A QUICK REFERENCE TO DIMENSIONING TECHNICAL DRAWINGS FF. Pieterse e@ J. Pretorius March 1999 SNIT AX, Copyright ReservedA QUICK REFERENCE To DIMENSIONING TECHNICAL DRAWING 1, Introduction Engineering drawings must contain all information necessary for manufacturing. This includes exact description of size, shape, machining, tolerances and material specifications of every part of a product. These descriptions are accomplished through standardised techniques of applying dimensions and notes to a drawing so that the drawing can be used to manufacture a part accurately and without questions. Drawings must be dimensioned so that production personal in widely separated places can manufacture mating parts that will fit properly when brought together for final assembly. 2. Objectives The student will be able to: Identify and use common dimensioning techniques. Apply correct dimensioning techniques to a working drawing as interpreted by SABS-0111 ‘Add surface finish symbols on drawings. Interpret and use correct tolerancing techniques. © Place general notes correctly on a drawing.3. Dimensioning Principles A complete detail drawing includes multiviews and dimensions, which provided both shape and size description. Only those dimensions that are needed to produce and inspect the part should be given. Students often makes the mistake of giving dimensions used to construct the drawing. These dimensions are not necessarily the dimensions required to manufacture the object. How drawings are dimensioned is dependent on several factors namely the objects geometry, its function and the precision requirements. These factors must considerd when applying dimensions. It is best to spend some time analysing the object in the drawing and planning the dimensioning scheme before you start dimensioning a drawing. Since objects can have an almost infinite number of geometry’s and functions, it is difficult to lay down precise rules for dimensioning all drawings. To achieve proper dimensioning, you must apply some principles, general techniques and use good judgement. 4, Drawing Scale Detail drawings are accurately prepared either to a full scale, a reduced scale or to an enlarged scale. The scale of the drawing is indicated in the sheet title block for reference, Whether drawn with instruments (ruler. square ect.) or freehand, the dimension figures on the drawing always refer to the actual part sizes. The different views of an object when drawn should all be drawn to the same scale. Drawings should bbe made to a standard scale, Recommened scales for drawings are: Category Recommended scales to be used Enlargement 50:1 20:1 10:1 Sil 2:1 True size 1 Reduction 12 13 1:10 1:20 1:50 1:100 1:200 1:500 - full scale (The actual size of the object, is drawn fall size on paper). - Half scale (The actual size of the object, is drawn to half the size on paper). - Double scale (The actual size of the object, is drawn twice the size on paper).5. Dimensioning Procedures Dimensioning may be applied using the following steps. 1. Mentally divide the drawing (object) into component geometric shapes. 2. Place the size dimensions on each view. 3. Select the locating centre lines and surfaces after giving carefull consideration to the processes of manufacture. 4. Place the location dimensions so that each geometric form is located from the centre line or finished surface. 5. Add the overall dimensions. 6. Complete the dimensioning by adding the necessary notes and surface finish symbols. 6. Dimensioning systems There are two standard dimension positioning systems. Unidirectional dimensions and aligned dimensions. Unidirectional dimensions are read from the bottom of the drawing, Aligned dimensions are read from the bottom or right of the drawing. Most companies use the align method as per the SABS 0111 | ol i af 25 65 25, T Po patsy eS A ca yl 3 i wide ; il i 2 Fig 6.1 Aligned Dimensions Fig. 6.2 Unidirectional SABS-0111 Standard. Dimensions. Any part may easily be dimensioned by systematically dividing into simple geometric solids. The dimensioning of an object may be accomplished by dimensioning each elemental shape to indicate its size relative location from a given point, centre or edge. Dimensions on a drawing can be classified into two types of dimensions; Size dimensions and Location dimensions. s 