What is Dimensioning?

DIMENSIONING is the process of measuring either the area or the volume that an object occupies.
It is the method of calculating capacity for the storage, handling, transporting and invoicing of goods.
Vehicles and storage units have both volume and weight capacity limits and can easily become full in
terms of volume before they reach their capacity in weight. By dimensioning for capacity needs,
companies and warehouses can make optimal use of space in order to minimize costs in order to
maximize profits.

What are Dimensions?

A measurable extent, such as the three principal dimensions of an object is width, height, and
depth. Length and thickness are not used because they cannot be applied in all cases. The front view of
an object shows only the height and width and not the depth. In fact, any one view of a three-dimensional
object can show only two dimensions, the third dimension will be found in an adjacent view.

Rules for Dimensioning

1. Each dimension should be given clearly, so that it can be interpreted in only one-way.

2. Dimensions should not be duplicated, or the same information given in two different ways, and no
dimensions should be given except those needed to produce or inspect the part

3. Dimensions should be given between views whenever possible. However, it is sometimes necessary to
place a dimension above or below a view.

4. Dimensions should be given so that it will not be necessary for the machinist to calculate, scale, or
estimate any dimension.

5. Dimensions should be attached to the view where the shape is best shown. This is most frequently the
front view.

6. Dimensions should be placed in the views where features dimensioned are shown true shape. This
sometimes means dimensioning an auxiliary view.

7. Avoid dimensioning to hidden lines wherever possible.

8. Dimensions should not be placed upon a view unless clearness is promoted, and long extension lines
are avoided.

9. Dimensions applying to two adjacent views should be placed between views, unless clearness will be
promoted by placing them outside the view.

10. The longer dimensions should be placed outside all intermediate or shorter dimensions, so that
dimension lines will not cross extension lines.

11. In machine drawings, omit all inch marks, except when necessary for clearness for example, 1”
VALVE.

12. A dimension should be attached to only one view: extension lines should not connect two views.

13. Detail dimensions should “line up” in chain fashion.

14. Avoid a complete chain of detail dimensions; better to omit one. Otherwise, add REF (reference) to
one detail dimension, or to the overall dimension.

15. Dimension lines should be spaced uniformly throughout the drawing. They should be spaced at least
3/8” from the object, and 1/4" apart.

16. No line of the drawing should be used as a dimension line or coincide with a dimension line.

17. Dimension line should never cross other dimension lines.

References:
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimensioning
• https://quizlet.com/1311130/unit-13-vocab-flash-cards/
• https://www.scribd.com/

DIMENSIONING ISOMETRIC DRAWING

Isometric drawing:
also called isometric projection, method of graphic representation of three-dimensional objects, used
by engineers, technical illustrators, and, occasionally, architects. In an isometric drawing, the object’s
vertical lines are drawn vertically, and the horizontal lines in depth and width are at 30 degrees to the

horizontal.(as seen on the figure)

The technique is intended to combine the illusion of depth, as in a perspective rendering.

Dimensioning isometric drawings

The object in the isometric drawing in the figure is dimensioned

Note: try to make an object and dimension it in the most useful way possible, put in exactly as many that
are necessary for the craftsman/yourself to make.
Do not put redundant dimensions because it will only make it harder and will clutter the drawing.
But if accuracy levels or ‘‘tolerances’ ’are added, the redundant dimensions will lead to conflicts in
different ways.
Measuring repeatedly from one point to another will lead to an inaccurate measuring that is why it is
better to measure from one end to various points. This gives a reference standard to a dimension
A helpful thought is to choose the placement of the dimensions in which the craftsmen
Ref:
MITopencourseware.com
Autodesk(knowledge.autodesk.com)
Thesourcecad.com

THE PRINCIPLES OF ORTHOGRAPHIC DRAWING & DIMENSIONING

By Les Moore; Updated July 05, 2017
Orthographic engineering drawings have the purpose of making something. The drawing provides
enough views and information for someone to interpret it and make the part. Making these drawings
requires visualizing the part and deciding how to show features, such as holes, for clarity and
dimensioning purposes. Reading one requires understanding orthographic drawing and dimensioning
practices.

