College of North Atlantic Qatar

AutoCAD

Dimensioning Basics and Rules

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Dimensioning

EG1430 AutoCAD

EG1430 AutoCAD

TOPICS

Introduction

Dimensioning components
Dimensioning object s features

Placement of dimensions.
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Scaling vs. Dimensioning

Drawings can be different scales, but dimensions are ALWAYS at FULL scale

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Standards of Measurement:
1. Inch System
1. When all of the dimensions are expressed in inches, do not use inch mark () or the abbreviation for inches (in.) 2. values less that one inch should NOT be preceded with a zero.

2. Metric (ISO)
1. For metric drawings, omit the use of the millimeter (mm) notation following the numeral, as millimeters are the default units. 2. Values less than 1 mm SHOULD BE preceded with a zero
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Dimensioning Components

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Dimension elements

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Dimensioning Styles

Unidirectional System

Aligned System

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THE BASIC CONCEPT

Dimensioning is accomplished by adding size and

location information necessary to manufacture

the object.
This information have to be

Clear Complete Facilitate the - manufacturing method - measurement method

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General Guideline
To think that you would make an object and dimension it in the most useful way. Put in exactly as many dimensions as are necessary for the craftsperson to make it -no more, no less. Do not put in redundant dimensions. It is often better to measure from one end to various points. This gives the dimensions a reference standard. Repeatedly measuring from one point to another will lead to inaccuracies. It is helpful to choose the placement of the dimension in the order in which a machinist would create the part. This convention may take some experience.
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Dimensioning Rules Basics 1

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Dimension lines should never cross. Dimension lines should NOT coincide or continue any line of the drawing. Dimension lines should be lined up and grouped together. Extension lines may cross each other and over other lines on the part Extension lines can be shared, and broken. Dimension lines and extension lines are usually drawn at 90 degree angles Centerlines can be used as a measurement location, but not as extension lines. Always place the first row of dimensions a minimum distance of 3 text heights away from the edge of the part. Additional stacks can be a minimum of 2 text heights away from each other. The overall dimension should always be given. It should be placed outside of smaller dimensions and be the furthest dimension from the part.
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9.

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Dimensioning Rules Basics 2

10. If the measurement on the drawing is less than 5mm or 0.20 inches, then the arrows are placed outside the extension lines. Avoid placing any dimensions on the part (inside the view) unless there is no other option. Avoid dimensioning to hidden features Always place the dimension where the characteristic shape is shown in the most descriptive view. (This means dont place a dimension on object lines making a T joint.) Keep dimensions between the views whenever possible Do not duplicate dimensions and avoid using unnecessary or superfluous dimensions Stagger horizontal dimensions to avoid contact or crowding of values.

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Dimensioning Rules: Curved Features

17. Place the R in front of radius dimensions and, the diameter symbol () in front of diameter dimensions. 18. Always dimension holes in their circular view by stating the diameter of drilled holes. 19. Dimension cylindrical objects as diameters in their rectangular view 20. Dimension rounded corners and arc features as radii where they appear in their rounded views. 21. Leaders start at the beginning or end of a note. Point them toward the center of circular features that they are specifying. 22. Dimension angles by specifying a) the angle in degrees and b) a linear dimension. 23. Specify the hole depth of special features such as countersinking with a note following the dimension.

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Dimensioning Rules: Advanced

If the same value is repeated many times, then use a general note for the features. 25. Dimension repetitive features using the symbol (x) [multiplication] 26. The origin for baseline or ordinate dimensions used as a datum should be extended from a finished edge of the part. 27. Conserve space and time by using abbreviations and standardized symbols whenever possible. 28. Reference dimensions should be placed in parentheses or should include the abbreviation REF.
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Special Hole Features

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Chain and Baseline Dimensioning

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Summary
What is Dimensioning? Purpose of Dimensioning Types of Dimensioning Aligned Unidirectional Dimensioning Rules/Guidelines Dimensioning styles Chain Baseline
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Next Chapter:

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