Are Blue Lines Out?

[cwsmith]

Thanks for the explanation on "poche' ", that was interesting.

I have little to know experience with architectual drafting, other than an interest and some very minor experience in high school. All of my experience was in mechanical and electronic applications, mostly in heavy industry.

Fortunately, I think "blue prints" or "blue lines" are still used, just not as widespread as it used to be, thanks to better technologies for wide-format printing.

Back at the old plant, the Xerox-like printing of full-format drawings is still an essential part of the business and the company still employs about a half-dozen people in that department, despite localized plotters in various other areas.

CWS

[pelligrini]

Back at the old plant, the Xerox-like printing of full-format drawings is still an essential part of the business and the company still employs about a half-dozen people in that department, despite localized plotters in various other areas.

CWS

A few of the reproduction shops we send drawings to will now scan them and use their laser machines to run the prints. If requested they will hold the files for future reproduction requests. More often than not anymore we will just email or FTP a set of PDFs to them for reproduction. Sometimes I'll have them scan some marked up drawings we get from subs so we can include them in electronic sets.

I wish we could have afforded a large format scanner option when we had to replace our old HP plotter a few years ago.

[Tom Slick]

When I took drafting in high school we still made blueprints and used a drafting machine along with various lead holders and erasers. Now I model in 3d, email instantly rendered models to clients, and make multiple shop prints with a regular printer. I can also email model files to venders that they use to directly make the parts I need.

I don't miss blueprints but there is certain feel to look at prints that were hand drawn.

[cabinetman]

I don't miss blueprints but there is certain feel to look at prints that were hand drawn.

I agree. There is more of a personalization when hand drawn and lettered... like artwork.

.

[sparkeyjames]

I worked in a place back in the mid 80's that had two of the large machines.
I was told that if anyone ever yelled Ammonia spill to hold my breath and run for the
exit. And also that if anyone yelled that and there was no spill they'd be fired on the spot.