4.
Dimensioning drawings
4.1 Dimensioning principles
International Standards Organisation (ISO) 128 specifies general rules
and basic conventions which includes standards and conventions for
dimensioning drawings.
Clear and standardised dimensioning of technical drawings is essential for accuracy,
clarity and unambiguity. This ensures that drawings are easy to read and understand,
and that all the information needed is available.
General principles of dimensioning
1. Dimension is the 20 25 5 Ø6 R10
numerical value
expressed in appropriate
(usually metric), units
of measurement and 0
Ø2
indicated graphically on
technical drawings, along
35
60
with lines, symbols and
notes.
2. Outline and profile of
components is a thick
15
continuous line. 45º
3. Small gaps are left 15 R4
60 30
between features 100
dimensioned and
extension lines. Fig 4.1
Ø120
4. Dimension lines have
arrowheads at both ends Ø90
that are filled in.
5. Horizontal and vertical Ø80
axes of holes are
shown with a centreline
extending out to be
dimensioned.
6. Extension lines project
a little beyond the
dimension line.
Fig 4.2
7. Dimension lines should
be positioned outside the profile of the component.
16
8. Dimensions are written above Ø20 Ø17 Ø30 Ø20
horizontal dimension lines and
above the vertical dimension
lines when viewed from the
right-hand side of the drawing.
9. Dimensions are in millimetres
(symbol mm) unless otherwise
stated, so they may be
omitted.
10. The symbols Ø = diameter NF
and R = radius are positioned
Fig 4.3
before the dimension.
11. Where there is symmetry of
features on a centreline, it is PCD 30
permissible to dimension only
one half.
12. Non-functional dimensions are
denoted by the abbreviation
NF. See section below on
functional dimensioning.
13. Dimensions should never
be calculated from the other
dimensions shown on the
drawing.
14. Dimensions should be
expressed to the least number
of significant figures, e.g. 120
3 holes Ø10
not 120.0.
equispaced on
15. The decimal marker shall be a pitch circle
bold full stop. Fig 4.4
16. Zero should precede a decimal
of less than 1, e.g. 0.25.
17. Angular dimension shall be expressed in degrees and minutes,
e.g. 45° and 27° 30’ or, 72.5°.
18. Preferred material, standard stock sizes and standard components (such as nuts
and bolts) should be used whenever possible.
19. All dimensions, except auxiliary ones, are subject to general tolerances of
±0.4 linear, ±0° 30’ or ±0.5° unless otherwise stated. See section below
on tolerances.
20. Notes can be used to give greater clarity if needed.
17
Other conventions and abbreviations
Abbreviation Abbreviation
Term Term
or symbol or symbol
Across flats AF Radius – preceding a
R
dimension
Assembly ASSY
Reference REF
Centres CRS
Screw or screwed SCR
Centre line. on view
Sheet (drawing number) SH
Centre line. on note CL Sketch – prefix to
SK
drawing number
Chamfer CHAM
Specification SPEC
Countersunk CSK
Spotface SFACE
Countersunk head CSK HD
Square – in a note SQ
Counterbore CBORE
Square – preceding
Cylinder or cylindrical CYL OR
dimension
Diameter in a note DIA
Standard STD
Diameter – preceding
Ø Taper – on diameter or
a dimension
width
Drawing DRG
Thread THD
Equally spaced EQUI SP
Tolerance TOL
External EXT
Undercut UCUT
Figure FIG
Internal INT
First angle projection *
Not to scale (in a
NTS
note and underlined)
Pitch circle diameter PCD
Third angle projection *
Radius – in a note RAD
18
Types of dimensioning
Parallel dimensioning
This dimensioning is from a
common feature where the
dimensions are in the same
direction originating from one
20 projection line.
35
60
90
100
Fig 4.5
A B C D
Superimposed dimensioning
This dimensioning is from a
common origin marked and is
a simplified version of parallel
dimensioning. It is mostly used
where there are space limitations
20 35 60 90 100
on the drawing.
Fig 4.6
Chain dimensioning
This should only be used if the
function of the component is not
affected by any accumulation of
the tolerances. Tolerances are the
allowable variations in the accuracy
20 15 25 30 10 the component has to be made
to – see section on tolerances.
Fig 4.7
Combined dimensioning
This is a combination of
parallel and chain dimensioning
on the same drawing. Many
organisations do not use
combination dimensioning as it
can cause confusion leading to 35 10
20 60 90
mistakes. However, it can avoid
accumulated tolerance error if Fig 4.8
used selectively.
