Engineering Technical Solutions


DIMENSIONS IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DRAWINGS


In order for the drawings to be dimensioned so that everyone can understand them, we need to follow standards that all people in the world must follow. Standards are created by these organizations:

  • ANSI: American National Standards Institute. This institute creates the engineering standards for North America.
  • ISO: International Organization for Standardization. This is a worldwide organization that creates engineering standards with over 100 participating countries.
  • DIN: Deutsches Institut fur Normung. The German Standards Institute created many standards used world wide such as the standards for camera film.
  • JIS: Japanese Indutrial Standard. Created after WWII for Japanese standards.
  • MIL: The United State Military Standard.
  • DOD: The United State Department of Defense Standard.
  • CEN: European Standards Organization.

A dimension is a numerical value expressed in appropriate units of measurement and used to define the size, location, orientation, form and other geometric characteristics of a part. The basic types of dimensioning are linear, aligned, angular, ordinate, radius/diameter, arc length.

Dimensions enable the designer of a product to express exact linear and angular distances. There are two types of dimensions used in blueprints: size and location. The first type is used to indicate the exact size of the product. The second gives exact locations of the holes, indentations, etc. on an object.

Dimensions are used to measure straight and angular distances. Straight distances are expressed in fractional or decimal form. Angular measures are expressed in degrees, minutes and seconds.


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Decimal dimensions are used on parts requiring accuracy. Mechanical manufacturing prints use decimal dimensioning entirely, even though the criticality of the dimensions may vary. There should be a note on the print stating the tolerances for the critical dimensions. Decimal tolerances commonly range from tenths (.10) to ten thousandths (.0001) of an inch. When the degree of accuracy is critical in a dimension, the tolerance becomes tighter. The number of decimal places that a dimension is carried will determine the decimal places a tolerance is carried. Ex: A dimension carried two decimal places (1.1O") would have a tolerance carried two places (±.01). If the dimension had been carried three places (1.100"), then the tolerance would be carried three places (±.001").

Fractional dimensions are used on parts which do not require tolerance of accuracy. In general, when an object is fractionally dimensioned it is implied that the overall tolerance is to be maintained plus or minus 1/64".

Angular dimensions are used to measure angles in parts. In mechanical manufacturing prints, angles are expressed in degrees (°), minutes ('), and seconds("). Angular tolerances can also be expressed in tenths (.10) or hundredths (.01) of degrees. Where degrees are indicated, the numerical value shall be followed by the symbol. Where decimal degrees less than one are specified, a zero shall precede the decimal value. Ex: 1°15" | 1°30'15" | 1.5° | 0°0'15"


DIMENSIONING METHODS


Dimensions are represented on a drawing using on of the two systems, unidirectional or aligned. Title block tolerance do not apply to basic dimensions. Basic dimesnions are used to define or position tolerance zones.

  • The unidirectional (operating in a single direction) method means all dimensions are read in the same direction. Unidirectional dimensions are placed so they can be read from the bottom of the drawing sheet. This method is commonly used in mechanical drafting.
  • The aligned method means the dimensions are are placed so the horizontal dimensions can be read from the bottom of the drawing sheet and the vertical dimensions can be read from the right side of the drawing sheet. This method is commonly used in architectural, structural, aircraft, and automobile drawings.

Types of Dimensions: There are two classifications of dimensions, size and location. Size dimensions define the height, width, and depth of rectangular object. Size dimensions also define the diameter or radius of cylindrical or spherical objects. Location dimensions are used to determine where various features of the part are to be placed. Datum Plane Dimensioning - Continuous

  • Size: Dimensions are placed in direct relationship to a feature to identify the specific size.
  • Location: Dimensions are used to identify the relationship of a feature to another feature within an object.

Reference Dimension: A reference dimension is used only for information purposes. It's either aduplication of a dimension that has been specified elsewhere on the drawing, or it's accumulated value of other dimensions. Reference dimensions areenclosed in parentheses. and never used for manufacturing or inspection purposes.

