School of Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

TOPIC
ENGR 114

Engineering Graphics & CAD

02 Dimensioning
Tulong Zhu, All rights reserved.
 Detailed Drawing
Orthographic A shape description of an object (front, top, right side views).
Projection
Detailed An orthographic projection, complete with all the dimensions
Drawing and specifications needed to manufacture the object.
Detailed
Drawing
Example

Question Can we dimension an object using the dimensions that we

used to draw the object?
No. These are not necessarily the same dimensions required to
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manufacture it.

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We need to follow accepted standards. (ASME Y14.5 1994)
 Dimensioning: Goal

Q &A What is our goal when dimensioning a part?

Basically, dimensions should be given in a clear and

concise manner and should include everything
needed to produce and inspect the part exactly as
intended by the designer.

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 Dimensioning: Proper Dimensioning Techniques
Proper dimensioning techniques require the knowledge of the following three
areas.

1. Dimension Appearance/Techniques: Dimensions use special lines, arrows,

symbols and text
1.1 The lines used in dimensioning.
1.2 Types of dimensions.
1.3 Dimension symbols.
1.4 Dimension spacing and readability.
1.5 Dimension placement.

2. Dimensioning and Locating Features: Different types of features require

unique methods of dimensioning.

3. Dimension Choice: Your choice of dimensions will directly influence the

method used to manufacture the part.

3.1 Units and decimal places.

Esc 3.2 Locating feature using datums.
3.3 Dimension accuracy and error build up.
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 1. Dimension Appearance and Techniques
Lines in Dimensioning requires the use of the following lines
Dimensioning
Dimension lines
Extension lines
Leader lines

All three line types are drawn thin (about 0.3 mm or 0.016
in.) so that they will not be confused with visible lines.

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 1.1) Lines in Dimensioning: Dimension & Exten. Lines
Dimension A line terminated by arrowheads, which indicates the direction
Lines and extent of a dimension.

Feature Size
Dimension Line
Arrowheads
Extension Line

Visible Gap
(1/16 in or 1.5 mm)

Extension An extension line is a thin solid line that extends from a point on
Lines the drawing to which the dimension refers.
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Long extension lines should be avoided.

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 1.1) Lines in Dimensioning: Leader Lines
Leader A straight inclined thin solid line that is usually terminated by an
Lines arrowhead, a dot or nothing, used to direct a dimension, note,
symbol, item number, or part number to the intended feature on a
drawing.

A leader line may be terminated with an arrow, if it ends on the

outline of an object.
A leader line may be terminated with a dot (minimum diameter
of 1.5 mm) if it ends within the outline of an object.
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A leader line may be terminated without an arrowhead or dot,

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if it ends within the outline of an object.
 1.1) Lines in Dimensioning: Notes on Leader Lines
Notes When creating leader lines, the following should be
avoided.
Crossing leaders
Long leaders

Leaders that are parallel to adjacent dimension,

extension or section lines.
Small angles between the leader and the terminating
surface.

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 1.1) Lines in Dimensioning: Arrowheads
Arrowheads Arrowheads are drawn between the extension lines if
possible. If space is limited, they may be drawn on the
outside.

2.562 .750 1.250

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 1.2) Types of Dimensions

Types of Dimensions are given in the form of linear distances, angles, and
Dimensions notes.

Linear They are usually arranged horizontally or vertically, but may

Distance also be aligned with a particular feature of the part.

Angles Used to give the angle between two surfaces or features of a

part.

Notes Used to dimension diameters, radii, chamfers, threads, and

other features that can not be dimensioned by the other two
methods.

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 Example 2-1: Different Types of Dimensions

How many linear horizontal dimensions are there? 5

How many linear vertical dimensions are there? 3
How many angular dimensions are there? 1
How many leader line notes are there?
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1
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 Lettering

Lettering Lettering should be legible, easy to read, and uniform

throughout the drawing.
Upper case letters should be used for all lettering
unless a lower case is required.
The minimum lettering height is 0.12 in (3 mm).

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 1.3) Dimension Symbols
Dimensioning symbols are used to replace text, to minimize language barriers.