19
4.2 Functional and non-functional dimensions
Remember dimensioning shows the size or value (in appropriate units) of a feature and
can also indicate technical information through lines, symbols and notes.
Arrowheads are used to represent the two ends of the dimension line.
A B C D
Fig 4.9
Figure 4.9 shows the four most commonly used arrowheads in dimensioning.
A is 30° closed and filled arrowhead (default), B is a 30° closed but unfilled arrowhead,
C is 30° open arrowhead while D is simply an oblique stroke of about 30°.
Dimensions can be put into three main groups relating to the function of the component:
functional dimensions, non-functional dimensions, and auxiliary dimensions (as shown in
Figure 4.10 of a shoulder screw).
Function dimensioning
These dimensions (F) are essential as they directly impact on the functioning of the
component. They can affect the function in terms of size and/or location with its
assembly within the finished product and are usually toleranced. Consequently, functional
dimensions are the subject of close manufacturing and inspection considerations.
Non-functional dimensioning
These dimensions (NF) are dimensions that are used for manufacturing purposes but
do not directly affect the function or working of a component. Non-functional dimensions
usually are not subjected to very close inspection.
Auxiliary dimensioning
These dimensions (AUX) are given for information only. They are not used for
manufacturing or inspection purposes and are not to be toleranced. They are always
inserted in parentheses (brackets).
F
F F
F
NF
F
F
NF
NF
NF ENGINE BODY
(AUX) FLYWHEEL
Fig 4.10 Fig 4.11
20
Assemblies
Figure 4.10 shows the shoulder screw in Figure 4.11 in position. The flywheel (in
sectional view) rotates on the shoulder screw. The internal diameter of the flywheel
central boss and diameter of the shoulder screw are functional: the flywheel must rotate
freely but without too much clearance, which would result in vibration and excessive
wear. Likewise, the thickness of the central boss on the flywheel is functional as it must
not bind on the engine body if it is to rotate freely. The drilled depth of the hole in the
engine body to take the shoulder screw is non-functional. However the depth of internal
thread in the same hole is functional as it will affect the amount of clearance on the
flywheel central boss.
To secure the required functionality of the features, tolerancing is needed (see page 23).
Surface finish
Manufactured components may have surface finishes from a range of processes: rolled,
machined, stamped, painted, etc. The surface conditions can vary hugely. Surfaces may
be functional or non-functional, but where a surface is functional this needs to be shown
appropriately on the drawing. The requirements may be for machining for which the
symbols are as follows:
Surface can be
Material removal Material removal
produced by
required prohibited
any process
60º 60º
Fig 4.12 Fig 4.13
Roughness value chart
Roughness value General description Roughness value General description
12.5 Rough machining 0.4 Fine grinding
6.3 Course machining 0.2 Honing
3.2 Average machining 0.1 Buffing
1.6 Good machining 0.05 Polishing
0.8 Fine machining 0.025 Super polishing
21
When a particular surface finish is needed but:
0.8
1. The means of production are unimportant, this symbol is used:
2. A specific machining operation is used, this symbol is used: 1.6
3.2
3. No material can be removed, this symbol is used:
Note: These numbers will become more relevant when you start to study tolerancing.
Symbols may be located on the outline of the component, or on leader lines, but must be
legible from the bottom of the drawing or from the right-hand side.
Dimensioning features
3.2
●● Holes are dimensioned by giving their location
and diameter in the circular view.
●● Cylinders are dimensioned by their diameters
and lengths in the side or rectangular view, and
location in the circular view.
3.2
●● For holes that go completely through the
component and it is not clear on the drawing, the
abbreviation “THRU” follows the dimension.
●● The depth of blind holes can be specified 1.6
in a note as dimensioning to hidden detail
is poor practice.
●● Symmetrical components can be drawn along
the line of symmetry with the symbol that
looks like an equal sign turned vertically ∙ Fig 4.14
on the line of symmetry.
●● Where a feature is repeated in a
linear space it is permissible to use
a simplified method of dimensioning.
A note will help avoid any ambiguity.
Fig 4.15
Ø10
12
10 18 X 12 = 240 NON ACCUMULATIVE TOLERANCE
Fig 4.16
22
Draw this undimensioned drawing of a
Fig 4.17
bearing housing that is accurately located on
a “dovetail” slide and located by two holes to
the machine bed. The bearing housing carries
a shaft that rotates at high speed.
Why don’t you?
Draw the component and dimension those
features that you think are functional F, non-
functional NF and auxiliary AUX. Also show
the surface finish which may be appropriate
for each functional dimension. Once you have
dimensioned the drawing state why you have
decided on each dimension and surface finish.