6.1 Size dimensions: Size dimensions =tJ ate placed on an object to identify a | . specific size or may be connected to an ey hace object in the form of a note. Size dimensions describe the size of a piece, component part, hole or slot. Fig 6.3 Size Dimensions.6.2 — Location dimensions: The relationship of features of an object is defined with location dimensions Location dimensions fix the relationship of the component part (holes, slots or cutouts) of a piece or structure. Fig 6.4 Location Dimensions. To select location dimensions, one must first determine the contact surfaces, finished surfaces and centre lines of the elementary geometric forms, secondly with the method of production in mind decide what surface or centre line is to be used to give the best position to locate the feature. Dimensions must be placed where they will. most easily be understood, in the location where the reader/artisan /maker will expect to find them. Dimensions should be shown in the contour view or the view that best describes the object or shape being dimensioned. In planning the dimensioning of a drawing, it is often useful to categorise dimensions as either size or location dimensions before starting, The dimensions should preferably be placed outside a view. Dimensions can appear directly on a view only ‘when clarity demands, Some examples are shown in the figure below. deb tele! Fig. 6.5 The correct way of placing dimensions.7. The Dimension ‘A dimension consists of a dimension line with arrows, extension lines, numerals, leaders and notes, 7.1 Dimension lines and arrowheads: Dimension lines are thin dark lines, —j— usually with small arrowheads at each end, They are always drawn parallel to Son the direction of measurement and Fig. 7.1 Arrow end. perpendicular to the associated extension lines. Arrowheads indicate the extent of dimensions. They should Properly drawn arrowheads should be be uniform in size and style throughout «drawn three times as long as they are the drawing, high, as shown, Object /Drowin, a ims nae 3 totinm ££ f ale es i Dimensions in serie Domes tne / reer contecaiaeaee Fig, 7.2 Dimension layout. 7.2. Extension li Extension lines are a thin line with the same thickness and darkness as dimension lines, as shown in Fig.7.2. The extension line projects from the drawing but does not touch it. Extension lines should start about 1-2mm from the object and end approximately 2-3mm beyond the dimension line and arrowhead. 7.3 Dimension numerals: Dimension numerals (text) are centred on the dimension line, as shown in Fig,7.2. Numerals are commonly all the same height (approximately 3mm) and are lettered with the dimension line, A space equal to at least half the height of lettering should be provided between mumerals and dimension line or between numerals in a tolerance. When space is limited, other options should be used.7.4 Leaders: A leader is a thin solid line (the same as dimension and extension line) leading from a note or dimension and terminated by an arrowhead or a dot touching the part to which attention is directed. A leader should generally be an inclined straight line and 1Smm from the sketch. Fig, 7.3 Dimension Leader. Rule 1 ; NEVER CROWD DIMENSIONS If dimensions are not spaced properly, the drawing surface area will be wasted or dimensions may be too close to be read without confusion. Closely spaced dimensions inhibit the easy reading of object lines. For these reasons spacing of dimensions is recommended. op 2mm Extension tne 30 15mm] ism so 220 no. Fig. 7.4 Spacing of dimensions. All extension and dimension lines should be drawn before the arrowheads or the dimensions, notes and titles have been lettered. Placing dimension lines not less than 15mm from the view and at least 6mm from each other as can be seen in Fig. 7.4. Rule 2: NEVER DIMENSION HIDDENLINES Regardless of the object, always dimension to visible lines. Dimensions on hidden lines are not recommended. Use all the views to dimension the feature, or use sections. Hidden lines are only for clarification and can not be seen in the real object.Fig. 7.5. Never dimension hidden lines. 