What is the primary purpose of line styles in mechanical drawings?

The primary purpose of line styles in mechanical drawings is to convey the hierarchy and focus of elements. Different line styles, such as solid, dashed, or dotted lines, help to differentiate between various features and elements within a drawing. For instance, a solid line may indicate the outlines of objects, while dashed lines can signify hidden edges or features that are not visible from the current viewpoint. This variation in line styles allows the viewer to interpret the drawing more effectively, understanding which components are most critical, which are hidden, and how different parts relate to one another. Consequently, utilizing distinct line styles enhances communication about the design, making it clearer for engineers, fabricators, and construction teams to follow the intent of the drawings during the building process.