In mechanical design engineering, we, of course, strive for perfection, but in reality that always can’t be achieved. It is generally recognised that, due to variations in the process, manufactured components differ in size to that specified in the original CAD model. In order to control these discrepancies, engineers and manufacturers alike refer and rely upon the system of GD&T.
Not to be confused with a well-known and loved beverage, drunk by many of us in the evenings and weekends, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) is a library of symbols to optimally control the disparity that occurs during production. Each character signifies a specific feature. Characteristics include form, such as straight, flat, or circularity, and orientation, relating to angle variations, for example.
Every manufactured part is subject to variation, and that’s why during the production of the CAD models the minimum and maximum tolerance levels will be specified for each component. This brings me back to the refreshing beverage I mentioned earlier. I think we would all agree that not all gin and tonics are the same either.
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