Online Mechanical Drafting Courses and Classes Overview

Online mechanical drafting courses teach students how to create detailed drawings of machinery and mechanical devices that describe assembly and fastening methods, indicate dimensions and provide other types of technical information. These courses are generally found as part of an associate or certificate level program in mechanical drafting.

Overview of Mechanical Drafting Courses Available Online

Online mechanical drafting programs teach students how to take rough sketches and basic ideas and skillfully turn them into detailed and universally understood drawings. Courses cover topics like technical math and writing, basic drafting, computer aided design (CAD), engineering materials, basic mechanics and the manufacturing process. Specific designations include Certificate, Diploma or Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Drafting. Job titles for someone who has completed a mechanical drafting program include detailer, CAD operator, drafting technician, designer and mechanical drafter.

Course Requirements

To participate in these courses, a student needs a computer with high-speed Internet access, a robust processor, sound card with speakers and monitor capable of high resolution display. Some programs or individual courses may come with specific requirements for operating systems and browsers. Other needed hardware might include a webcam or printer.

List of Online Mechanical Drafting Courses

Drafting Basics Course

Students learn how to create freehand technical sketches in this course. The decimal, metric and mechanical engineer's scales are discussed along with basic terminology, tools and major equipment used in the trade. Also included is an overview of sketching and lettering, equipment, section and auxiliary views, multi-view and working drawings, geometric construction and dimensioning.

Mechanical Drafting with AutoCAD Course

Using and optimizing AutoCAD software and peripheral equipment to create computer-generated 2D and 3D drawings is the focus of this course. Students learn how to navigate the AutoCAD user interface along with basic terminology and fundamental features of the software. By the end of the course students know commands and techniques for creating, manipulating, editing, storing and presenting accurate and aesthetically pleasing technical drawings.

Blueprint Reading Course

This course introduces the terminology and symbology associated with blueprint reading. Students learn how to read and create technical sketches, such as cable, working, assembly and piping drawings. Included is a discussion of projection and dimensioning systems, castings, sectional views, thread specifications, metric drawings and geometric tolerances.

Technical Writing Course

The techniques, procedures and formats used in the written presentation of technical information are examined. Students consider sources of information and the needs of various audiences as they learn to grasp scientific and technical ideas and then present this information in a clear, meaningful and useful way.