INRODUCTION-

A drawing without dimensions is meaningless. Dimensions are necessary to show that the
exact size of an object .Dimensioning in broad sense refers to the act of giving dimensions
i.e. length, width, height, diameter, of the object. the information is provided by giving
numeric values to various feature of the object on the drawing .a feature is an individual
characteristic such as flat or cylindrical surface , groove ,a tapper, a screw etc .Every drawing
whether a scale drawing or free hand drawing ,besides showing the true shape of an object
must supply its exit, length,height,sizes and positions of holes groves etc .and such other
related to manufacturing.suppling this information on a drawing is called a
DIMENSIONING .

BIS defines dimension as a nummeric expressed in appropriate units of measurement and

indicated graphically on technical drawings with lines symbol and notes.

UNITS OF DIMENSIONS- on technical drawing we need to show length and angles.the

most important unit for length is millimetre. In civil engineering and architectural drawing
inch or foot is often used as a unit lengths.Angles is shown in degrees.

DIMENSIONING AND ITS ELEMENTS

Dimensions are applied by means of dimension lines extension lines, or a leader line from a
dimension, note or specification or directed to appropriate feature .A generally recognised
system of lines, symbols etc are used in dimensioning. These are as follows-

1.Dimension line-A dimension line with its arrow heads ,shows the dimension and extent of
dimension. These are the thin lines which are terminated at each end by arrow head.A
numerical value placed above when dimension line when the dimension line is broken
spefiies the number of unit for measurement that is indicated.dimension lines are broken for
inserting the dimension in the case of unidirectional dimensioning.

Dimension Lines is drawn between two extension lines parallel to the object line.as the rule
there must be one and only dimension between two extension lines. One dimension lines
represents one dimensions.When dimensioning an angle a curved line is drawn by drawing a
suitable arc having its centre at the vertex of the angle.

2.extension LINES-These are the thin lines extending from lines extending from points ,lines
or surfaces to enable the dimension to be placed outside the outline, whenever possible to
indicate possible to indicate to indicate the extent of a measurement given by dimension line.
The line should not extend about 3mm beyond the dimension line.

In general ,extension lines are drawn in direction perpendicular to the feature to be

dimensioned. Where there is limited space extension may be drawn at oblique angles to
illustrate where they are but preferably parallel to each other. When the oblique lines are used
the dimension lines are shown in the direction in which they apply. Intersecting construction
and projection lines should slightly beyond the point’s o f intersection. In general projection
lines and dimension lines should not cross each other unless it is unavoidable. Where there
is a point is located by extension line only. The extension line from the surface should pass
through the points.

3.Termination and origin indication-Dimension should show distinct termination i.e.

arrowheads or oblique strokes or where applicable an origin indication.

4.Arrow heads- Arrow heads are used to terminate dimension lines .they should be sharp neat
and clean. The size of the arrow head must be three times its spread .Preferably the space
between the arrow heads must be filled. The size of the arrow head is appropriate to the
thickness of the line of drawing.

5.leader or pointer lines-It is used to link descriptive remarks on the feature i.e.
dimension,object,outline ,etc of a drawing.These are the thin straight lines terminated by
arrow heads or dots that extend from below the note to the feature of the par where the notes
applies.while the arrow head connected to a leader should always terminate at a line the dot
connected to a leader should be within the outline of the object. Leader should not be curved
or drawn freehand. Leader may also terminate in a short horizontal bar at the bottom level of
lettering of the first or last line of the note.

6.Finished or end product drawing- it provides a complete description of the product in

which it is used , the requirement essential to the product directly on the drawing .The
product may be a part ready for assembly or service, or a part for assembly disassembly or a
part for further processesing.

7.feature-it is general term applied to an individual characteristic of a part e.g. a cylinder,

surface, screw, threads ,slot, flat surface, profiles etc.

8.Functional feature-it is a feature that plays an essential role in the performance or

serviceability of a part to which it belongs.it may be the location feature e.g.-a spigot which
serves to locate a component in an assembly or working piece.

9.Datum-It is a theoretically exact point or plane derived from a true geometrical counterpart
of the datum feature.

10.Datum feature- it is an actual feature of a part that is used to establish a datum.

11.Datum target-it is a specified point or line or area on apart used to establish a datum.

