Chapter 12: Dimensioning and

Tolerancing

A complete set of detail drawings

includes the necessary
multiviews, dimensions, and
required tolerances.
 Two Classifications of
Dimensions
• Size: Size dimensions are placed directly on
a feature to identify a specific size. They may
be connected to a feature in the form of a
note.
• Location: The relationship of features of an
object is defined with location dimensions.
 Notes
A type of dimension that generally identifies the size of a
feature or features with more than a numerical specification

• Local (specific) notes: Connected to a

specific feature on the drawing views

• General notes: Placed separately from the

views and relate to the entire drawing
 Dimensioning Systems

• Unidirectional Dimensioning
• Aligned
• Tabular
• Arrowless
• Chart Drawing
 Dimensioning Rules
1. Each dimension shall have a tolerance except for
reference, maximum, minimum, or stock.
2. Dimensioning & tolerancing shall be complete for
the characteristics of each feature.
3. Each necessary dimension of an end product
shall be shown.
4. Dimensions shall be selected & arranged to suit
the function & mating relationship of a part and
shall not be subject to different interpretations.
 Dimensioning Rules (continued)
5. The drawing should define a part without
specifying manufacturing methods.
6. Nonmandatory processing dimensions shall be
identified by an appropriate note.
7. Dimensions should be arranged to provide
optimum readability.
8. Wires, cables, sheets, rods, etc. should be
specified by linear dimensions indicating diameter
or thickness.
 Dimensioning Rules (continued)
9. A 90°angle applies where centerlines and lines
depicting features of right angles – no angle is
specified.
10. A 90°angle applies where centerlines of features
in a pattern or surface is shown at a right angle.
11. Unless otherwise specified, all dimensions are
applicable to 20° C (68°F).
12. All dimensions and tolerances apply in a free
state condition except nonrigid parts.
 Dimensioning Rules (continued)

13. Unless otherwise specified, all geometric

tolerances apply for full depth, length, and
width of the feature.
14. Dimensions apply on the drawing where
specified.
 Dimensioning Definitions
• Actual Size • Geometric Tolerance
• Allowance • Least Material Condition
(LMC)
• Basic Dimension
• Limits of Dimension
• Bilateral Tolerance
• Maximum Material
• Datum Condition (MMC)
• Datum Feature • Nominal Size
• Dimension • Reference Dimension
• Feature • Specified Dimension
• Unilateral Tolerance • Tolerance
 Dimensioning Units
• Metric Units (Metric International System of
Units (SI))
• Decimal Units (United States customary
units)
• Decimal Points
• Fractions
• Arrowheads
 Dimensioning Fundamentals
• Dimension Line Spacing
• Relationship of Dimension Lines to Numerals
• Chain Dimensioning
• Datum Dimensioning (stagger adjacent
dimensions)
 Dimensioning Fundamentals
(continued)
• Dimensioning Angles
• Dimensioning Chamfers
• Dimensioning Conical Shapes
• Dimensioning Hexagons & Other Shapes
• Dimensioning Arcs
• Dimensioning Contours not defined as arcs
• Locating a point established by extension lines
 Notes for Size Features
• Holes
• Counterbore
• Countersink or Counterdrill
• Spotface
• Multiple Features
• Slots
• Keyseats
• Knurls
• Necks and Grooves
 Location Dimensions

• Locating Holes
• Rectangular Coordinates
• Polar Coordinates
• Repetitive Features
 Dimension Origin
When a dimension
between two
features must clearly
denote from which
feature the
dimension originates.
Dimensioning Auxiliary Views
Dimensions should always be
placed on views that provide the
true size and shape of a view.
When this is not possible with the
standard views, an auxiliary view
is required.
Items to be Included on a General Note
• Material Specifications • Drawing Size
• Dimensions: inches or • Part Number
millimeters • Number of Revisions
• General Tolerances • First-angle or Third-angle projection
symbol
• Confidential note, • ANSI/ASME,MIL or other standard
copyrights, or patents reference
• Drawn by: • General machining, finish or paint
• Scale specifications
• Identification of like features
• Date
• Part Name
 Preferred Dimensioning Practices
• Avoid crossing extension lines - do not break lines
when crossing extension lines
• Never cross or break extension lines over
dimension lines
• Break extension lines when they cross over or near
an arrowhead
• Avoid dimensioning through an object
• Avoid dimensioning to hidden features
• Avoid unnecessary long extension lines
 Delta Notes
• Delta refers to a triangle placed on the drawing for
reference.
• The triangle is commonly placed next to a
dimension or other location. The triangle (delta)
refers the reader to a note that relates to the
referenced item.
• The triangle (delta) will appear around the note
number in the general notes.
 Tolerancing: Definitions

