Measurement and marking out

Introduction

Marking out refers to the process of measuring and marking lines on the surface of materials that will be used for fabrication purposes. The marking out is used to indicate:

• cutting lines
• folding lines
• hole positions.

The positions and dimensions of all marking out would usually be from a mechanical drawing. During marking out, these dimensions need to be transferred to the material that will be used for fabrication.

Marking out also establishes if a piece of material is big enough for the job, and ensures that you use the material as efficiently as possible (minimal waste).

As an electrician, sheet metal would be the most common material that you would mark out. The same principles can also be applied to any other sheet material such as plastic, melamine, particle board, etc.

Marking out material, equipment and mechanical drawing