DIMENSIONING GENERAL RULES

THEORY OF DIMENSIONING

There are two basic kinds of dimensions: size dimensions and location
dimensions. Size dimensions define the sizes of features of the piece. Giving
size dimensions is really a matter of giving the dimensions of a number of simple
geometric shapes that make up the piece. Every object can be broken down into
is geometric forms, such as prisms, cylinders, pyramids, cones and so forth, or
into parts of such shapes.

Dimension Lines

A dimension line is a thin line that shows where a measurement begins and
where it ends. It is also used to show the size of an angle. The dimension line
should have a break in it for the dimension numbers. To keep the numbers from
getting crowded, dimension lines should be at least .38 (3/8) in. from the lines of
the drawing. They should also be at least .25 (1/4) in. from each other.

Extension Lines

Extension lines are thin lines that extend the lines or edges of the views. They
are used to locate center points and to provide space for dimension lines. Size
extension lines are not part of the views, so they should not touch the outline.
They should start after a visible space of about .06 (1/16) in. and extend about
.12 (1/8) in. beyond the last dimension line.

Leaders

Leaders are thin lines drawn from a note or a dimension to the place where it
applies. Leaders are drawn at an angle to the horizontal. An angle of 60
degrees is preferred, but any angle between 30 and 60 degrees is acceptable. A
leader starts with a dash, or short horizontal line. This line should be about .12
(1/8) in. long, but it may be longer if needed. A leader generally ends with an
arrowhead.

DIMENSIONING GENERAL RULES

1. Dimension lines should be spaced about .12 (1/8) in. apart and about .38 (3/8)
in. from the view outline.

2. If the aligned system is used, dimensions must read in line with the
dimension line and from the bottom or right hand side of the sheet.

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3. If the unidirectional system is used, all dimensions must be read from the
bottom of the sheet. This system is generally used on machine drawings.

4. On machine drawings, dimensions should be given in decimal inches or

millimeters, even if the drawings are of large objects such as airplanes or
automobiles. In customary dimensioning, values are given to two decimal
places, except when greater accuracy is required. Whole numbers use a
decimal marker followed by two zeros to the right of the decimal point, for
example, 3.00. In metric dimensioning, values are given to one decimal place,
except where greater accuracy is required. A millimeter value of less than 1 is
shown with a zero to the left of the decimal point (leading zero), for example, 0.2.

5. When all the dimensions are in inches or millimeters, the symbol is generally
omitted. A note can be added to the drawing such as ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN
MILLIMETERS or the metric symbol can be used.

6. Very large area on architectural and structural drawings may be dimensioned

in meters. In that case, whole numbers stand for millimeters and decimalized
dimensions stand for meters. However, this is true only on architectural and
structural drawings. Customary measure is also used. Any measurement over
12 in. is given in feet and inches.

7. Sheet-metal drawings are usually dimensioned in inches or millimeters.

8. Furniture and cabinet drawings are usually dimensioned in inches or

millimeters.

9. When customary measure is used, feet and inches are shows as 7'-3". Where
the dimension is in even feet, it is written 7'-0".

10. Dimensions should be positioned clearly. The same dimension is not

repeated on different views.

11. Dimensions that are not needed should not be given. This is especially
important for interchangeable manufacture where limits are used.

12. Overall dimensions should be placed outside the smaller dimensions. When
the overall dimension is given, one of the smaller distances should not be
dimensioned unless it is needed for reference. Then Parentheses (XX) should
be added.

13. On circular end parts, the center-to-center dimension is given instead of an

over all dimension.

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14. When a dimension must be placed within a sectioned area, leave a clear
space for the number.

15. Dimensions should be given from centerlines, finished surfaces, or datums

where needed.

16. Do not use a centerline or a line of the drawing as a dimension line.

17. Do not have a dimension line that extends from a line of the view.

18. Do not cross a dimension line with another line.

19. Always give the diameter of a circle, not the radius. The symbol o is used
before the dimension.

20. The radius of an arc should always be given with the abbreviation R placed
before the dimension.

21. In general, dimensions should be placed outside the view outlines.

22. Extension lines should not cross each other or cross dimension lines if this
can be done without making the drawing more complicated.

23. Avoid dimensioning to hidden lines if possible.

24. For any flat piece, give the thickness in the edge view and all other
dimensions in the outline view.

25. For cylindrical pieces, give the diameter and length on the same view.

26. As a general rule, place the overall dimension and as many others as are
practical between the views so they relate better to both views.

27. Always place dimensions of a feature on the view that best describes the
true size and shape of the feature.

28. Remember that there are no hard and fast rules or practices that are not
subject to change under the special conditions or needs of a particular industry.
However, when there is a variation of any rule, there must be a reason to justify
it.

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