fails, triangulation will work.

Learning Objectives

  1. Understand the process of Triangulation Pattern Development and its uses.
  2. Learn Triangulation terms.

Triangulation Terms

  1. True Length – a dimension or line that is not distorted by the view.
  2. True Length Diagram (TLD) – a 90° corner in that we use to find the actual length of a line.
  3. Triangulation from Plan View – the length of an element line, set 90° to the vertical height, gives the true length of that line.

Triangulation is defined as using two known points to create a third. If we think back to geometric construction, we created triangles such as a 3-4-5 in this manner. The development of patterns using triangulation is an extension of that process. Developing one triangle after another, we build 2D patterns for 3D objects.

In this unit, we will focus on Triangulation from plan view.

Let’s look at a right triangle in orthographic terms. If we look down on a triangle (plan view), we only see the one leg of the triangle. If we look from the front (elevation view), we see the other leg. When we look from the right side, we see a full view of the triangle, with all three legs. The right side is the only view that gives enough information to see the whole triangle.

The same is true when we think of these ideas in relation to a 3D object. With few exceptions, we don’t actually see true lengths of the element lines for an object in the plan or elevation views. They are representations. Think again of the triangle in orthographic projection. If only the hypotenuse was drawn, not a full triangle, the plan and elevation views would still look the same as it did when we looked at the triangle. This is true of any 3D object. The plan and elevation views only show a representation of the hypotenuse from different views. Remember that the element lines or edges only represent the outside of the object.

So, to triangulate a pattern for an object, we must find the outside lengths of all the element lines, the hypotenuses. We must get all element lines from an object into a right side view. With a 3D object, this takes rotating the object over and over, putting each line individually into a right side view. This would take a tremendous amount of work, but, we can do this quite easily by using what is called a true length diagram. This is know as finding true lengths and is the foundation that all triangulation is built upon.

For triangulation, we must find the true lengths of the element line before we create any triangles. And the true lengths are the hypotenuses between the plan length and vertical height. This is the way we triangulate from plan view.

If we again think of the plan view, we have the length of one leg. It doesn’t matter how the line is orientated, it is shows us how much the outside edge (hypotenuse) is leaning. We also have the vertical height of the triangle in the front view. So, if we take these two known lengths and place them in a 90° corner, it shows us the same as the right side. It show us the hypotenuse. It shows us the true view of the element line. This is known as a true length diagram.

Basic Steps

  1. Draw a full elevation view and plan view.
  2. Draw in all element lines in both views. An element line which appears as a dot in one view, is a true length in the other view. As well, a line parallel to the x-axis in the plan view is also a true length in the elevation view.
  3. Label the element lines. It is common to label round shapes with numbers and square/rectangular with letters.
  4. Create a 90° corner for a true length diagram and transfer all the element lines from the plan view into it.
  5. Start the pattern with a line of two known points. There will always be two known points to start from, either a horizontal or vertical line.
  6. Using triangulation (see Construct Triangles – “Triangulation”), create the third point.
  7. Repeat until all the element lines have been used.
  8. Draw in all the element lines and outside edges to complete the pattern.

