In an engineering drawing, what does a dashed line typically represent?

In an engineering drawing, a dashed line typically represents hidden edges. Hidden edges are used to show features that cannot be seen from the current view perspective; they indicate edges of objects that are behind or obscured by other elements. This visual cue helps engineers and designers understand the complete geometry of a component without needing to see all layers of the structure, which is crucial for accurate part fabrication and assembly.

The use of dashed lines for hidden edges is part of a standardized drawing convention known as line types, which helps ensure clarity and uniformity in technical communication. By differentiating between visible and hidden features, engineers can provide comprehensive information about a design, allowing for greater precision when interpreting the drawings.