12.Dimension-It is a numerical value expressed in appropriate units of measurement and

indicated graphically o technical drawing with lines Symbols and notes to define the
size,shape,location.geometrical characteristic or surface texture of a feature .Each part has
dimension such as length ,width, radius,etc. The drawing for the part is intended to specify a
value for all dimensions necessary for the manufacture and inspection criteria eg-
mass,pressure etc
DIMENSIONS ITS TYPE-

Dimensions are classified according to the following type-

*Functional dimensions- it is dimensions which is essential to the function of a product or

space. They must be expressed directly on the drawing .if this is done it results in the
selection of the datum feature on the basis of functioning of the product.

*Non functional dimension-It is dimension that is not essential to the function of component
or space.

*Redundant and auxiliary dimensions-When the overall distance is but shown the
intermediate distance is redundant and should not be dimensioned. However the redundant
dimension would provide useful information that may be added as auxiliary
dimensions.Auxillary dimensions should not tolerance d should be included in the
brackets.Auxiliary dimension should not govern machining operations in any way and is
derived from other values shown on the drawing.

*Reference dimensioning : A dimensioning without a tolerance used for information purpose

only. This dimensioning is often a repeat of given dimension or established from other values
shown on the drawing. A reference does not govern production or inspections. It is shown on
a drawing with parenthesis.

* Basic dimensioning-A basic dimensioning is considered theoretically perfect dimensioning.

Basic dimensions an are used to describe theoretically excat size. ,profile, orientation or
location of a feature or datum target. These dimensions provide the basis where the
permissible variations are established by tolerances on other dimensions in notes or in feature
control frames simple terms a basic dimensions tell us where the geometrical tolerance zone
or datum target is located. Basic dimensions are shown by placing a rectangle around the
dimensions. They are intended to form the basis for gauges, tools or fixtures, although it is
not recognized that such dimensions on tools and gauges are not exact. A basic dimensions
symbol around a dimensions is a signal to look for a geometrical tolerances in a feature
control frame related to the features being dimensioned.

*Chain dimensioning-Each of the dimensions in the chain would be subjected to a

manufacturing tolerances since it is not possible to mark out and drill each of the centre
distances exactly. The small errors which creep in ,accumulate and overall total of six
dimensions in the chain is generally different from the auxiliary dimensions shown in
parenthesis(157).Here chains of dimensions may be used provided the possible accumulation
of tolerances does not endanger functional requirement of the part.

In this dimensions all the dimensions are aligned in such a way that an arrow head of one
dimensions touches tip to tip the arrow head of the adjacent dimension. The overall
dimension is placed outside of the other smaller dimension.

*Datum dimensioning-improved positional accuracy is obtained by dimensioning from a

Datum .datum dimensioning is accomplished as :

-Parallel dimensioning-When a number of dimensions of a part have common datum feature
then parallel dimensioning can be used. All the dimensions are shown from a common
reference line. Obviously all the dimensions have common extension lines. This method is
adopted when they have to be adapted from particular datum surface.

-Superimposed dimensioning-the space of the six dimension takes yap considerable space
and this space can be reduced if the following convention is adopted. The datum edge is
indicated by large dot and all other dimensions n lies are assumed to refer back to the edge. It
may be advantageous to use superimposed running dimensioning in two directions.

-combined dimensioning-When both the methods are i.e. chain dimensioning and parallel
dimensioning on the same drawing ,the method of dimensioning is called combined
dimensioning.

THEORY OF DIMENSIONING
Dimensioning is a means of de fining the exact amount of material remaining after a series
of manufacturing process have taken place manufacturing is followed by inspections and
measurement is taken in both cases from functional axes or planes, known as datum’s.

Dimensioning, therefore should be undertaken with a view to carefully defining the shape or
form and overall size of the component ,and also the sizes and positions of the various
features from the necessary datum planes or axes.

Any part may be dimensioned easily and systematically by mentally dividing it into simple
geometrical solids. Even complicate parts when analyzed ,usually are found to be composed
principally of cylinders, prisms ,and frequently frustums of pyramids and cones or parts
thereof. The dimensioning of an object may be accomplished by dimensioning each
elemental form to indicate its sizes and relative location from a centre line, base line. A
drawing usually has two types of dimensions
-

1.Size dimensions

2.Location Dimensions.

1.Size Dimensions-Size dimensions are the size of a piece or component part,holeor slot. The
rule for placing three main dimensions on the drawing of a prism is that two dimensions be
given in the principal views and the third dimension on one of the other views. The circular
cylinder which appears as a bar or a shaft ,requires only the diameter and length ,both which
are shown prefarbly,on the rectangular view. Pyramids which frequently form a part of
structures are dimensioned by giving two dimensions on the view showing the shape of the
base. A sphere requires only the diameter.Cones are dimensionised by giving the diameter
of the base and altitude on the same view.

