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Parallel drafting rulers are available in various formats and types. Each type is developed to aid certain drafting requirements.
A set of parallel drafting rulers consists of two straight Edges connected by two sliding rods or chains. These rulers allow a draftsman to draw all kinds of parallel lines by moving one ruler along the other. The chain connected to the rulers is usually made of stainless steel, and the rulers are made in a variety of sizes. This traditional style can't beat the mechanical or electronic ones concerning accuracy. But, brews a preference in professionals due to its simple construction and low cost. The mechanical and electronic versions have been included in the original parallel rulers.
In addition, the traditional parallel rulers are best used with simple design tasks involving manual drafting on paper. Where complex designs, require digitization, there is no need to include these traditional rulers here.
The rotating drafting parallel rulers have one straight edge and a working angle of 180 degrees in the middle of the two chains. The middle section of the parallel rulers' set can be rotated, and the two straight edges can be locked at the desired angle. These rulers are very useful when drawing slanted or angled lines, and thus, they are also known as drafting angle parallel rulers.
These are a little different from the original drafting parallel rulers, which had a straight edge. These are employed in mechanical or architectural drawings when different incline or intersection angles are necessary. The rotating parts give them this flexibility.
One can easily slide the two straight edges on the mechanical draft parallel, and it comes with a parallel ruler set. These rulers are usually linked by a toothed belt inside the mechanical drafting parallel ruler. So, when one edge is moved, the other rotates simultaneously. These rulers are very practical for drawing parallel lines only, and they slide easily because of the moving parts.
It also becomes easier to maintain constant distance between any two straight edges while drawing a line. Due to this running toothed belt inside, even the slightest movement of the ruler reflects on the drawn parallel lines. It makes these rulers ideal for tasks, which require the utmost precision in parallel lines.
Many people want the most advanced options and can afford the price. It is a simple Tsuka electronic parallel ruler run by motors on the arm, making it move along the X, Y axis on a drafting table after fixing it with a magnet on the table. The two straight edges can also rotate so that the operation will not be affected even if the drafting table is small. It connects to a computer and a CAD program, allowing the artist to draft with all the great precision of a ruler while still drawing on the screen. The electronic ruler will have the same closeness as the physical rulers, but working speed increases and mistakes decrease with the electronic rulers.
The electronic draftsmen are not just limited to drawing parallel lines. They can also command the electronic parallel rulers to draw circles, squares, and all rotation angles' parallel and perpendicular lines. It puts these instruments at the disposal of professionals for design and architectural work.
The construction of drafting rulers greatly affects their efficiency and usage. The shape, materials used, and any features that would prevent slipping add to the overall functionality of the rulers.
Parallel drafting rulers are produced with different materials. Each of the material adds to the accuracy, durability, and safety issues with drafting. The parallel rulers in the wood are the most common ones. Parallel drafting rulers were composed of thick wood, such as mahogany or cherry, hundreds of years ago. Artisans preferred it for its remarkable quality and sturdiness.
Contemporary wooden kinds might have a plastic or a metal parallelogram inside for the movement of the arms, which grants the rulers their signature glide. Plastic is another material often utilized in the making of parallel drafting rulers. Where's the minimum and maximum, and the plastic rulers, which are the most affordable, are for non-technical drawings.
Metal rulers are the best in accuracy and stability. They are made of metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel, which are transitioned into durability and anti-flex properties. If drafting requires superior accuracy, metal parallel drafting rulers must be used.
One of the main problems while using any ruler drafting parallel is that it might slip while drawing the lines. Some of the further types of drafting rulers incorporate rubber pads or grooves on the back as a solution to this issue. These pads help keep the rule in place while drawing, thus preventing any slippage from happening while working.
In most drafting rulers, the measures are usually embossed onto the ruler so that the draftsman can use the ruler easily. The divisions could be 1/4', in 1/8', cm, and mm. That is because, for architectural drawings and spacing, dividing the parallel ruler in inches and centimeters is of great importance.
Some parallel drafting rulers have a lanyard attached to the ruler, which helps the draftsman carry and keep it safe. It is handy for people working in the field or making plans in spaces where there is no desk.