Nominal Dimension is dimensions half-way between the upper and lower limits of size (ex: .250 ±.005, the nominal dimension would be .2475 or .2525). Or for a toleranced dimension .25 ±.005 (ex:.25 would be a nominal dimension). It's used to describe the approximate characteristics of the feature rather than the exact dimensions. Block tolerances do not apply to nominal dimensions. Nominal dimensions are never used for manufacturing or inspection purposes. Nominal dimensions must be identified either with the abbreviation NOM immediately following or under the dimension with a notte such as: UNTOLERANCES DIMENSIONS ARE NOMINAL.

Units of Measure:

  • Decimal inches (prefered), fractional inches, feet and fractional inches.
  • SI or metric, millimeter (mm).
  • Leading zero: Metric (yes), inches (no).
  • If units (e.g., In or mm) are not included with each dimensions, specify the units used with a note on the drawing: UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES.

Dimensioning Checklist:

  • Each dimension should be written clearly with only one way to be interpreted. Dimensioning - Cylindrical
  • A feature should be dimensioned only once.
  • Dimension and extension lines should not cross. Dimensioning Angles in Views using Coordinate method
  • Each feature should be dimensioned.
  • Dimension features or surfaces should be done to a logical reference point.

Dimension Checklist:

  • Dimension circles should have diameters and arcs with a radius.
  • A center line should be extended and used as an extension line.
  • Dimension features on a view should clearly show its true shape.
  • Enough space should be provided to avoid crowding and misinterpretation.
  • Extension lines and object lines should not overlap.
  • Dimensions should be placed outside the part.
  • Center lines rmarks should be used on all circles and holes.

TYPES OF DIMENSIONING


Standard Linear dimensions. Dimension applies to the parts that are horizontal or vertical. Linear dimensions may not represent the true distance between beginning and ending dimension points because they do not take angle into account as aligned dimensions do.

Baseline dimensions are multiple dimensions measured from the same baseline. Ordinate dimensions measure the perpendicular distance from an origin point called the datum to an element. These dimensions prevent escalating errors by maintaining accurate offsets of the features from the datum. The accuracy of the final product is determined by the dimensions on the drawing. If all the dimensions originate from a common corner of the part, the object will be accurate. This is refered to as Datum Dimensioning. Datum insure the tolerance or errors in manufacturing do not accumulate.

Basic dimensions are used to describe the theoretically exact size, profile, orientation or location of a feature or datum target. Those values can be recognized as “basic dimensions” because they are identified by the fact that they’re contained in a box drawn with a thin solid line. Basic dimensions identify tolerance information located in feature control frames that state geometric tolerances. Basic dimensions serve to orient and locate: 1. Tolerance zones and 2. Datum Targets.

Sheet Metal dimensions must shown overall dimensions, bend shape, and angles. Dimensioned features should be measurable during inspection from defined point to another. Dimensions should always be measured to the theoretical sharp and not a bend tangent. It is pointless to dimension flat patterns on prints if the part is formed and finished. The dimensions of the flat pattern will not be taken into consideration when manufacturing. The reason the flat pattern is insignificant to a manufacturer is because they have their own bend deductions based on the bend radius and angle, the material thickness and stiffness, the tooling used, and how much contact the tooling makes with the metal. On a side note, the flat pattern is definitely useful for estimating the fabrication of a part. It does serve a useful purpose for estimating, just not for manufacturing and/or inspection of the part.


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Assembly dimensions: When creating ortho drawings for assemblies, the only dimemsions needed are those that locate individual components with respect to each other. Constituent subassemblies should be treated as if they have already been constructed. So, dimensions pertinent to the smaller assemblies do not need to be included in the larger assembly drawings. Instead, dimensions between that subassembly and other assemblies/parts that it mates to need to be included. To improve ease of assembly, it is beneficial to provide locational dimensions between component features that actually mate to each other such:

  • Dimensions that indicates where (distances) parts/pieces to be mount to the assembly are required.
  • Dimensions states the overall length/height/width of the assembly. However, the overall dimensions are not needed to assemble it properly, since the values can be derived from the individual parts. But, since the overall length/height/width of the total assembly are useful information to have, they are included as a reference dimensions.

