2D CAD Drawings of Physical Machine Elements: Fasteners, Washers & Assembled Joints
1. Washers: Standards, Function & Proportions (IS 2016 / IS 3063)
A washer is a thin annular disk placed beneath a nut or bolt head.
Primary Engineering Functions:
- Load Distribution: Distributes the bolt clamping pressure over a wider contact area on softer clamped materials.
- Surface Protection: Prevents gouging, scratching, and distortion of the finished joint surface during nut tightening.
- Locking Against Vibration: Spring washers maintain continuous axial tension under dynamic vibration, preventing accidental unscrewing.
PLAIN WASHER SPRING (SPLIT) WASHER
+-------------------------+ +----+ +----+
/| d1 (Hole) |\ | \ / | Split gap
+ | +-------+ | + +----+ \ / +----+
| | | | | | t = 0.15D X
+ | +-------+ | + +----+ / \ +----+
\| |/ | / \ |
+-------------------------+ +----+ +----+
|<-------- Do ----------->|
Standard Proportions (for Bolt Diameter ):
- Inside Hole Diameter (): (for ) or (for ).
- Outside Diameter ():
- Washer Thickness ():
- Chamfer: on one outer edge.
2. Forms of Machine Screws and Bolts
Machine screws are threaded fasteners used for connecting parts without nuts by screwing directly into tapped holes.
| Screw / Bolt Type | Head Geometry | Application & Features |
|---|---|---|
| Hexagonal Head Bolt | 6-sided prism, chamfer | General machinery assembly; tightened with spanner. |
| Square Head Bolt | 4-sided prism | Used in bearings, pipe flanges, and tool-posts where head is captive. |
| Socket Head Cap Screw (Allen Bolt) | Cylindrical head with internal hexagon socket | High-strength assembly where head is countersunk flush into a counterbore. |
| Countersunk Screw | Conical head ( included angle) | Sits completely flush with plate surface (aircraft, machine tables). |
| Cheese Head Screw | Short cylindrical head with screwdriver slot | Electrical appliances, small mechanisms. |
| Eye Foundation Bolt | Forged circular eye embedded in concrete | Anchoring heavy dynamic machines (engines, compressors) to concrete foundation beds. |
3. Assembled Bolted Joint: 2D CAD Layout
When two plates of thickness and are clamped together using a bolt, washer, and nut:
Hex Head Bolt
+----+
| |
-----------+----+----------- Plate 1 (t1)
Clearance | : | Hole (d1 = D + 1)
-----------+----+----------- Plate 2 (t2)
| |
+====+ Plain Washer (Do = 2D + 3)
| | Hex Nut (T = D)
+----+
| | Projection (2 to 3 thread pitches)
+----+
Essential Assembly Rules:
- Clearance Hole in Plates: The hole drilled through the plates must be slightly larger than the bolt shank () to prevent binding.
- Washer Placement: The washer is placed under the rotating nut (not under the bolt head, unless specified).
- Thread Projection: The threaded bolt shank must project beyond the outer face of the tightened nut by at least thread pitches () to guarantee full nut thread engagement.
- Hatching across Plates: When sectioning the assembly, Plate 1 is hatched at and Plate 2 is hatched at () to clearly distinguish the two components.
4. Limits, Fits & Surface Finish Symbols in CAD Drawings
Technical working drawings must specify limits, fits, and manufacturing tolerances (as per IS 919 / ISO 286):
- Hole-Basis System: The basic size is taken as the minimum hole size (-hole, lower deviation ). The desired fit is achieved by varying the tolerance of the shaft. Preferred worldwide.
- Types of Fits:
- Clearance Fit (e.g., ): Minimum hole diameter is strictly greater than maximum shaft diameter free relative rotation or sliding.
- Transition Fit (e.g., ): Tolerance zones overlap can result in either slight clearance or slight interference; used for accurate location (locating pins).
- Interference Fit (e.g., ): Shaft is strictly larger than the hole requires hydraulic press or thermal shrink fitting; permanent assembly.
5. Bill of Materials (BOM) Structure in CAD Assembly Drawings
A technical assembly drawing is incomplete without a standard Bill of Materials (BOM) placed directly above the Title Block:
+----+----------------------+------+---------------+----------+
|ITEM| PART NAME | QTY | MATERIAL | REMARKS |
+----+----------------------+------+---------------+----------+
| 01 | Body / Pedestal Base | 01 | Cast Iron (CI)| FG 200 |
| 02 | Bearing Cap | 01 | Cast Iron (CI)| FG 200 |
| 03 | Split Brasses (Steps)| 02 | Gunmetal | Split |
| 04 | Square Head Bolt M16 | 02 | Mild Steel | Grade 4.6|
| 05 | Hex Nut M16 | 02 | Mild Steel | IS 1363 |
| 06 | Plain Washer 16 | 02 | Steel | IS 2016 |
+----+----------------------+------+---------------+----------+
6. Summary of Key Exam Points
- Washer Dimensions: , , hole .
- Spring Washer Function: Prevents loosening of fasteners subjected to mechanical vibration through constant elastic pre-load.
- Bolt Projection Past Nut: Must extend thread pitches ().
- Sectioning Solid Fasteners: Bolts, studs, nuts, washers, and keys are never sectioned longitudinally.
- Hole-Basis Fit: Standardized on the capital letter for holes (e.g., ), meaning the lower deviation of the hole is exactly zero.