Following is a breakdown of the typical situations in which the drafting rulers can be applied, taking into account design, architecture, and other technical fields.
Buildings must be sketched with precision and careful attention to detail, and there are no two ways about it. Parallel rulers are a great help in architectural drafting, as they allow the drafters to draw parallel lines for walls, windows, and other structural components. They are also important in drawing straight lines for roads, land divisions, and other features in site plans, which are essentially important for creating accurate plans for buildings.
Engineers and drafters working on mechanical drafting need precise tools, especially if they're drafting machinery or complex mechanical systems. Angle drafting parallel rulers are excellent for mechanical drafting since these rulers allow the user to draw all angles and slants with accuracy.
Mechanical parallel drafting rulers are ideal for moving one set of straight edges while working on multiple angles and inclines. The ruler types also enable the draftsman to accurately replicate the size and all dimensions of the component, which is important for mechanical drafting.
Circuit boards or electrical schematics involve precise parallel lines, making parallel drafting rulers so important in electronic and electrical drafting. Customarily, parallel drafting rulers can be used to draw straight lines for wires, connectors, and other components on circuit diagrams. Those mechanical parallel drafting rulers come in handy, especially in crowded designs where space is at a premium and accurate placement is required.
From consumer goods to complex machines, industrial designers create various products. Drafting rulers could be used to develop technical drawings, including proportions, symmetry, and scale. The parallel rulers are suitable for drawing straight lines and parallel lines, which simplifies making accurate technical drawings.
Surveyors are drafting maps and measurements related to land and geography. Accurate distance and spacing representation on maps requires precision tools. Any parallel drafting ruler is great for drawing property lines, contour lines, and grid lines on surveying maps, which helps keep those maps accurate.
Knowing about the drafting rulers' specs helps one choose the suitable types for the projects at hand. Maintaining the rulers is the best way to increase their lifespan and guarantee that they will deliver precise results whenever one needs them. The two straight edges of a parallel drafting ruler are formed into distinct lengths. The 12-inch ruler is ideal for little projects or simple drawings because of its small size. When working with major designs requiring additional detail and space, using a 36-inch parallel ruler is better.
One of the other big comparisons among drafting rulers is the material from which they are constructed. Some are formed due to inexpensive plastic, while others are manufactured of expensive metals such as brass or aluminum. Traditional wooden rulers are probably the original drafting rulers, although they are the least common today. One can also find rulers that contain elements and designs fashioned in a certain way.
Ultimately, a larger drafting table should have a large parallel drafting ruler, while small areas can have a small ruler. While working with a drafting parallel ruler, cleanliness is a great measure of accuracy. Any dust, smudge, or foreign object will make it difficult for the drafting ruler to make parallel lines.
Hence, one must clean the rulers often. Avoid blocking the channel of the ruler, which connects the two straight edges, as it may cause movement issues. If the ruler glides, there may be a chance that it is caught on some foreign object. Often, the two straight edges and the area around the rail should be wiped with a clean, dry cloth.
Finally, one should store the drafting rulers in special containers, protective cases, and covers away from heat and humidity. This damage mainly occurs with rulers made of wood, plastic, and mechanical parts. It applies to metal rulers, which should be avoided to prevent chemical reactions with a ruler. For a drafting ruler to serve for several projects, it is of great importance to clean and store it in a safe place.
While plastic rulers are cost-effective and lightweight, they may not be suitable for all professional applications due to less accuracy. Metal or wooden rulers should be used for professional use.
Depending on the type of work and size of the drafting table, a parallel drafting ruler should be long enough to offer adequate space for drawing lines and moving it comfortably. A 12-inch ruler or a 36-inch ruler should be appropriate.
Many parallel drafting rulers contain anti-slip features, such as rubber pads on the back or anti-slip grooves, to prevent them from moving while drawing.
Mechanical parallel drafting rulers enable the movement of parallel arms with precision, enhancing efficiency in drawing parallel lines compared to traditional rulers.
Drafting rulers should be cleaned often, stored in protective cases, and kept away from heat and humidity to ensure their longevity and accuracy.