2.Locations dimensions: Rectangular coordinate or polar coordinates locates features with

respect to one another ,and as a group or individual from an origin to the datum. The features
that establish this origin or datum must be identified. Location dimensions may be from
centre to entre,surface to surface or surface to the centre. Location dimension are represented
by L.

*Rectangular coordinate dimensioning-When rectangular coordinate dimensioning is used to

locate features ,linear dimensions from two or three mutually perpendicular planes.
Coordinate dimensioning must clearly indicate which feature of the part establishes these
planes.

*Rectangular co-ordinate dimensioning without dimension line-Dimension may be shown on

the extension lines or arrowheads. The base lines indicated as zero coordinate so they may be
labelled as X,Yand Z.

*Tabular dimensioning: It is a type of rectangular coordinate dimensioning in which

dimensions from the mutually perpendicular planes are listed in a table on the drawing rather
than from pictorial delination.The location of a large number of similarly shaped features.

*polar co-ordinate dimensioning is used to locate feature by a linear and an angular

dimension specifying the distance from a fixed point at an angular distance from two or three
mutually perpendicular planes.the fixed point is the intersection of these planes.

The theory of dimensioning can be applied in the following steps-

1.Mentally divide the object in component geometrical shapes.

2.Place the size dimensions on each form.

3.Select locating centre lines and surface

For placing the dimensions on a drawing ,one of the two system mentioned below is
adopted-

1.Alingned System- it is the most widely used. In this, numeral for dimension values are so
placed that they can be read from bottom or right hand side of the drawing. In the aligned
system, the dimensions are placed perpendicular to the dimension line so that they may be
read from the bottom or right hand side of the drawing sheet. As all the horizontal and
inclined dimensions can be read from the read from the bottom where as the vertical
dimensions can be read from the right hand side of the drawing sheet. Dimensions are placed
at the middle and on top of the dimension lines.

2.Unidirectional system- in this system the dimensions are placed in such a way that they can
be read from the bottom edge of the drawing of the drawing sheet. All horizontal dimensions
are placed at the middle and on the top dimension lines while vertical and inclined
dimensions are inserted by breaking the dimensions are inserted by breaking the dimension
lines at the middle .In this system there is no restriction controlling the direction of dimension
lines. This system may be used with advantage ,on large drawing, where it is covinenient to
read the dimensions from right hand side.

UNITS OF DIMENSIONING
1.SI linear units-In the SI units linear dimensions be expressed in one unit only; preferably in
millimetres. The symbol of the unit can be omitted provided a distinct note is added on the
drawing stating the unit in which all the dimensions of the units are expressed. Where other
units have to be shown as part of the drawing specification e.g. Nm for torque or Kpa for
pressure ,the appropriate unit symbol should be shown with value.
2.The following points should be observed when specifying millimetre dimensions on the
drawing. The decimal points should be bold ,uniform and large enough to be clearly visible
and should be in line with the bottom of the figure .

3.When the dimension is less than unity, the decimal should precede the decimal points.

4.Zero may be omitted if the decimal point is precede by a symbol .eg-45.553 +.76

5.When the decimal is a whole number neither the point nor a zero is shown.

6.Neither commas nor spaces should be used to separate digits into groups in specifying
millimetre dimensions on the drawing.

ANGULAR UNITS-Angular dimensions are expressed in both degrees and decimal part of
the degree , minutes or seconds.

Rules of dimension-the purpose of dimensioning is to provide a clear and complete

description of an object .A complete set of dimension need to manufacture will permit only
one interpretation to manufacture the part. Good dimension is defined by characteristics like
cleanness, completeness, readability and accuracy. The following rules must be adopted to
achieve these characteristics.

1.Every dimension necessary for complete definition of a finished work part ,together with
any other information’s necessary to define the part completely, they should be expressed
directly on the drawing..

2.Each dimension has a tolerance except for dimension specially identified as

reference,maximum,minimum or stock.

3.Dimensioning and tolerance must be complete to the extent that there is full understanding
of the characteristic of each feature. Neither measuring the drawing or assumption of the
drawing is permitted. Exceptions include drawing such as drawing such as printed wiring etc

4.Dimensions must be selected arranged to suite the function and mating relationship of a
part. Dimensions should not be subjected to more than one interpretation.

5.It should not be functional dimension to be deduced from other dimension.

