Dimensioning
Standards
Rules and Practices
▪ Accurate dimensioning is one of the most
demanding undertakings when designing parts.
▪ Use the checklist to insure you have followed the
basic dimensioning rules.
▪ Keep in mind there may be a case where the
need to break a standard could occur to give
clarity to the part and manufacturer.
Specifications
What is the function of the project?
Are there aesthetic requirements?
Who is the consumer?
What is intended lifecycle?
Standards
▪ In order for the drawings to be dimensioned
so that all people can understand them, we
need to follow standards that every company
in the world must follow. Standards are
created by these organizations:
-ANSI -MIL
-ISO -DOD
-DIN -CEN
-JIS
Standards Institutions
▪ ANSI - American National Standards Institute
- This institute creates the engineering
standards for North America.
▪ ISO - International Organization for
Standardization - This is a world wide
organization that creates engineering
standards with approximately 100
participating countries.
Standards Institutions
▪ DIN - Deutsches Institut für Normung - The
German Standards Institute created many
standards used world wide such as the
standards for camera film.
▪ JIS - Japanese Industrial Standard - Created
after WWII for Japanese standards.
▪ CEN - European Standards Organization
Standards Institutions
▪ The United States military has two organizations
that develop standards.
▪ DOD - Department Of Defense
▪ MIL - Military Standard
Linear dimensions are comprised of
four components:
Dimension Text Dimension Lines
Arrow Heads
Extension
Lines
Extension Lines
Continue 1/8” past
the dimension line
Extended from the
view to indicate the
edges referenced
and hold the
dimension line
1/16” gap from the
view so they are not
confused with the
visible lines
Dimension Lines
Horizontal
Aligned to a slanted
surfaced
Vertical
When stacked, they
are 10mm (.4”) from
the view and
6mm(.25”) apart.
Arrowheads
(Dimension Line Terminator)
Arrowheads are typical dimension line terminators. There are other
acceptable dimension line terminators.
Arrowheads point directly
to the object that is being
dimensioned or the
extension lines at the end
of the dimension.
Arrowheads are made
three times as long as
they are wide.
Dot
Oblique or architectural ticks
used in architectural drawings Datum
Dimension Text
If the dimension text will not fit between the
extension lines, it may be placed outside
them.
Dimension text is
placed in the
middle of the line
both horizontally
and vertically.
Dimensioning Methods
▪ Dimensions are represented on a drawing using
one of two systems, unidirectional or aligned.
▪ The unidirectional method means all dimensions
are read in the same direction.
▪ The aligned method means the dimensions are
read in alignment with the dimension lines or
side of the part, some read horizontally and
others read vertically.
Dimension Text
Unidirectional vs. Aligned
Unidirectional Aligned dimensions are placed
dimensions are placed so the horizontal dimensions can
so they can be read from be read from the bottom of the
the bottom of the drawing sheet and the vertical
drawing sheet. This dimensions can be read from the
method is commonly right side of the drawing sheet.
used in mechanical This method is commonly used in
drafting. architectural and structural
drafting.
Types of Dimensions
▪ There are two classifications of dimensions: size
and location.
▪ Size dimensions are placed in direct relationship
to a feature to identify the specific size.
▪ Location dimensions are used to identify the
relationship of a feature to another feature within
an object.
Dimensioning Checklist
▪ Each dimension should be written clearly
with only one way to be interpreted.
▪ A feature should be dimensioned only once.
▪ Dimension and extension lines should not
cross.
▪ Each feature should be dimensioned.
▪ Dimension features or surfaces should be
done to a logical reference point.
Dimension Checklist
▪ Dimension circles should have
diameters and arcs with a radius.
▪ A center line should be extended and
used as an extension line.
▪ Dimension features on a view should
clearly show its true shape.
▪ Enough space should be provided to
avoid crowding and misinterpretation.
Dimension Checklist
▪ Extension lines and object lines
should not overlap.
▪ Dimensions should be placed outside
the part.
▪ Center lines or marks should be used
on all circles and holes.