8, Basic dimensioning concepts 8.1 Linear dimensions 8.1.1 Point to Point Dimensioning: Point to point dimensioning is a method of dimensioning from one feature to the next. Each dimension is dependent upon the previous dimension or dimensions. This is a common practice, although caution should be used as the tolerance of each dimension builds on the next, which is known as tolerance build-up or stacking. The overall dimension is often a critical dimension which should stand independent in relationship to the other dimensions. See dimension of 120 mm in Fig. 8.1 8.1.2. Datum line dimensioning: Datum line dimensioning is a common method of dimensioning mechanical parts whereby each feature dimension originates from a common surface, axis or centre plane. It is also refer as co- ordinate dimensioning. Always stagger adjacent dimensions when possible as it helps clarity and reduces crowding. See dimensions in Fig. 8.2. 25 Fig. 8.1 Point to Point dimensions. Fig. 8.2 Datum Line dimensions.8.1.3 Incorrect and correct linear dimensioning examples In Fig. 8.3 common mistakes and the corrections there of are shown when dimensioning an object. x Y Sensei ~ igs] x Va See gaa 3 x va 1} e |. x A cs ae | Fig. 8.3 Incorrect and correct linear dimensioning examples.8.2 Angular Dimensions There are four methods of dimensioning angular features on parts as shown in Fig. 8.4, Fig, 8.5, Fig. 8.6 and Fig. 8.7. os" en Fig. 84 Linear dimensions. Fig. 8.5 Angle dimension. e 27 poe Fig. 8.6 Linear dimension with an Fig, 8.7 Angular dimension on holes. angle dimension. 8.3 Dimensioning Chamfers Chamfers are a sloping cut along the intersection of two edges or a slight surface angle used to relieve a sharp comer. Chamfers of 45° may be dimensioned with a leader as shown in Fig. 8.8, Other chamfers require an angle and a size dimension to dimension the chamfer as shown in Fig. 8.9. 10 ea orale Jo ig. &8 Linear dimension or leader. Fig. 8.9 Linear dimension with an angle dimension.Fig. 8.10 Linear dimension, Fig. 8.11 Linear with angular dimension. 8.4 Dimensioning circles Circles are always dimensioned with the diameter symbol (@), which precedes the numbers. Dimensions are normally dimensioned in the view, which shows the diameter as a circle. If there are several concentric circles on an object, they should be dimensioned in a side or longitudinal view, as shown below. fa 22 Fig. 8.13 A combination of linear cand leader diameter dimensions. Fig. 8.12 A maximum of three across the circles allowed when using this method. 5 30 Fig, 8.15 A combination of linear Fig. 8.14. Linear dimensions. and diameter dimensions. 12Fig. 8.16 Only use this method if you cannot use the other views for dimensioning. 8.5 Dimensioning holes Fig. 8.17 Mostly use of shafis where the diameters are different along a shaft. Holes are dimensioned by their diameter () because a drill is used to manufacture a hole and are assumed to go through the object unless a note is added indicating otherwise. Using counterboring, countersinking, and spotfacing may modify holes 8.5.1 Holes: Dimensions are similar to those used for circles. 90 8 HOLES o10 (ON 60 PCO, 2 Hoes 10 J | pf gaa SLE 1m R10 Bele G (TP.) Fig. 8.18 Linear and diameter Fig. 8.19 Leader dimension used to dimensions. dimension holes. 20 25. 108 le free|82 \ i i fOr Beet Fl R50 g Ter Fig. 8.20 Dimensioning of holes and arcs.8.5.2 Blind holes ‘A hole that does not go through a object is called a blind hole and the depth dimension used is the depth of the full diameter measured from the surface of the part, not to the point of the drill ae R20 £20 x $0 oFee 2 nous 620, £20 ay 25 DEEP 70 Fig. 8.21 The depths of the holes are Fig. 8-22 The depths of the holes are given as a linear dimension on given with the diameter of the the section view. holes and adding the word DEEP. 8.5.3 Counterbore holes (CBORE) ‘A counterbore (CBORE) is an enlarged hole, often used to machine a diameter below the surface of a part so that a bolt head or other fastner may be recessed. 220. Fig. 8.23 Linear and diameter to Fig. 8.24 Linear dimensions with text to dimension the counterbore. dimension the counterbore. 