Engineering drawings come to life with dimensions and tolerances. These crucial elements define part sizes, shapes, and allowable variations. Without them, manufacturers would be lost, unable to create parts that and function properly.
Dimensioning techniques and tolerancing methods ensure clear communication between designers and manufacturers. From basic linear measurements to advanced geometric controls, these tools help create precise, functional, and interchangeable parts in the real world.
Dimensioning Techniques in Engineering Drawings
Linear and Angular Dimensioning
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Top images from around the web for Linear and Angular Dimensioning
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Dimensioning adds measurements to engineering drawings specifying size, location, and geometry of features
Linear dimensions define lengths, widths, and heights of features
Angular dimensions specify angles between lines or surfaces
uses a common reference line for multiple dimensions
measures from one feature to the next in sequence
Proper dimensioning employs appropriate line types, arrowheads, and text placement for clarity and readability
Dimensioning Rules and Techniques
Avoid redundant dimensions to prevent conflicting information
Use appropriate units consistently throughout the drawing (metric or imperial)
Place dimensions outside the view where possible to maintain clarity
Apply specific techniques for curved features (radii, diameters, chamfers)
Select dimensioning method based on manufacturing process and functional requirements
Utilize ordinate dimensioning for precision machined parts with many features
Implement tabular dimensioning for repetitive features or complex parts
Advanced Dimensioning Considerations
Account for thermal expansion in dimensioning when dealing with materials sensitive to temperature changes
Apply when both metric and imperial units are required
Implement for non-critical features or derived measurements
Use to establish key reference points or surfaces
Incorporate to highlight critical interfaces or clearances
Apply (GD&T) for complex form and position requirements
Consider scaled dimensioning for very large or small parts where standard dimensioning would be impractical
Tolerances on Dimensions
Types of Tolerances
Tolerances allow variations from nominal dimensions accounting for manufacturing imperfections and functional requirements
Bilateral tolerances specify equal positive and negative deviations from nominal dimension (±0.1 mm)
Unilateral tolerances allow variation in only one direction (+0.2 mm, -0.0 mm)
states maximum and minimum allowable dimensions for a feature (10.2 mm - 10.0 mm)
define relationships between mating parts (clearance, transition, interference fits)
Statistical tolerancing methods (Root Sum Square) optimize tolerance allocation in complex assemblies
Tolerance Considerations and Analysis
occurs when multiple toleranced dimensions affect a critical feature
Perform to ensure proper assembly and function
Consider manufacturing processes when specifying tolerances (machining, casting, 3D printing)
Balance manufacturing costs with functional requirements and interchangeability considerations
Implement tighter tolerances for critical features and looser tolerances for non-critical features
Use for form and position control when linear tolerances are insufficient
Apply tolerance analysis software for complex assemblies to optimize design and reduce costs
Tolerance Zones and Representations
Tolerance zones define the allowable space for a feature to exist within specification
apply to features like pins or holes
apply to flat surfaces or thickness dimensions
define allowable variation in angular dimensions
Represent tolerances as fractions, decimals, or percentages depending on industry standards
Use symmetric or asymmetric tolerance representations based on functional requirements
Implement for complex curved surfaces with varying allowable deviations
Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
Fundamental Concepts of GD&T
GD&T defines and communicates engineering tolerances through symbolic language on drawings
Feature control frames contain geometric characteristic symbol, tolerance value, and datum references
Datums establish reference planes, axes, or points for GD&T measurements
(Maximum Material Condition, Least Material Condition, Regardless of Feature Size) affect how tolerances apply
GD&T improves communication between design, manufacturing, and inspection departments
ASME Y14.5 serves as primary GD&T standard in United States
ISO 1101 commonly used internationally for GD&T specifications
GD&T Characteristics and Applications
Form tolerances control shape independent of size or location (flatness, straightness, circularity, cylindricity)
Orientation tolerances control angular relationships (perpendicularity, parallelism, angularity)
Location tolerances control position of features relative to datums (position, concentricity, symmetry)
Runout tolerances control rotation of features around an axis (circular runout, total runout)
Profile tolerances control complex surfaces relative to perfect form (profile of a line, profile of a surface)
GD&T allows for specification of tolerances that cannot be expressed with traditional dimensioning
Implement GD&T to reduce costs, improve quality, and increase part interchangeability
Advanced GD&T Concepts
defines the theoretically exact location of a feature relative to datums
represents the worst-case boundary of a feature accounting for size and geometric tolerances
concept allows for increased geometric tolerance as feature size deviates from Maximum Material Condition
specify when multiple tolerance conditions must be met concurrently
combines multiple levels of control for a single feature
Statistical tolerancing in GD&T optimizes production by allowing controlled percentage of parts outside nominal tolerance
verifies GD&T requirements using physical gauges simulating mating part conditions
Symbols and Notation in Dimensioning and Tolerancing
Basic Dimensioning Symbols
Dimension lines indicate extent of a dimension with arrowheads at ends
Extension lines extend from feature to dimension line without touching feature
Diameter symbol (Ø) specifies circular features (Ø20 mm)
Radius symbol (R) indicates curved features (R5 mm)