Check your work with a classmate. Discuss what went well and what could be
improved.
Put a signed and dated copy of your work in your portfolio of evidence.
4.3 Dimensioning conventions for tolerances, limits and fits
Tolerancing is the means of communicating the upper and lower limits of the permissible
variations in the final size, location and/or shape of a feature of a component. The
difference between these upper and lower limits is called the tolerance.
The principle need for tolerances is that it is not possible to produce a component that
is perfect and therefore allowable variations are needed. The features of a component
that are functional need to be made so that they function as required. This also means
there is a high degree of uniformity of components required leading to interchangeability.
Interchangeability of components is an important characteristic in the maintenance of
mechanisms and systems.
Fit relates to the tightness or looseness of two mating parts and how they move or
rotate (function) relative to each other. Consider the difference between a wheel fixed to
an axle and a shaft rotating in a bearing.
Note: these fits relate to features other than bearings and shafts. They equally relate to
flat, square and any mating parts.
Limit dimensioning
There are three broad classes of fit; clearance, interference and transition fits.
Figure 4.18 shows a shaft and
the bearing into which it fits.
The smallest hole permissible
10.50 10.49 diameter is 10.50 while the
Ø Ø
10.51 10.48 largest shaft diameter is
10.49. This means the shaft
will always move or rotate
freely in the bearing resulting
in a clearance fit (smallest
Fig 4.18
hole bigger than largest shaft).
23
Figure 4.19 again shows a
shaft and the bearing into
which it fits. However, the
10.49 10.50 largest hole permissible is
Ø Ø 10.49 and the smallest shaft
10.48 10.51
10.50. This means the shaft
will not move or rotate freely
in bearing resulting in an
interference fit (largest hole
Fig 4.19
smaller than smallest shaft).
Figure 4.20 shows another
shaft and bearing into which
it fits. Two outcomes are
possible here:
10.51 10.50 ●● If the largest hole (10.51)
Ø Ø
10.50 10.49 is fitted with the smallest
shaft (10.49) a clearance
fit is achieved
●● If the smallest hole (10.50)
Fig 4.20 is fitted with the largest
shaft (10.50) they are
“size and size” meaning an
interference fit is achieved.
When both outcomes are
possible this is a
transition fit.
Dimensioning tolerances
Figure 4.21 shows a pulley with a keyway of nominal size 6 × 3 by which it will be keyed
to a shaft. The width of the keyway is dimensioned with tolerance of 6.00–5.95. This is
a limit dimension where the upper and
6.00 lower limits are “stacked” on top of each
5.95 Keyway
other so anywhere between these two
dimensions is permissible.
3 +0.05
–0.00 The depth of the keyway is dimensioned
3 plus 0.05 and minus 0.00. This is
a unilateral tolerance because the
tolerance is on one side of the target
dimension.
The internal diameter of the pulley is
dimensioned as Ø24 ± 0.05. This is a
bilateral tolerance as the limits are on
both sides of the target of Ø24 so sizes
Ø23.95 to Ø24.05 are permissible.
Ø24 ±0.05
Fig 4.21
24
●● Tolerancing is the means of specifying the upper and lower limits of the
permissible variation in the finished manufactured size of a feature. The
difference between the upper and lower limits is the tolerance for that
dimension.
Remember
●● Functional and most non-functional dimensions (those that might affect
interchangeability) are subject to tolerances but auxiliary dimensions
are not.
●● Dimensions unless otherwise stated are in millimetres (symbol mm) so there
isn’t the need to include this on drawings.
●● Tolerance unless otherwise stated are linear ±0,4 and angular ±0° 30’.
Tolerancing angular
dimensions
32º 30'
25º ± 0.1 32º 0' Figure 4.22a is a bilateral
tolerancing of an angular
dimension.
(a) (b) Figure 4.22b is a unilateral
Fig 4.22 tolerancing of an angular
dimension.
Figure 4.23 shows two mating parts; a shaft and a hole. Look at the figure, then
answer these questions.
15.03 15.05
Ø Ø
14.95 14.90
Why don’t you?
Fig 4.23
1. What class of fit is it?
2. What are the tolerances on the hole and the shaft?
3. Are the tolerances unilateral or bilateral?
4. What is the maximum and least material condition (MMC and LMC) for
both components?
Check your work with a classmate. Discuss what went well and what could be
improved.
Put a signed and dated copy of your work in your portfolio of evidence.
25