440 et ‘CBORE #40 x 20 DEEP | I i e20] Fig. 8.25 Linear dimensions on the Fig. 8.26 Leader dimensions with text to section view to dimension the dimension the couterbore. counter-bore. r) 8.5.4 Countersink holes (CSK) Countersink (SK) is used on holes where Flathead screws need to be flush with the surface. Countersink is a conical seat usually specified by the included angle and the diameter at the large end. eat SK AT 90° 10 060 Fig. 8.27 Diameter dimensions with text Fig. 8.28 Linear dimensions on the section 10 describe the countersink view to dimension countersink hole. hole.re Fig. 8.29 Linear dimensions on the section Fig. 8.30 Linear dimensions on the section view and a diameter dimen-sion view fo dimension the coun- to dimension the countersink tersink hole e@ hole 8.5.5 Spotfaced holes (SFACE) A spotface (SFACE) is a method of cleaning up and squaring a surface like a cast metal part so that a screwhead will seat flush against the part. ¢ 0 Fig. 8.31 Diameter dimensions with text (0 Fig, 8-32 Linear dimension on the section describe a spotface hole. view to dimension a spotface hole.Fig. 8-32 Linear dimensions on a section view with a diameter dimension to describe a spotface hole. 8.5.6 Slotted holes and rounded ends e Overall dimensions should be used for parts with slots and rounded ends. Slotted holes may be dimensioned in one of two ways as Fig. 8.34 and Fig. 8.35. These methods are used only when the ends are fully rounded and tangent to the sides. When the ends of the slots or external feature have a radius greater than the width of the slot or feature, then the size of the radius must be given. 8.5.6.1 Slotted holes = . Fig. 8.34 Linear dimension for the centres Fig. 8.35 Linear dimensions for centres ‘and radius dimension for the and width and R (radius) rounded ends. showing the rounded end.8.5.6.2 Rounded ends L«o | “0 T 70 [eeees Ee 5 Fig. 8.35 Linear dimensions for the Ai ig. 8.36 Linear dimension for the centres e centres and radius dimension for ‘and radius dimension for the the rounded ends. rounded ends. 8.6 Dimensioning arcs ‘A circular arc is dimensioned in the view in which its true shape is shown by giving the numerical denoting its radius, preceded by the abbreviation R as shown. Small crosses to clarify the drawing may indicate the centres. This is not for small cast radii. Centres should not be shown for undimensioned arcs. R30 R30 e = RS Fig, 8.38 Arrowhead placed inside the are Fig.8.39 Arrowhead and numeral placed and numeral placed on the outside the are. outside of the arc. aa Fig. 8-40 Numeral and arrowhead are placed inside the are.When the centre falls outside the available space as shown in Fig. 8.41, the dimension line is drawn towards the actual centre, but a false centre may be indicated and dimension line drawn to it as shown in Fig. 8.42. TX satu ceive Fig8.41 Radius drawn from actual centre Fig. 8.42 Radius drawn from false. centre. 8.7 Fillets and Rounds Individual fillets and rounds are dimensioned in the same manner as arcs. If there are only a few arcs and they are obviously the same size, one typical radius is sufficient. A note (TYP.) can be added to the numeral to indicate a typical radius. RS (TYP.) Fig. 8.42 (TYP) All radit are RS if not dimensioned. However, filets and rounds are often quite numerous on a drawing and most of them are the same size. In such cases it is customary to give a note in the lower right hand portion of the drawing to cover all uniform fillets and rounds. FILLETS AND ROUNDS R5 UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED or ALL CASTING RADII R5 UNLESS NOTED or FILLETS R5 AND ROUNDS R3 UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED8.8 Dimensioning threads Today screw threads form a vital part of industry. They are designed for hundreds of different purposes, the three basic applications being: 1, To hold parts together. 2. To adjust parts with reference to each other. 3. To transmit power. Threads are a common type of geometry found on cylindrical parts as well as in round holes. Threads are either external (on the outside of a cylinder) or internal (on the inside of a hole). They are either left-hand or right-hand threaded. This means that you turn the bolt or nut clockwise or anti clockwise into the mating part. MAJOR DIAMETER / MINOR DIAMETER | / (~ THREAD ANGLE Fig.8.44 Thread Geometry. ‘Threads may be made to a variety of precision standards call fits and are available in a wide range of sizes. All this information is easy to communicate through the use of standardised specification notes. Normally a thread is right-hand turning, but if threads are left-hand turning the note (LH) must be added to the thread specification. A gap in the circle that represent the thread. 