GD&T Fundamentals

 

GD&T Fundamentals is an intense 3-day immersion into the rules, symbols, and other concepts of the American standard for Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing: ASME Y14.5-2018. The course  also covers differences between older versions of the standard and the current ISO GD&T standards. Key fundamental rules, all control symbols, datums and datum schemes, basic dimensions, virtual conditions, modifiers, and the infamous RULE #1 are all covered in detail.

Tons of examples and lots of short exercises will help you progressively learn more about this unique design language. There is some homework but not too much! Please bring engineering drawings with you for free consulting during the class.

You should have some familiarity with engineering drawings (our Reading Engineering Drawings course is an excellent way to prepare), but you do not need any previous GD&T experience. Many participants looking for advanced classes discover that their GD&T skills are challenged by the fast pace and in-depth coverage of our fundamentals course. Come prepared to work hard and learn a lot, even if it's not your first time through a GD&T class.

Some of the things participants can do after successfully completing our 3-day GD&T Fundamentals course include:

1. Describe the tolerance zones defined by each symbol.

2. Determine when to use Rule #1 to control form and when other controls are appropriate.

3. Recognize correct syntax for feature control frames.

4. Relate common gauging and inspection methods to geometric tolerance zones and feature control frames.

5. Correctly apply and interpret the MMC, LMC, and other modifiers.

6. Assess various datums and datum schemes against product functionality and manufacturing and inspection performance.

7. Recognize the need for product-specific GD&T guidelines and list the steps required to create them.

Our tuition is hundreds less than the costs of identical training offered through various automotive and manufacturing societies, and the public classes include a copy of ASME Y14.5 for each participant (a $250 value). Call us and ask for a discount for multiple attendees or for attendance at both the GD&T and the Tolerance Stack Analysis classes.

 

Tolerance Stack Analysis Using GD&T

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Tolerance stacks are calculations that determine minimum or maximum distances between part features. Most designers and design engineers perform these calculations at some point during a product development program, but usually without consistency and without the confidence that they have adequately represented the geometric tolerances.

This 2.5-day class introduces a very methodical, step-by-step process for identifying the stack path and calculating tolerance stacks. The method uses a spreadsheet approach for labeling and structuring the tolerance stack, resulting in a clearly documented stack that can easily be revised.

Many designers and design engineers that have GD&T experience and tolerance stack experience find that this class does a tremendous job of pulling GD&T and tolerance stack design activities together.

Note:  You should bring a calculator or Excel-equipped laptop or notebook computer to the class.

Some of the things participants can do after successfully completing our 2-day Tolerance Stack Analysis Using GD&T course are:

1. Find the correct stack path.

2. Perform and develop a tolerance stack-up analysis using a manual spreadsheet method.

3. Calculate linear assembly stacks correctly.

4. Correctly account for all GD&T tolerance zones in both part and assembly stacks.

5. Correctly calculate and apply bonus, shift, virtual condition, and resultant condition. 

6. Recognize the advantages and disadvantages of worst-case, root-sum-squared (RSS), Modified RSS, Benderizing, and Monte Carlo analyses.

7. Correctly enter geometric feature control frame data into a tolerance stack.

Our tuition is hundreds less than the costs of  identical training offered through various automotive and manufacturing societies. Call us and ask for a discount for multiple attendees or for attendance at both the GD&T and the Tolerance Stack Analysis classes.

 

Reading Engineering Drawings

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Interpreting a technical drawing is an essential skill to anyone involved with the design, manufacturing, inspection, or procurement of products. It is prerequisite to fully understanding GD&T.

This 1-day Reading Engineering Drawings course is designed for those who need an introduction to drawings, including technicians, purchasing agents, new-hires, co-op students, interns, inspectors, quality assurance, managers and supervisors and anyone else who feels unfamiliar or intimidated by engineering drawings in the workplace.

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Topics include:

 

• The role of prints in industry, paper prototyping, why they're called blueprints

• Types of graphic representation

• Basic steps in reading a print

• The "alphabet" of line types, what each line means

• Orthographic projection visualizing the 3D part

• Interpreting title block

• Notes and revisions to a drawing; bookkeeping info

• Auxiliary and section views

• Dimensioning and tolerancing

• Manufacturing specifications screw threads, surface finish, etc.

• Introduction to GD&T symbology

All training is in accordance with ASME standards. You will be able to practice these concepts with many class exercises and evaluation of sample drawings. Participants are also encouraged to bring drawings to the class for discussion!

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