Dimensions, Tolerances, Assemblies

Dimensions in Drawings

Dimensions text

Base dimension: usually the units not included on every dimension text, but at the bottom of the drawing.

Tolerance

Defines how much the dimension is allowed to deviate

Extension line

Continues or extend from the surface of the object and establishes the size of the dimension. They do not touch the object lines and extend the slightly past the dimension lines.

Extension line offset

A gap between the object surface and the extension line, so it is not confused with the visible lines of the model.

Parallel dimensioning (datum dimensioning)

Consists of several dimensions originating from a common reference surface (also known as the datum)

Superimposed Running Dimensions

Simplifies parallel dimensions in order to reduce the space used on a drawing

Chain Dimensioning

Should only be used if the function of the object would not be affected by the accumulation of the tolerances

Combined dimensioning

Uses both chain and parallel dimensioning

Dimensioning Small Features

Placing arrow heads between the extension lines may make the dimension very difficult to read. Arrow heads can be placed outside the extension lines instead

Dimensioning of multiple features

To dimension multiple same dimensions, use N x Dimension.

Circle, Arc and Hole

A circle is dimensioned by its diameter, An arc is dimensioned by its radius, Holes are located by their centerlines.

Tolerance

Bilateral Tolerance

Unilateral Tolerance

Allowed to vary in two directions from the specified dimension. Both directions need not vary by the same amount

Allowed to vary in only one direction

Limit Tolerance

The upper and lower limits of the dimension are specified.

Formula

Tolerance = Upper Limit - Lower Limit

Clearance Fit

Still allowance for two parts to move

Interference Fit

Difficult to move (or remove) the two interfacing parts. Usually, a lot of force is needed to remove the two parts.

Assembly Modelling

Rigid Joint

Fixes two components to one another; it provides no degrees of freedom

Revolute Joint

Has a single rotational degree of freedom, much like a hinge.