Term Symbol Term Symbol

Diameter Depth / Deep

Spherical diameter S Dimension not to scale 10

Radius R Square (Shape)

Spherical radius SR Arc length XX

Reference dimension (8) Conical Taper

Counterbore / Spotface Slope

Countersink Symmetry

Number of times or places 4X

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 Dimension Symbols: Slope & Conical Taper Symbols
Slope The ratio derived from the formula: (H h) /L.
10.000
9.980
.025 .001 : 1

H
h

L
2.000
1.988

Conical The ratio derived from the basic formula: (D d) /L

Taper 1.375

1.438 D d

.35 .01 : 1
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L
( .875)
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 Dimension Symbols: Countersink, Counterbore, etc.
Depth .625

.375
.625
OR .375

Countersink .375
.562 X 90

.562 .375
OR

Counterbore .312
.375
.562 .312

.562 .375
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OR
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 1.4) Spacing and Readability
Dimensions should be easy to read, and minimize the possibility for conflicting
interpretations.
The spacing between dimension lines should be uniform.
Do not dimension inside an object or have the dimension line touch the object
unless clearness is gained.
Dimension text should be horizontal which means that it is read from the
bottom of the drawing.
Dimension text should not cross dimension, extension or visible lines.
Dimension lines should not cross extension lines or other dimension lines.
Extension lines and centerlines should not connect between views.
Extension lines can cross other extension lines or visible lines.
Leader lines should be straight, not curved, and point to the center of the arc or
circle at an angle between 30 60.
Dimensions should not be duplicated or the same information given in two
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different ways.
If a reference dimension is used, the size value is placed within parentheses.
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 1.4) Spacing and Readability
Dimensions should be easy to read, and minimize the possibility for conflicting
interpretations.
The spacing between dimension lines should be uniform.
Do not dimension inside an object or have the dimension line touch the object
unless clearness is gained.
Dimension text should be horizontal which means that it is read from the
bottom of the drawing.
Dimension text should not cross dimension, extension or visible lines.
Dimension lines should not cross extension lines or other dimension lines.
Extension lines and centerlines should not connect between views.
Extension lines can cross other extension lines or visible lines.
Leader lines should be straight, not curved, and point to the center of the arc or
circle at an angle between 30 60.
Dimensions should not be duplicated or the same information given in two
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different ways.
If a reference dimension is used, the size value is placed within parentheses.
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 Example 2-2

List the six (6) dimensioning mistakes and then dimension the object correctly.

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 Example 2-2: Mistakes

1) Spacing

2) Dont dim. inside the object.

3 & 4) Text

5) No Gap
6) Missing
dim. ( of
hole)
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 Example 2-2: Correct Dimensions

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 Example 2-3

List the 4 dimensioning mistakes and then dimension the object correctly.

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 Example 2-3: Mistakes
3) Text
1) Leader line

2) Center line

4) Crossing dim.
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and ext. lines
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 Example 2-3: Correct Dimensions

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 Example 2-4: Duplicate Dimensions
Find the 4 duplicate dimensions and cross out the ones that you feel should
be omitted.

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 Example 2-4: Duplicate Dimension (I)

Are there any duplicates

in this group?

Which one should

be omitted?

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 Example 2-4: Duplicate Dimension (II)

Are there any duplicates

Which ones
in this group?
should
be omitted?

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 Example 2-4: Duplicate Dimension (III)

Which one any duplicates

Are there
should
in this group?
be omitted?

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 1.5) Dimension Placement

Dimension Dimensions should be placed in such a way as to enhance the

Placement communication of your design.

Dimensions should be grouped whenever possible.

Dimensions should be placed between views, unless clearness

is promoted by placing some outside.

Dimensions should be attached to the view where the shape is

shown best.

Do not dimension hidden lines.

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 Example 2-5: Duplicate Dimensions
List the 6 dimensioning mistakes and then dimension the object correctly.

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 Example 2-5: Mistakes

1) Between views

3) Dont dim.
Hidden lines 2) Leaders
angle up

5) Group

4) Dim where
feature shown best

Esc 6) Long
ext. line
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 Example 2-5: Correctly Dimensioned

45

60

25
5

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 Dimensioning: Proper Dimensioning Techniques
1. Dimension Appearance/Techniques: Dimensions use special lines, arrows,
symbols and text
1.1 The lines used in dimensioning.
1.2 Types of dimensions.
1.3 Dimension symbols.
1.4 Dimension spacing and readability.
1.5 Dimension placement.

2. Dimensioning and Locating Features: Different types of features require

unique methods of dimensioning.