Size dimensions: Size can be measured as Length, Width and Height, Diameter, Perimeter, Area, Volume or Mass. In GD&T the term feature-of-size (FOS) refers to any surface, or set of parallel surfaces associated with a size dimension. Example: A hole diameter (a cylindrical surface). Plate thickness (two opposed parallel surfaces). Actual size is a measured size. Basic size is the size from which the limits of size are derived by the application of allowances and tolerances Dimensioning Chords

Chain dimensioning: Dimensioning from feature to feature is known as Chain Dimensioning. It is commonly used and easy to lay out. It does have possible consequences in the manufacturing of a part. Tolerances can accumulate, making the end product larger or smaller than expected. In a chain of dimensions, dimension the width and height of the subject/part in the front view. The front view is preferred because it is supposed to provide the most information about an object’s geometry

Angle dimensioning: Angled surface may be dimensioned using coordinate method to specify the two location distances of the angle. Angle surfaces may also be dimensioned using the angular method by specifying on location distance and the angle.

Arc and Circle dimensioning: Arcs and circles are dimensioned in views that show the arc or circle. Arcs are dimensioned with a leader to identify the radius; in some cases, a center mark is included. Circles should have a center mark and ar dimensioned with a leader to identify the diameter.

Dimensioning Curved Features and Arcs: The arrow can be inside for small arcs. Small arcs do not need center marks. Arrow can be outside. Large arcs use center marks. Use a capital "R" for dimensioning arcs. A center line is a dark line composed of alternate long and short dashes, and is used to represent the axes of symetrical parts or to denote centers. Do not create a gap when the centerline crosses the part outline. A centerline must end with a long dash.

Chamfers

Reference Dimensions: Designates more than one of the same feature. In this case, it is identifying there are two identical radius.

Chamfers: There are two options for external chamfer for 45 degree chamfer and basic dimension for angles other than 45 degrees and internal chamfers.

Fillets and Rounds: Large arcs use center marks. Small arcs do not need center marks. Arrow can be outside the arc. Use capital "R" for dimensioning the arcs.

Dimension a Countersink: Measurements that are nneded to create the desired countersink are Countersink Hole diameter (for screw head), Angle of countersink, Thru hole diameter (for screw head), Material thickness, Screw head height (industrial and aircraft).

Conical Taper dimensioning. Conical taper means the shaft smoothly tapers from one end to the other end, like a cone. Pro taper means the shaft is one constant diameter from the tip back maybe 12"-14" or so, and then begins to cone out toward the joint. The usual method of dimensioning a taper is to give the amount of taper in a note, such as TAPER .187 ON DIA. And then give the diameter at one end, plus the length, or give the diameter at both ends and omit the length.

Inside Surface Taper dimensioning. Tapered surfaces should be properly dimensioned to be machined accurately and verified with standard gages. A conical taper may be defined by a suitable combination of the following dimensions and tolerances, and a standard sized ball can be used to check an inside taper.

  • The diameter at one end of the tapered feature.
  • The length of the tapered feature.
  • The diameter of a selected cross-sectional plane which may be within or outside of the tapered feature. The position of this plane is dimensioned with a basic dimension.
  • A dimension locating a cross-sectional plane at which a basic diameter is specified.
  • The angle of the taper.

Slot dimensioning. By default slots are dimensioned to the centers of arcs/circles. ASME Y14.5M-1994 paragraph 1.8.10 provide three methods for the dimensioning of slots, with no stipulation regarding which is preferred for particular scenarios.