6. Dimension lines should not cross each other. Dimension lines should also cross any other
lines of the object. However extensions lines may cross each or outlines of the object.

7.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 more than one view.

8.Do not use an outline or centreline as a dimension line. A centreline may be extended to
serve as an extension line.
DIMENSIONING OF SPECIAL FEATURES

Dimensioning of special features like cylinder, tapers, threads etc are explained in the
following sections. The specific symbol must precede the dimension to represent the
particular feature

R =radius,CYL=cylinder,LG=long

SR=spherical radius.

DIMENSIONING CIRCULAR FEATURE;

*A circle must be dimensioned by giving its diameter instead of radius. The dimension
indicating a diameter should always be preceded by the symbol phi. A leader may be used if
the space available inside the circle is insufficient to accommodate the dimension.

*Circular holes should be dimensioned in the view in which they appear as circles. The holes
should always be located by their centrelines. If there is more than one hole of the same
size ,each hole needs not to be dimensioned separately. In such a case .the dimension of a
hole with a note will give an idea about the dimension of all the holes

*An arc should be dimensioned by giving its radius. The dimension indicating radius should
be symbol R.As far as possible the arc should be marked as cross.yhe dimension should pass
through the centre of the arc. A leader may be used if the space is insufficient. If the radius
of arc is too large or too small to mark its centre on the space available, the centre may be
omitted.

*Cylindrical feature should be dimensioned by giving their diameters .as far as possible they
should be dimensioned in views in which in which they appear as rectangles.
Dimension of spherical features.

Spherical features may be dimensioned by giving either the radius or diameter of the sphere.
Two symbols SR must precede the dimension for radius or diameter respectively.

Dimensioning of conical feature and tapered features.

Conical features are dimensioned in either of the following ways:

1.Conical features are dimensioned in either of the following ways:

i.By giving the two diameters and the perpendicular distance between them.

ii.By giving one of the diameters ,distance between the end faces i.e. the length of the taper
and taper using conical taper symbol. The taper is calculated by taking the ratio of the
difference between the diameter of the end faces at the length of the taper.

iii.By giving one of the diameter length of the taper and taper angle.

2.The flat tapered features are dimensioned in either of the following ways –

i.By giving the height of one side, distance between flat end i.e. length of the taper and taper
using flat symbol. Taper is calculated by taking the ratio of difference between the height of
two flat end and the length of the taper.

ii.By giving height of one side, length ofthe taper and slope of the tapered face.

DIMENSIONING OF THE SQUARE FEATURE

Square feature for e.g. a rod of square cross section are dimensioned using symbol □ . if
true shape of the square is not seen in the view, than cross line are used to indicate the square
cross section

PRACTICAL HINTS ON DIMENSION.

1.Dimension lines should be drawn atleast 8 mm away from the outlines and from each other.
2.Smaller dimension should be placed nearer the view and the larger further away so that
extension line do not cross dimension line.Extension line may cross each other or outlines

3.When a number of parallel lines are to be shown near each other, the dimension should be
staggered

4.dimension should be shown where the shape is easily identified.

5.Dimension of cylindrical part should as far as possible be placed in the view inwhich they
are seen as rectangles. The dimension indictaing a diameter should always be preceded by the
symbol ᶲ .The dimension of the cylinder should not be given as radius.

CONCLUSION.

For the convenience in using ,ensuring accuracy ,eliminating misinterpretations and saving
time and money ,in addition to shape description by the orthographic views ,size description
by orthographic views ,size description by orthographic views ,size dimensioning are given
as systematic dimensioning standard notes , dates for measurement geometrical
dimensioning ,tolerances of geometrical parts ,machining parts etc arranged on a completed
engineering drawing following standard practices .

ISO and BIS (beareuae of Indian standards ) are organisations that establish uniform rubs,
principles ,methods of dimensioning and tolerances along with the practices for stating a and
interpreting dimensioning ,tolerances and other related requirements for use on the
engineering drawing and in related documents that apply to co-ordinate as well as
geometrical dimensioning method. Engineering drawing practice is very largely concerned
with dimensioning and tolerance .A student as a drafter should bear in mind That drawing are
for use,and satisfactory dimensioning contributes to utility ,facilitates mass production of
interchangeable parts and simply inspection of the finished work parts.A drafter should know
how to properly epresent conventional dimensioning and tolerancing.A;so a technician must
be able to accurately read dimensioning and geometric tolerancing .All engineering students
should have a through working knowledge of the principle and method used for specifying
design requirement, on engineering drawing to be used fo production of parts.