3. Dimension Choice: Your choice of dimensions will directly influence the

method used to manufacture the part.

3.1 Units and decimal places.

3.2 Locating feature using datums.
3.3 Dimension accuracy and error build up.
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 2.1 Dimensioning & Locating Simple Features
(a) A circle is dimensioned by its diameter and an arc by its radius using a leader
line and a note.

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 Circular View and Rectangular View
Circular and For circular features
(holes, cylinder), the
Circular view
Rectangular
Views projection showing the
circle is called the
circular view, and the
projection showing the
height (depth) is called
the rectangular view.

Dimensioning The diameter of the hole

Technique -- in the circular view.
The diameter of the
cylinder -- in the
rectangular view.

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Rectangular view
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 2.1 Dimensioning & Locating Simple Features

(b) Holes are dimensioned by

giving their diameter and
location in the circular view.

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 2.1 Dimensioning & Locating Simple Features

(c) A cylinder is dimensioned

by giving its diameter and
length in the rectangular
view, and is located in the
circular view.

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 2.1 Dimensioning & Locating Simple Features
(d) Repetitive features or dimensions may be specified by using the symbol
along with the number of times the feature is repeated.
There is no space between the number of times the feature is repeated and
the symbol, however, there is a space between the symbol and
the dimension.

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 Example 2-6: Dimensioning Simple Features
Dimension the object shown.

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 Example 2-6: Dimensions
How do we dimension the hole diameters?
How do we locate the holes?
How do we dimension the cylinder diameters?
How do we dimension the cylinder heights?

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 2.2 Dimensioning Adv. Features: Center of Radius
a) If a dimension is given to the center of a
radius, a small cross is drawn at the center.

Where the center location of the radius is unimportant, the drawing must
clearly show that the arc location is controlled by other dimensioned
features such as tangent surfaces.

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 2.2 Dimensioning Adv Features: Sphere and Hole
b) A complete sphere is
dimensioned by its
diameter and an incomplete
sphere by its radius.

c) The depth of a blind hole

may be specified in a note
and is the depth of the full
diameter from the surface
of the object.

d) If a hole goes completely

through the feature and it thru
is not clearly shown on
the drawing, the
THRU
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abbreviation
follows the dimension.
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 2.2 Dimensioning Adv Features: Symmetry

e) If a part is symmetric, it is only necessary to dimension to one side of the

center line of symmetry.

Symmetry
symbol

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 2.2 Dimensioning Adv Features: Counterbored Holes
f) Counterbored holes
(15)
Drill DIA

CBore DIA

CBore depth

If the thickness of the material below the counterbore is significant, this

thickness rather than the counterbore depth is given.

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 2.2 Dimensioning Adv Features: Counterbored Holes
g) Spotfaced Holes: The difference between a CBORE and a Spotface is that
the machining operation occurs on a curved surface.

Notice that the depth can not be specified in the note.

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 2.2 Dimensioning Adv Features: Counterbored Holes
g) Countersunk Holes Drill DIA Space
(30) Drill Depth

CSink DIA

CSink angle

h) Chamfers: Dimensioned by a linear dimension and an angle, or by two

linear dimensions.

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Space

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 2.3 Drawing Notes

Drawing notes give additional information that is used to

complement conventional dimension.
manufacturing requirements
treatments and finishes
blanket dimensions (e.g. size of all rounds and fillets on a casting
or a blanket tolerance).
The note area is identified with the heading NOTE:.

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 Exercise 2-8: Adv. Features
List the 7 dimensioning mistakes and then dimension the object correctly.

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 Exercise 2-8: Mistakes

1 & 2) Use
symbols

4) Dim. where
features is shown
best
3) Spaces /
5) Radius Angle up

6) Dont
dim. hidden
features
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7) Locate radius center

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 Exercise 2-8: Correctly Dimensioned

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 Dimensioning: Proper Dimensioning Techniques
1. Dimension Appearance/Techniques: Dimensions use special lines, arrows,
symbols and text
1.1 The lines used in dimensioning.
1.2 Types of dimensions.
1.3 Dimension symbols.
1.4 Dimension spacing and readability.
1.5 Dimension placement.

2. Dimensioning and Locating Features: Different types of features require

unique methods of dimensioning.

3. Dimension Choice: Your choice of dimensions will directly influence the

method used to manufacture the part.