  • Firt method provides the width dimension, the distance between the end radii center point.
  • Second method is used on any simple slot. Simple state width and overall length, and use an arrow to point to the slot's object line.
  • The third method provides the width, and overall length of the slot in linear dimensions. This method is prefered if the slot has positional tolerances that use the boundary method (ASME Y15.5M-2009).

Feature Patterns dimensioning. ASME Y14.5-2009 provides a linear method to detail feature patterns, called repetitive features and dimensions. But the standard does not provide any tolerance rules for its prescribed scheme. Chain dimensioning accumulates tolerance as the pattern departs from the dimensioned start position. In some cases this is OK, but often this is unacceptable since the accumulation of tolerance can quickly lead to features that do not align to mating features on other components. The best way to avoid accumulation of tolerances is to use a methodology that does not rely on any form of direct dimensions. ASME Y14.5 actually suggests that GD&T should be used instead of direct dimensions to locate features. However, if GD&T; is not desired, the next best method is an ordinate dimension scheme.

Ordinate dimensioning is used when the X and the Y coordinates, from one location, are the only dimensions necessary. Usually the part has a uniform thickness, such as a flat plate with holes drilled into it. The dimensions to each feature, such as a hole, originate from one datum location.

Radial Patterns dimensioning. The proper method used in dimensioning holes on a bolt center diameter is provide the diameter of the bolt's circle and one angle to show the number of degrees between the center lines of the hole patterns spaced equally. An attached note specifies the number, size of the holes, and how they are drilled. When the hole patterns are not equally spaced on a bolt circle center diameter. A dimension for a bolt center, a note containing the number of holes and their size, and angle turned from a reference center line for locating the center lines of the other holes. Another method is to replace angular dimensions with linear dimensions.

Keyways and Keyseat dimensioning

Hole dimensioning

Reading a Hole Note:

Reading Thread Note: Axis of thread is coincident with the axis of its pitch cylinder or cone. The basic profile of a thread is the cylical outline, in an axial plane, of the permanently established boundary between the provinces of the external and internal threads. All deviations are with respect to this boundary. M#x# 6H is standard for internal metric thread. M#x# M4 is V-coil thread, repair tap, fit helicoil HSS Volkel Germany.


NOTES ON MECHANICAL DRAWING


Metric Title Block: The ASME Y14.5M-1994 standard requires the trailing zeros TO BE OMITTED in metric tolerance block. Thus, 0.240mm is written 0.24mm and then the decimal-place-specific standard dimensioning rubric becomes irrelevant. What's the proper way to specify title block tolerances in METRIC? Trailing zeros are trimmed for whole metric values, conforming to ANSI and ISO standards. Trailing zeros appear according to the ASME Y14.5M-1994 standard. Metric Title Block

The Standard Tolerance for Metric:
RANGES IN NOMINAL LENGTHS IN MM           TOLERANCE CLASS
UP TO 10 0.02 0.2
10 TO 30 0.05 0.2
30 TO 100 0.1 0.4
100 TO 300 0.2 0.8

Notes for Inseperable Assemblies and Weldment:

NOTE: UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED

  • ALL WELDMENT, BRAZING AND NON-DESTRUCTIVE SYMBOLS ARE APPLICABLE PER ANSI/AWS A2.4-1998.
  • STEEL (British Stanfard): WELDING TO BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH BS EN 1011 PARTS 1 & 2 USING MIG OR TIG PROCESS USING FILLER ROD TO BS EN 440.

MECHANICAL DRAWING AND TOLERANCES


Tolerance: A tolerance is the total amount by which a specified dimension may vary. It's the difference between the maximum and minimum limits. All dimensions except reference, nominal, maximum or minimum shall have a tolerance. Basic dimensions are used in conjunction with geometric tolerances. Title block tolerances do not apply to basic, reference, nominal,maximum,and minimum dimensions.

Coordinate Tolerancing is a method used to specify the allowable variations of size or location by apllying tolerances directly to the linear or angular dimensionss.