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PRE-LAB # 11

OBJECT: DIMENSIONING DOS AND DONTS

THEORY: STUDY TEXT AND REFERENCE BOOKS

INTRODUCTION
Dimensioning is the process of specifying parts information by using figures, symbols and notes.
Dimensioning is accomplished by adding size and location information necessary to manufacture
the object.
This information includes:
1. Sizes and locations of features
2. Materials type
3. Quantity/Number required
4. Kind of surface finish
5. Manufacturing process
6. Size and geometric tolerances
This information must be,
Clear
Complete &
Facilitate the
- manufacturing method
- measurement method
Three aspects of good dimensioning include:
1. Technique of dimensioning
2. Placement of dimensions
3. Choice of dimensions

PARTS OF DIMENSIONING/DIMENSIONING COMPONENTS

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Extension line: extends a line from the object feature to be dimensioned. Leave a gap of about
1/16" (2mm) next to the object. Continues about 1/8" (3mm) beyond the outermost arrowhead.

Dimension line: Has an arrowhead at each end indicating the length of the dimension. A gap is
left in the middle of the dimension line for the dimension text.

Center lines: Used to indicate axes of symmetry. Used in place of extension lines for locating
holes and other features. Make center lines end about 1/4" (6mm) outside the hole or feature,
unless it is needs to extend to assist in creating another dimension.

Dimension Text/Figure: Standard height for whole numbers is 1/8" (3mm) and the standard
height for fractions is 1/4" (6mm).

Leader lines: Leads from a note or dimension and ends with an arrowhead touching the part to
which attention is directed. Always inclined lines, never vertical or horizontal. Usually drawn at
30, 45 or 60. Example, A circle is dimensioned by its diameter and an arc by its radius using a
leader line and a note.

A short horizontal should extend from the leader line. Lettering extends from the middle of the
shoulder line.

Arrowheads: Drawn with two sharp strokes toward or away from the point. Should be about
1/8" (3mm) long. Fill in the arrowhead. Avoid sloppy, careless arrowheads.

Notes (General or Local)

It is not necessary to give the dimensions of every fillet and round, but you may mention it as a
general note.
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DIMENSIONING STYLES
Aligned dimensioning style: The dimension figures are placed so that they are readable from the
bottom and right side of the drawing.

Unidirectional method: The dimension figures are placed so that they can be read from the
bottom of the drawing. Do not use both system on the same drawing or on the same series of
drawing.

DOS AND DONT WHILE DIMENSIONING

Dimension such that no calculations are required.
Never letter/write a dimension text/figure over any line of the drawing.
Complete form/title block, never forget to write scale.
Don't crowd the drawing with dimension lines. Keep enough space between the lines and
the drawing.
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Extension lines may cross each other freely. Extension lines may cross hidden lines, center
lines and visible lines, without any break. Never leave a gap where an extension line
crosses any other line. Extension lines of internal feature can cross visible lines without
leaving a gap at the intersection point.

Avoid placing dimensions where dimension lines cross extension lines. Never cross
extension and dimension lines.

Do not use object line and dimension line as an extension lines.

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Avoid dimensioning hidden lines

Dimension lines should be spaced uniformly throughout the drawing. Dimension lines
should be lined up and grouped together as much as possible.

Avoid placing dimensions inside a view/figure i.e. Place dimensions outside the view,
unless placing them inside improve the clarity.

Smallest dimensions should be placed nearest the object; then line up the rest of the
dimensions moving outward, smallest to largest.
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Never repeat/duplicate dimension.

Dimension between two adjacent views.

Do not duplicate the dimensions; Apply the dimension to the view that clearly shows the
shape or features of an object.

When there is not enough space for figure or arrows put it outside either of the extension
lines.

Dimension arcs by radius and not by diameter.

Arcs are dimensioned in the views in which their true shapes appear by giving the radius
of the arc. Print the letter R, for radius, before the actual dimension.
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If the space is too crowded, move the dimension line/figure/text outside the arc.

If space is at a minimum, the size and location of radii may be given by using a false
center and jogged dimensions.

To dimension an angle use circular dimension line having the center at the vertex of the
angle. Angular dimension in degree with a symbol o place behind the figures (and if
necessary minutes and seconds may be used together).
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DIMENSIONING STEPS/STEPS IN APPLYING DIMENSIONS

1. Draw extension lines dark thin and sharp. Extend the center lines of the holes in the
same manner as the extension lines (make them thin and continuous).
2. Use the scale to space the dimensions at least 3/8" (10mm) from the object and 1/4" to
3/8 (6mm to 10mm) apart.
3. Draw the dimension lines dark thin and sharp, leaving gaps for the dimensions.
Draw all arrowheads about 1/8" (3mm) long and very narrow.
4. Add all dimension figures and lettering.