24

On-Centre Square to Round

A square to round can only be formed in halves, so we always develop a half pattern.
  1. Draw a full plan view complete with all element lines and labeling. Label one half of the plan view, the round end with numbers and the square end with letters. Notice the lines of symmetry in the plan view. Parts of the drawing can be deleted because of this symmetry. In this case, it is on centre in both directions, so a quarter plan view is the minimum required to avoid duplication. But, sometimes it is easier to draw at least a half plan, there is no harm in drawing more than the minimum required.
  2. Create a true length diagram (TLD) with the vertical height of the fitting and a horizontal length long enough to fit any of the element lines.
  3. Take the element lines A-1, A-2 and C-7 from the plan view and place them in the horizontal of the TLD. In this case, all other lines will be a duplicates of these 3 lines. Still, label the TLD with ALL of the element lines so you don’t make a mistake!!!
  4. Draw a baseline equal to line A-B. We are now ready to triangulate
  5. From the TLD, pick up the true length of line A-4 and swing it upwards from point A towards the centre. Then swing it from point B. Where these arcs cross is point 4. We now have our first triangle, A-B-4. This is our first step of triangulating. Remember that triangulation means using two known points to create a third. In this case, the known points are A and B and the unknown is 4.
  6. Next, pick up true length of line A-3 and swing it from point A. In this step our two known points are now points A and 4 (or B and 4) and the unknown is 3. In each step, we will use the last point created as one of our new known points. Because the fitting is symmetrical, continue to work both sides at the same time. We will only discuss one side here, but the steps repeat on the other side.
  7. Pick up line 3-4, a step-off, from the plan view and swing it from point 4, to create point 3. When we look at our plan view, we have labeled it in a way that numbers are at one end and letters on the other. So, when we go from one end to the other (number to letter), we need to find the true length, but when we go from number to number (or letter to letter) we don’t have any elevation change involved. We are just going horizontally along the end, which means it is a true length in the plan view.
  8. Pick up line A-2 and swing it from point A.
  9. Pick up a step-off and swing it from point 3, to create point 2
  10. Pick up line A-1 and swing it from point A.
  11. Pick up a step-off and swing it from 2, to create point 1.
  12. Pick up line C-1 and swing it from 1. This is our first step where we are not swinging from A; we now must swing from 1. Always be thinking of the known points and the unknown. We must always swing an arc from a known point. For this triangle, the known points are A and 1 and the unknown is C. So, line C-1 has to be swung from 1 since we don’t know where C is yet.
  13. Pick up line A-C from the plan view (remember that letter to letter is true length) and swing it from point A, to create point C. The way to check our work is this last triangle should be a right triangle. Point C should be 90°, if it’s not, go back and check your work.
  14. Draw in the all the element lines and outside edges, using a flexible curve for the round end.
  15. Cut out and trace the pattern for the other half.
Watch the following video: SQ 2 RD on Center (33 minutes)

25

On-Centre Round to Taper

  1. Draw a full plan view complete with all element lines and labeling. Label one half of the plan view, travel from large end to small end, zig-zagging back and forth with the numbering 1-14. Notice the lines of symmetry in the plan view. Every round to round will be on centre one way, but it is always worth drawing the whole thing.
  2. Create a TLD and label all the element lines. Remember, any element line which travels from one end of the fitting to the other, will need to be put into a true length diagram.
  3. Draw a vertical line equal to the true length of line 1-2. Square to rounds always start with a horizontal line and round tapers always start with a vertical line. We are now ready to triangulate.
  4. From the TLD, pick up the true length of line 2-3 and swing it from point 2, back towards point 1. Remember to work both sides at the same time.
  5. Next, pick up step-off 1-3 and swing it from point 1, to complete point 3. When we look at our plan view, we have labeled it in a way that odd numbers are at one end and even on the other. So, when we go from one end to the other (odd to even), we need to find the true length, but when we go from even to even or odd to odd we don’t have any elevation change involved. We are just going horizontally along the end, which means it is a true length in the plan view.
  6. Pick up line 3-4 from the TLD and swing it from point 3 back towards point 2.
  7. Pick up the step-off and swing it from point 2, to complete point 4.
  8. Follow this same procedures, swing a true length of an element line and a step-off to create the next point until you reach point 14.
  9. Draw in the all the element lines and outside edges, use a flexible curve for the round ends. Because this is a fitting that could be done in radial line, although maybe not practical, the pattern will follow the same shape, having a common radius point and parallel arcs.
Watch the following video: RD 2 RD on Center (20 minutes)

26

Off-Centre Square to Round

The only difference with this fitting is a few more element line lengths than an on-centre, the process is exactly the same.
  1. Draw a full plan view complete with all element lines and labeling. Choose a line of symmetry to place the seam so you only need to make 1 pattern. Label one half of the plan view, the round end with numbers and the square end with letters.
  2. Create a TLD and label it
  3. Draw a baseline equal to line A-B.
  4. Pick up the true length of line A-4 and swing it from point A.
  5. Next, pick up true length of line B-4 and swing it from point B. Where it crosses the first arc, becomes point 4.
  6. Pick up a step-off from the plan view and swing it from point 4. Unlike an on-centre square to round, this fitting needs to be developed one side at a time. Complete one side, then go back to finish the other side.
  7. Pick up the true length of line A-3 and swing it from point A.
  8. Pick a step-off and swing it from point 3.
  9. Pick up the true length of line A-2 and swing it from point A.
  10. Pick up a step-off and swing it from 2.
  11. Pick up the true length of line A-1 and swing it from point A.
  12. Pick up the true length of line D-1 and swing it from 1.
  13. Pick up line A-D from the plan view (remember that letter to letter is true length) and swing it from point A. Remember that point D should be 90°. If it not, go back and check your work.
  14. Now, go back to point 4 and work the pattern to the other side, completing it at point C. Notice in this example, line C-7 has no length in the plan view, it is a dot. The true length is the vertical height. Zero plan length put 90 deg to the vertical height, will have no change to the vertical height.
  15. Draw in the all the element lines and outside edges, using a flexible curve for the round end.
Watch the following video: Off-Center – SQ 2 RD (16 minutes)