• Specified dimension
• Bilateral tolerance
• Unilateral tolerance
• Limits
 Statistical Tolerancing
Statistical Tolerancing is the
assigning of tolerances to related
dimensions in an assembly based
on the requirements of Statistical
Process Control (SPC).
 Preferred Dimensioning Practices
• Avoid using any line of the object as an
extension line
• Dimension between views when possible
• Group adjacent dimensions
• Dimension to views that provide the best
shape description
 Maximum & Least Material
Conditions
• Maximum Material Condition (MMC) is the
condition of a part or feature when it contains
the most amount of material.
• Least Material Condition (LMC) is the
opposite of MMC. LMC is the least amount
of material possible in the size of a feature.
 Fits
• Clearance fit: The condition when there is always
a clearance between mating parts due to the limits
of dimensions.
• Allowance: The tightest possible fit between parts.
• Interference Fit: The condition that exists when
mating parts must be pressed together (force fit or
shrink fit) due to the limits of the dimensions.
 Designation of Standard ANSI Fits
These classes of fits are arranged in three general groups known
as Running and Sliding fits, Locational fits, and Force fits.

• RC – Running (or Sliding) Clearance Fit

• LC – Locational Clearance Fit
• LT – Transition Clearance, or Interference, Fit
• LN – Locational Interference Fit
• Fn – Force (or Shrink) Fit
 Dimensions Applied to Coatings
and Platings
When coatings or platings such as copper or
brass or galvanizing are applied to a part or
feature, the specified dimensions should be
defined in relationship to the plating or coating
process. A general note indicates the
dimensions before and after the coating or
plating process.
 Casting Drawings & Design
The drafter makes the drawing of the part the same dimensions as
the end result after the part has been cast. The pattern maker must
make the adjustments from the drawing to create the pattern
for the mold.

• Shrinkage Allowance
• Draft
• Fillets and Rounds in Casting
 Machining Allowance For Castings
• Extra material must be left on the casting for
any surface that will be machined.
• Machining allowance depends on the casting
process, material, size, and shape of the
casting, and the machining process to be
used for finishing.
 Machining Allowance for
Castings (continued)
Standard Finish Allowances:
– Iron & Steel - .125 inches
– Nonferrous Metals (Brass, Bronze,
Aluminum) - .062 inches
– Very Large Parts or Parts that have a
Tendency to Warp - .50 or .75 inches
Drawing Preparation for Casting
and Machining Operations
The choice depends on the company standard.
• Two Drawings: One for casting, one for machining
• Combined Drawing: Includes both casting and
machining information
– Draft angles specified in the notes
– Requires the patternmaker to add machining
allowances and draft angles to the finished sizes
• Draw as a Machining Drawing: Add phantom lines to
indicate machining allowance & draft angles
Draft Angles for Forging Drawings
A draft angle is an angle placed on the part to facilitate removal
from the die.

• Common draft angle recommended: 7°

• Internal draft angle for most soft
materials: 7°
• Internal draft angle for iron & steel: 10°
 Forging Drawings
• Forging detail drawings usually show drafts
• Before the forging can be made, the dimensions for the
stock material must be determined
• A drawing showing the size & shape material is prepared
• Blank material is dimensioned; the outline of the end product
is drawn inside the stock view with phantom lines
• Phantom lines may be used to show machining allowance
• A double line around the perimeter shows the draft angle
 Drawings for Plastic Parts
• Plastic manufacturing requires a draft angle applied to the
design
– Draft angle may be indicated in a note
– Plus draft & minus draft method: draft is added to the
external dimensions & removed from the internal dimensions
• Parting line shows where the mold separates – If shown on
a drawing, it is labeled “PL”
 Surface Finish Definitions

• Surface Finish • Lay

• Surface Roughness • Surface Finish Symbol
• Surface Waviness