3.1 Units and decimal places.

3.2 Locating feature using datums.
3.3 Dimension accuracy and error build up.
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 3. Dimension Choice
Dimension placement and dimension text influences the
manufacturing process used to make the part.

Manufacturing process should not be specifically stated on

the drawing.
Choose dimensions based on function first then manufacturing.

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 3.1 Dimension Choice: Units and Decimal Places
a) Decimal dimensions should be used for all machining dimensions.
You may encounter a drawing that specifies standard drills, broaches, and the
like by size.
For drill sizes that are given by number or letter, a decimal size should also
be given.
b) Metric dimensions are given in mm and to 0 or 1 decimal place (e.g. 10, 10.2).
When the dimension is less than a millimeter, a zero should proceed the
decimal point (e.g. 0.5).
c) English dimensions are given in inches and to 2 decimal places (e.g. 1.25).
A zero is not shown before the decimal point for values less than one inch
(e.g. .75).
d) Metric 3rd angle drawings are designated by the
SI symbol.
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 3.2 Locating Features Using Datums: Datum Features
Consider three mutually perpendicular datum planes.

These planes are imaginary and theoretically exact

Now, consider a part that touches all three datum planes.

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The surfaces of the part that touch the datum planes are called datum
features
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 3.2 Locating Features Using Datums: Example
Most features in a part should be
dimensioned from the datum
features.

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 How to Chose Datum Features
Chose How do we choose which surface will be a datum feature?
Datum
Features Good datum features are:
functionally important surfaces
mating surfaces
big enough to permit its use in manufacturing the part

Class Setting In a class setting, do we always know the function of the part?

We need to make an educated guess as to the function of the

part.

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 3.2 Locating Features Using Datums: Two Cases
a) Datum dimensioning is preferred over continuous dimensioning.

b) Dimensions should be given between points or

surfaces that have a functional relation to each
other
Slots, mating hole patterns, etc...
In the example, for proper assembling, the
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distance between the holes is more important
than the distance from the edge to the 2nd hole.
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 3.3 Dimension Accuracy
Background There is no such thing as an "exact" measurement.
Every dimension has an implied or stated tolerance associated
with it.
A tolerance is the amount a dimension is allowed to vary.
Example

Implied/ Implied Implied Stated

Stated?

Decreasing/
Increasing? Increasing

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Range > 0.5 > 0.95 0.999
Allowed < 1.5 < 1.05 1.001
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 3.3 Dimension Accuracy: Rounding Off
Why The more accurate the dimension the more expensive it is to
manufacture.
To cut costs it is necessary to round off fractional dimensions.
How Lets round off to the second decimal place as an example.
If the third decimal place number is less 1.123 1.12
than 5, we truncate after the second
decimal place.
If the third decimal place number is 1.126 1.13
greater than 5, we round up and increase
the second decimal place number by 1.
If the third decimal place number is 1.165 1.16
exactly 5, whether or not we round up
depends on if the second decimal place
number is odd or even. 1.135 1.14
If it is odd, we round up
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If it is even, it is kept the same

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 3.3 Dimension Accuracy: Cumulative Tolerances
Continuous dimensioning has the disadvantage of accumulating error.
It is preferable to use datum dimensioning to reduce error buildup.
Take a look at the following example. Assume the individual dimension error
is e. Lets check the total (accumulative) dimension error.

x.e 3x.e

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x.e + x.e + x.e = 3x.3e
 Example 2-9

List the 5 dimensioning mistakes and then dimension the object correctly.

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 Example 2-9: Errors
1 & 2) 2 decimal places / No leading zero

3) Use datum dimensioning

4) Symbol / Decimal

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5) Dont dim. hidden features

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 Example 2-9: Correctly Dimensioned

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 Example 2-10
Dimension the following object using the datum features (color lines)
shown.

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 Example 2-10: Solution
Dimension the object, starting from the datum features in the following order:
Longitudinal Direction (Front and top views)
Vertical direction (Front and side views)
Transverse (width) direction (Top and side views)

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 Example 2-11
Dimension the following object using proper dimensioning techniques.

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 Example 2-11: Solution

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 Example 2-12
Dimension the following object using proper dimensioning techniques.

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 Example 2-12: Solution

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 Example 2-13
Dimension the following object using proper dimensioning techniques.

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 Example 2-13: Solution

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