ENGINEERING

D R AW I N G
Module # 07
DIMENSIONING AND TOLERANCING
 𝟎𝟕 −𝟎𝟏
DIMENSIONING (PART B)
 Learning Objectives

• Students should be able to learn

1. Rules of dimensioning

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RULES OF DIMENSIONING
 Rules of Dimensioning

• The purpose of dimensioning is to provide a clear and complete description of an

object.
• A complete set of dimensions will permit only one interpretation needed to
manufacture the part.
• Good dimensioning is identified by characteristics like clearness, completeness,
readability and accuracy.
• The following rules must be adopted to achieve these characteristics.

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 Rules of Dimensioning

1. Dimension and projection lines are narrow

continuous lines 0.35 mm thick, if
possible, clearly placed outside the outline
of the drawing.
2. The projection lines should not touch the
drawing but a small gap should be left,
about 2 to 3 mm, depending on the size of
the drawing.

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 Rules of Dimensioning

3. Arrowheads should be approximately

triangular, must be of uniform size and
shape and in every case touch the
dimension line to which they refer.
4. Bearing in mind the size of the actual
dimensions and the fact that there may be
two numbers together where limits of size
are quoted, then adequate space must be
left between rows of dimensions and a
spacing of about 12 mm is recommended.

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 Rules of Dimensioning

5. Centre lines must never be used as

dimension lines but must be left clear and
distinct. They can be extended, however,
when used in the role of projection lines.

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 Rules of Dimensioning

6. Dimensions are quoted in millimeters to the

minimum number of significant figures. For
example, 19 and not 19.0. In the case of a
decimal dimension, always use a nought
before the decimal marker, which might not be
noticed on a drawing print that has poor line
definition. We write 0,4 and not .4. It should be
stated here that on metric drawings the
decimal marker is a comma positioned on the
base line between the figures, for example, 5,2
but never 5·2 with a decimal point midway.

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 Rules of Dimensioning

7. To enable dimensions to be read clearly,

figures are placed so that they can be read
from the bottom of the drawing, or by
turning the drawing in a clockwise
direction, so that they can be read from the
right hand side.

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 Rules of Dimensioning

8. Leader lines are used to indicate where

specific indications apply. The leader line to
the hole is directed towards the center point
but terminates at the circumference in an
arrow. A leader line for a part number
terminates in a dot within the outline of the
component. The gauge plate here is assumed
to be part number six of a set of inspection
gauges.

• Figure shows a partly completed drawing of a gauge to

illustrate the above aspects of dimensioning.

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 Rules of Dimensioning

9. Between any two extension lines, there must be one and only one dimension line
bearing one dimension.

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 Rules of Dimensioning

10. The same unit of length should be used for all the dimensions on a drawing. The unit
should not be written after each dimension, but a note mentioning the unit should be
placed below the drawing.

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 Rules of Dimensioning

11. Dimension line should not cross each other. Dimension line should also not cross any
other lines of the object. However extension lines may cross each other or outline of
the object.

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 Rules of Dimensioning

12. All dimensions must be given. As far as possible, there should not be need for
calculations, assumptions or direct measurement for any dimension.
13. Each dimension should be given only once. No dimension should be redundant, i.e.
no dimension should be repeated directly or indirectly. If a particular dimension is
mentioned, directly or indirectly, in one view, it should not be repeated in other
views.

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 Rules of Dimensioning

14. When it is necessary to place a dimension within a sectioned area, leave a blank
space for dimension.
15. Avoid dimensioning hidden lines.

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 Rules of Dimensioning

16. Smaller dimensions should always be placed near the view. The next smaller
dimension should be placed next and so on. The overall dimension should always be
away from the view. This will avoid crossing of the extension line and dimension
lines.

17. All notes should be written horizontally.

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 Rules of Dimensioning

18. Place dimensions with the view that best shows the characteristic contour or shape
of the object.

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DIMENSION GUIDELINES
CLASS ACTIVITIES
 1. Dimensions should NOT be duplicated, or the same
information given in two different ways.

Incorrect

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 1. Dimensions should NOT be duplicated, or the same
information given in two different ways.

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 2. No unnecessary dimensions should be used – only
those needed to produce or inspect the part.

Incorrect

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 2. No unnecessary dimensions should be used – only
those needed to produce or inspect the part.

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 3. Dimensions should be attached to the view that
best shows the contour of the feature to be
dimensioned.

Incorrect

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 3. Dimensions should be attached to the view that
best shows the contour of the feature to be
dimensioned.

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 4. Whenever possible, avoid dimensioning to hidden
lines and features.

Incorrect

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 4. Whenever possible, avoid dimensioning to hidden
lines and features.

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 5. Avoid dimensioning over or through the object.

Incorrect

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 5. Avoid dimensioning over or through the object.

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 6. A dimension should be attached to only one view;
for example, extension lines should not connect two
views.

Incorrect

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 6. A dimension should be attached to only one view;
for example, extension lines should not connect two
views.

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 7. Whenever possible, locate dimensions between
adjacent views.

Incorrect

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 7. Whenever possible, locate dimensions between
adjacent views.

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 8. Avoid crossing extension lines, but do not break
them when they do cross.

Multiple
extension
line crossings
may be
confused for
the outside
corner of the
part.

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 9. Whenever possible, avoid sending extension lines
through object views.

Incorrect

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 9. Whenever possible, avoid sending extension lines
through object views.

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 10. In general, a circle is dimensioned by its
diameter and an arc by its radius.

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 11. Holes are located by their centerlines, which may
be extended and used as extension lines.

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 12. Holes should be located and sized in the view
that shows the feature as a circle.

Incorrect

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 12. Holes should be located and sized in the view
that shows the feature as a circle.

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 13. Do not cross a dimension line with an extension
line, and avoid crossing dimensions with leader
lines.

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 13. Do not cross a dimension line with an extension
line, and avoid crossing dimensions with leader
lines.

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 14. Leader lines point toward the center of the
feature, and should not occur horizontally or
vertically.

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 15. Dimension numbers should be centered between
arrowheads, except when using stacked dimensions,
and then the numbers should be staggered.

Incorrect

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 15. Dimension numbers should be centered between
arrowheads, except when using stacked dimensions,
and then the numbers should be staggered.

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 16. Concentric circles are dimensioned in the
longitudinal view, whenever practical.

Incorrect

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 16. Concentric circles are dimensioned in the
longitudinal view, whenever practical.

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 Class Exercise

1 8
Determine an appropriateness of the given dimensions.

7 1
Good 2
Good 3
Poor 4
Poor

5 6 5
Poor 6
Poor 7
Good 8
Good
2

3 4

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 Class Exercise
4

1
3 8
2
6

7
10 11 5
9

12 13 14 15

Determine an appropriateness of the given dimensions.

1
Poor 2
Poor 3
Poor 4
Poor 5
Poor 6
Poor 7
Poor 8
Poor

9
Poor 10
Poor 11
Poor 12
Poor 13
Good 14
Poor 15
Good
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THANK YOU!
for your attention