27

Off-Centre Round Taper

  1. Draw a full plan view complete with all element lines and labeling. Label one half of the plan view, go from large end to small end, zigzagging back and forth with the numbering 1-14. Remember, every round to round will be on centre one way, but it is always worth drawing the whole thing.
  2. Create a TLD and label all the element lines.
  3. Draw a vertical line equal to the true length of line 13-14.
  4. From the TLD, pick up the true length of line 13-12 and swing it from point 13 back towards point 14. Remember to work both sides at the same time.
  5. Next, pick up step-off 14-12, and swing it from point 14.
  6. Pick up line 12-11 from the TLD, and swing it from point 12.
  7. Pick up step-off 11-13, and swing it from point 13.
  8. Follow this same procedures, swing the true length of an element line and a step-off to create the next point until you reach point 1.
  9. Draw in the all the element lines and outside edges, use a flexible curve for the round ends.

28

Way-Off-Centre Square to Round or Any Shape

For any square to round, we want to think of the four quadrants of each end. No matter how they are configured, if we connect each of the corresponding quadrants (upper left to upper left, lower left to lower left, etc.), we can develop the pattern in the same way done previously. If we think of other shapes, as long as we can connect the two ends with element lines, which create triangles, we can triangulate it. We just have to think about forming it!

  1. Draw a full plan view complete with all element lines and labeling.
  2. Create a TLD with all element lines required.
  3. Start with baseline of two known points then triangulate the third point.
  4. Follow the basic steps of triangulation to finish the pattern. In the case of a square to round with NO line of symmetry, two different half patterns will need to be developed.

1

Glossary

Acute Angle/Triangle

an angle/triangle with an angle smaller than 90°

Allowance

the material needed for a specific component-“We must allow this much extra”. Usually a seam for connection

Apex

the intersection point of a cone, as seen in the elevation view

Arc

a portion of a circumference

Auxiliary Line

an extra element line added, different from the standard divisions

Bisect

to divide in half

Chord

a straight line from 2 points on a circumference

Circumference

the distance around a circle, perimeter of a circle

Diameter

the distance across a circle at center, twice the radius

Elbow Rule

the number of pieces of a round elbow times 2 then minus 2(# of pcs x 2-2) gives us the number of gores in the elbow

Element Line

a line representing an edge or bend

Elevation View

looking at the front or side of something, to have elevation (height), 2D

Frustum

a cone with the top cut parallel to the base

Gore

a part of a round elbow which allows us to calculate the miter angle

Horizontal

a line/plane level with the horizon. Flat, level

Miter

an intersection of 2 pieces- an irregular cut on the end of something

Obtuse Angle/Triangle

an angle/triangle with an angle larger than 90°

Parallel

a line/plane that is equal distance from another

Pattern

the shape of the object, still in 2D form

Perpendicular

a line/plane which is 90° to another

Plan view

looking down at something, a “birds eye view”, “floor plan” (2D)

Point of Tangency

a straight line that touches the circle at only one point

Profile

a half of a plan view, drawn on the outside of an object

Quadrant

a sector which equals one quarter of the area of a circle

Radius

the distance from center to any point of the circumference, half the diameter

Right Angle/Triangle

an angle/triangle which has a 90° angle

Sector

the area of a circle bound by 2 radii and an arc

Segment

the area of a circle bound by an arc and a chord

Slant Height (small or large)

the hypotenuse of a cone, outside edge. The slant height is always a true length in the elevation view

Stretch-out

a shape which has been “stretched out”, to take a perimeter and make it straight

Stretch-Out Angle/Arc

the angle or arc which encompasses a radial line pattern

Tangent

a line which touches only 1 point of a circumference

Triangulation from Plan View

the length of an element line, set 90° to the vertical height, gives the true length of that line

True Length

a dimension or line that is not distorted by the view

True Length Diagram (TLD)

a 90° corner in that we use to find the actual length of a line

Vertex

the point at which an angle is formed

Vertical

a line/plane straight up and down, vertically level (plumb)

2

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Version Date Change Details
1.00 August 13, 2021 Book published.