2 Dimensioning and Tolerancing This chapter provides a brief review of types and formats of dimensions and tole rances

in both U.S. inch and metric formats. Types of Di mensions Dimensions specify the nominal form, size, orientation and location of part feat ures. Every feature on a part, either individually or as part of a pattern, must be dimensioned. Historically dimensions have been included on drawings, as a dimensioned drawing was the only means available to describe a part. Today, most drawings are generated using 3D CAD solid modeling software, and many of those drawings do not include dimensions. Part geometry in CAD files is defined mathematically and is often referred to as mathematically defined or model data. CAD math data and models are often used by companies that can read the three-dimensional computer data directly into their manufacturing and inspection systems, thus reducing the necessity for a fully dimensioned drawing. Specific dimensions may be obtained by measuring or querying the part model using the CAD software or a similar program. There are several types and formats of dimensions. Figure 2.1 includes examples of the various types of linear, polar, radial and diametral dimensions. It also shows two examples of chain dimensions, one with the dimensions chained completely across the part and another with an overall dimension and one of the chained dimensions omitted. Figures 2.2 and 2.3 include examples of three formats for rectangular coordinate dimensioning. The three methods shown are equivalent. There is no difference in the legal interpretation for these methods the only difference is in their format. Figure 2.4 shows a sample drawing with geometric dimensions and tolerances. Note that some dimensions with tolerances are also used on this drawing, but only to define the nominal size and size tolerance for features of size. This is common practice. The dimensioning strategy chosen for a drawing can greatly affect the tolerance between part features. Whether two features are related by a single dimension or by a series of dimensions determines the number of tolerances contributing to th e variation possible between the features. For parts depicted on traditionally dimensioned drawings, that is, drawings that have dimensions, it is important that the dimensioning matches the intended func tion of the part. This is true for drawings dimensioned using or GD&T, although GD&T is the only way to unambiguously communicate functional relationships.