Chapter 3
Coordinate Tolerancing and
Geometric Dimensioning and
Tolerancing (GD&T)
Performance Objectives
• Upon completing this chapter you should
be able to:
– Describe what the coordinate tolerancing
method is
– Explain why coordinate tolerancing is
UNSAFE
– Explain three potential consequences of
using coordinate tolerances
Performance Objectives (cont’d.)
– Describe three appropriate uses for
coordinate tolerancing
– Describe what the geometric dimensioning
and tolerancing (GD&T) system is
– Describe the design philosophy used with
GD&T
– List the six major components in the GD&T
language
Performance Objectives (cont’d.)
– Describe where GD&T should be used
– List four benefits of GD&T
– Explain how GD&T eliminates the
shortcomings of coordinate tolerancing
– Explain why the “great myth” of GD&T is
untrue
The Coordinate Tolerancing
Method
• A dimensioning system where the
coordinates (X,Y,Z) of holes, diameters,
and surfaces are located by means of
linear dimensions with plus-minus
tolerances
Shortcomings of Coordinate
Tolerancing
• Six major shortcomings
– Undefined measurement setup
– No indication of measurement origin
– Square or rectangular tolerance zones
– Accumulation of tolerances
– Fixed-size tolerance zones
– Exact start point of dimension undefined
Potential Consequences of
Coordinate Tolerances
• Increased manufacturing costs
• Part acceptance disputes
• Assembly problems
Appropriate Uses for Coordinate
Tolerancing
• Size dimensions
• Tangent radii
• Non-critical chamfers
Figure 3-9: Appropriate Uses of Coordinate Tolerances.
Delmar, Cengage Learning 2013
The Geometric Dimensioning and
Tolerancing System
• Symbolic language used on engineering
drawings and CAD models to define part
geometry and allowable variation
• Language consists of well-defined
symbols, rules, definitions, and
conventions
Six Major Components of the
GD&T Language
Figure 3-11: The Six Major
Components of GD&T.
Delmar, Cengage Learning
2013
Where GD&T Should Be Used
– Reduce manufacturing costs
– Protect an important functional relationship
– Ensure that the part can be assembled
– Reduce drawing revisions
– Verify the part with a functional gage
– Improve measurement repeatability
– Outsource the part
– Analyze the design
Benefits of GD&T
• Improves communication
• Provides better product design
• Increases tolerances for production
• Lowers costs
How GD&T Eliminates The
UNSAFE Coordinate Tolerancing
Shortcomings
– Defined measurement setup
– Measurement origin indication
– Cylindrical tolerance zones
– No accumulation of tolerances
– No fixed-size tolerance zones
– Exact start point of dimensions defined
Great Myth of GD&T
• Myth: GD&T raises part costs
• Fact: GD&T saves money
– Increases tolerances with cylindrical zones
– Allows additional (bonus) tolerances
– Allows the designer to communicate clearly
– Eliminates confusion at inspection
Summary
• Coordinate tolerancing – dimensioning
method where features are located by
directly toleranced linear dimensions
• Inappropriate uses for coordinate
tolerancing: locate or orient size features
or surfaces
• Appropriate uses for coordinate
tolerancing: size dimensions, tangent radii,
and non-critical chamfers
Summary (cont’d.)
• GD&T – symbolic language used to define
part geometry and allowable variation
• ASME Y14.5-2009 GD&T standard
encourages the use of functional
dimensioning
• Use GD&T to ensure part function, ensure
uniform interpretation, and reduce costs