Orthographic Drawings
Orthographic drawings are the projection of views on a drawing. It is necessary to show only enough
views to show all the features. There are six basic views: top, front, bottom, back, right side and left side.
The most commonly used are top, front and right-side views. The drafter can include other views such as
an isometric view which shows it at an angle. A section is showing the piece as if it had part of it cut off.
Drafters use section views to illustrate a specific feature.

Top View
Decide how to present the piece to best show all the features. This will identify the views. The top view is
looking straight down on the object. All views remain aligned with each other throughout the drawing.
Draw the outside of the object with a thick heavy line called an object line. Draw features such as holes
in their correct location with object lines. Put this view at the top of the drawing, and position other views
accordingly.

Front, Back, Side and Bottom Views

To identify the front view, rotate the top view 90 degrees clockwise. Align the front view exactly under the
top view. The bottom view shows the front view as if rotated 90 degrees clockwise further. Exactly above
the top view, and rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise, is the back view. The right-side view is rotated 90
degrees counterclockwise from the front view. Show the right-side view on the right of the front view. The
left side view is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from the front view and shown to the left of the
front view. The front view is rotated 90 degrees clockwise to show the bottom view.

Dimensions
The purpose of dimensions is to provide a complete and clear description. The center, overall length,
width and all features need dimensioning. This includes thread specifications for bolt holes, slots and
angles. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) publishes “Geometric Dimensioning and
Tolerancing Y14.5.” It is the accepted industry authority for dimensioning practice. Its purpose is to
provide a consistent guide for those using engineering drawings. It gives accepted callouts and practices
to dimension features on a drawing. These standards include the gap between the object and extension
line, placement of the dimension line and arrowhead size and placement of dimension text.
Source: https://careertrend.com/info-8656561-principles-orthographic-drawing-dimensioning.html

PRINCIPLES OF ORTHOGRAPHIC PROJECTION

Orthographic Projection is a method of producing dimensioned working drawings or blueprints of 3-D

Objects using a series of related 2-D views of the object to communicate the object's length, width and
depth.
The views are produced by using the fundamental concept of Orthographic Projection - the location of the
Spectator (the viewer). The Spectator is always located at an infinite distance from the object and planes
of reference - this means that the lines of sight (projection lines) remain parallel and will project on to a
Plane which is perpendicular to the projection lines.
The primary views used are called the Elevation, Plan and End Elevation and are produced by projecting
an image of the object as viewed by a spectator standing at infinity on to the Planes of Reference which
are then folded flat to produce a 2-D drawing. Drawings can be used using one of two methods - First
Angle Projection (Used in Europe, Asia & Africa) or Third Angle Projection (Used in the USA). First Angle
Projection involves the projection of the image of the object on to a Plane positioned behind the object
while Third Angle projects the image on to a plane located between the object and the spectator. The
method of projection alters the layout of the drawing as displayed in the image below. Drawings created
using First Angle Projection will have the Plan View located below the elevation and End Elevation
positioned on the side opposite the viewing direction (i.e. when viewing the left of the object the view is
positioned on the right of the Elevation) while the opposite is the case for Third Angle Projection.
Producing an Orthographic Drawing
When beginning a drawing, you must first select an Elevation. An elevation should show the greatest
amount of detail of an object and is often considered to show the "front" of the object. Determine the
layout of the views on the sheet and create rectangles which the related views will fit into - this makes it
easier to lay the drawing out on the sheet and prevents frustrating mistakes down the road!

CONVENTIONS OF ORTHOGRAPHIC PROJECTION

There are several rules and conventions which must be adhered to when producing Orthographic
Drawings:
 • Heights of objects will remain the same between Elevations including End Elevations and Auxiliary
Elevations.
• Widths of Objects will remain the same between the main Elevation, Plan and Auxiliary Plans.
• Lines & Surfaces parallel to the Vertical Plane will appear as true lengths/shapes in the Elevation.
• Lines & Surfaces parallel to the Horizontal Plane will appear as true lengths/shapes in the Plan.
• 45° Lines or Arcs should be used to transfer widths between the plan and End Elevation.
• Construction lines should be drawn lightly using a H Pencil.
• Finished lines should be drawn heavily using a B Pencil.
Sources: http://garydooney.wixsite.com/orthographic/principles-of-orthographic-projection

Source: https://clipartxtras.com/download/92f5c617ece7579d8b16353f1123ef030e1b3982.html