20.2.5 PITCH — DIAMETER OF THREAD METRIC THREAD FORM Fig. 8.45. Dimensions on threads.The letter M always followed by the nominal size (basic major diameter), which is followed by a multiplication symbol x and then the pitch. Both the nominal size and pitch size is given in millimetres. The pitch is the distance between two adjacent threads and also represents the lateral movement of the bolt or object when itis rotated once. Metric threads can be manufacture in two different pitch sizes namely: a course pitch and a fine pitch. Absence of the indication of pitch means that a course pitch is specified. 8.8.1 Tapped holes he thread note is usually applied to a drawing with a leader in the view where the thread appears as a circle for internal threads or alternative on a section view, as shown in Fig. 8.46 and Fig. 8.47. 2 HOLES M10x1.5 2 HOLES M10x1.5 ‘A gap in the circle that represent the ‘thread. Fig.8.46 Dimension with a leader. Fig.8.47 Alternative method. 8.82 External threads For external threads, the notes are usually placed in the longitudinal views of the threaded shaft, where the threads are more easily recognized. Fig. 8.48 (Method I) Leader to dimension the thread. au100 15 M20x2.5 Fig. 8.49 (Method 2) Dimension lines used to dimension the thread. RS 8.8.3 Blind tapped hole ‘A tapped hole that does no go through a component (blind tapped hole) may be dimensioned as shown in figure 8.50, but some companies may require to indicate the drill and thread depth dimensions on the drawing as shown in figures 8.5land 8.52 The thread length in a tapped hole depends on the major diameter and the material being tapped. The minimum depths of the thread of a tapped hole when both parts (bolt/screw and component) are steel, should be equal to the major diameter (D) of the thread. When a steel screw or bolt is screwed into cast iron, brass or bronze part, the minimum depth of the thread of a tapped hole = 1.5D, when screwed into aluminium, zink or plastic, the minimum depth of the thread of a tapped hole = 2D. (IF REQUIRE) M1Ox1.5 THREAD 60mm DEEP 60 Fig. 8.50 (Method I) Dimension leader. Fig, 8.51 (Method 2) Dimension with a leader and depth dimension. (iF REQUIRE) M10x1.5 Fig. 8.52 (Method 3) Dimension lines only. 28.9 Dimensioning keyways Keyways are notches cut in a part for the purpose of locating or fastening other parts in an assembly. Keyways require at least three dimensions: width, depth and location. Note the importance of the use a dimension to the centre of the keyway to the outside of a shaft or coller. ‘The method of dimensioning the depth of @ keyway is to show the dimension from the bottom of the keyway to the opposite side of the shaft or hole. There are three types of keys used: - Fig. 8.53 Woordruff keys. Fig, 8-54 Square & Rectangular keys. “ T YE 40,30 Lf Te Fig. 8.55 Dimensioning Woodruff keys. Fig. 8.56 Dimension of square keyways. 2BFig. 8.57 Dimension of square rounded Fig. 8.58 Dimensioning hub. end keyways. 9. Surface finish symbols on drawings ‘Some of the surfaces of an object may be machined to certain specifications. When this is done, a surface finish symbol is placed on the view where the surface or surfaces appear as lines (edge view). The finish symbol on a machine drawing alerts the machinist that the surface must be machined to given specification. It also tells the patter or die maker that extra material is required during the casting process EDGE VIEW Fig. 9.1 Dimensions ofa symbol. e Ona drawing the removal of material is part of the dimensions as shown in Fig. 9.2, Fig. 9.2 Drawing of a component. 24Biblography y 2) 3) 4) 5) 8) dD 8) South African Standard SABS 0111 Part 1-1990 Engineering drawings. Part 1 General principles Yanckee Herbert W, Engineering Graphics, PWS Publishers, 1985 Wallach Paul R, Chowenhill Dean, Drafting in a Computer Age, Delmar Publishers, 1989 Schubert Paul B, Machinery’s Handbook , Twenty-first edition, 1980 Sell Phillip, Basic Technical Drawings, Macmillan Publishing Company, 1991 Giesecke Frederick E, Engineering Graphics, Macmillan Publishing Company, 1993 ‘Madsen and Shumaker, Engineering Drawings and Design, Delmar Publishers, 1991 Luzadder Warren J and Duff John, Fundamentals of Engineering Drawings, Pentice-Hall 1993