Group standard VW 01055

Issue 2017-06
Class. No.: 02245

Descriptors: RPS, reference point system

Reference Point System (RPS)

Specifications in Drawings and 3-D CAD Models

Previous issues
VW 01055: 1996-12, 2009-06, 2014-07

Changes
The following changes have been made to VW 01055: 2014-07:
– Technical responsibility changed
– Figures with RPS, LPS, RB, and functional point tables recreated in the CAD system

Contents
Page
1 Scope ......................................................................................................................... 2
2 Requirements ............................................................................................................. 2
3 General information .................................................................................................... 2
4 Definitions .................................................................................................................. 3
5 Theoretical principles ................................................................................................. 6
5.1 Reference systems .................................................................................................... 6
5.1.1 Global vehicle reference system ................................................................................ 6
5.1.2 Component reference system .................................................................................... 7
5.1.3 Rotated component reference systems ..................................................................... 9
5.2 The 3-2-1 rule ........................................................................................................... 13
5.2.1 3-2-1 rule for non-rotationally-symmetrical components .......................................... 13
5.2.2 Special 3-2-1 rule cases ........................................................................................... 14
6 Design ...................................................................................................................... 16
6.1 General principles .................................................................................................... 16
6.2 Requirements when defining reference points ......................................................... 17
6.3 Procedure for components with reference machining (RB) ..................................... 18
6.4 Local positioning systems (LPS) for functional areas .............................................. 19

Always use the latest version of this standard.

This electronically generated standard is authentic and valid without signature. Page 1 of 45
The English translation is believed to be accurate. In case of discrepancies, the German version is alone authoritative and controlling.

Technical responsibility The Standards department

K-ILI/5 Norbert Wisla K-ILI
PMP-P/G Matthias Terbeek Tel.: +49 5361 9 963242 Tel.: +49 5361 9 48869 Uwe Wiesner

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be provided to third parties or reproduced without the prior consent of one of the Volkswagen Group’s Standards departments.
© Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft VWNORM-2016-08a
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6.5 RPS, RB, and LPS points ........................................................................................ 21

6.5.1 Designation .............................................................................................................. 21
6.5.2 Standard values for mounting surfaces and mounting holes ................................... 28
7 Design requirements ................................................................................................ 33
7.1 Graphic representation in part models and part drawings ....................................... 33
7.1.1 Procedure for component solid designs ................................................................... 34
7.2 Procedure for assemblies containing components that do not have a separate
drawing ..................................................................................................................... 35
7.3 Dimensioning and tolerancing .................................................................................. 36
8 Applicable documents .............................................................................................. 38
Appendix A Examples ................................................................................................................. 40

1 Scope
This standard specifies how a reference point system (RPS) must be used to geometrically posi‐
tion components in the vehicle axis system and how reference point systems must be documented
in technical documents such as part drawings (TZ) and part models (TM).
This standard applies to the manufacture and dimensioning of components, as well as to their in‐
spection, dimensional acceptance, and sample inspections in all product emergence process pha‐
ses.
In other words, it:
– Specifies consistent standardized positioning for components for all manufacturing, inspection,
and check operations
– Ensures that the same dimensional references will always be used
– Forms the basis for tolerance stack-up analyses used for process-assurance purposes
– Makes it possible to join components without additional tools.

2 Requirements
RPS systems must be designed so as to ensure that components (individual parts or assemblies)
can be produced in a reliable and repeatable process and can be evaluated in terms of their di‐
mensions.
Component reference systems that do not meet the specifications in this standard must not be re‐
ferred to as reference point systems.

3 General information
The figures in this standard are examples provided in order to make it easier to understand the
text. They are complete only to the extent that they show the situation described. Unless otherwise
specified, they are not complete application examples.
The tolerance values specified in the RPS, RB (reference machining), LPS (local positioning sys‐
tem), and functional point tables are examples only. The corresponding values must be properly
specified as required for the application in question.
The sample templates for the RPS, RB, LPS, and functional point tables and the RPS Dimensions
Sheet are provided in appendix A to this standard.
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4 Definitions
Assembly
An assembly is an object that is assembled from several components.

Part
A component is an individual part or an assembly.

Component reference system

Component reference systems are formed based on three references that are (hierarchically) or‐
ganized in ranking order. Component reference systems fix all six degrees of freedom in a compo‐
nent, therefore defining a clear and specific way in which the workpiece has to be mounted for pro‐
duction, inspection, and testing.
Component reference systems are also used to define the coordinate system on a component.

Reference
A reference is a theoretically exact desired geometry (e.g., plane, straight line, axis, point) and is
defined by these geometric elements or a combination of them.
References can be formed based on one or more reference elements of a part.
References are formed by actual geometric elements on the workpiece.

Reference element
A reference element is an actual geometric element on a part (workpiece), such as an edge, sur‐
face, or hole, that is used to form a reference.
A datum feature can be a complete surface or a part of this surface.

Reference location
A reference location is part of a reference element and can nominally be a point, a line, or part of a
surface. These reference locations, in turn, are called punctiform, linear, or planar reference loca‐
tions.
Reference locations (RPS points) are used for contact points with production and testing equip‐
ment in order to define the required reference elements and, therefore, make it possible to meet
the relevant functional requirements.
"Reference location" is a synonym for a "reference point."

Individual part
An individual part is a technically described object that cannot be broken down.

Surface point
A point on a surface that is defined using coordinates.
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Functional area
A functional area is a complex sub-area within a component; see LPS (local positioning system).

Functional dimension
A functional dimension is a dimension used to define the shape, size, or position of geometric ele‐
ments for the function of individual parts or groups.

Functional points
Functional points are used to specify features of components and/or functional areas and are
shown in technical documentation.

Global vehicle reference system

A vehicle's global reference system is the vehicle axis system; see Volkswagen standard
VW 01052.

Global coordinate system grid – see VW 01052 and figure 11.

Cartesian coordinates
Cartesian coordinates are coordinates in a Cartesian coordinate system.

Cartesian coordinate system

A Cartesian coordinate system is a purely orthogonal (in this standard, three-dimensional) coordi‐
nate system.

Coordinate
A coordinate is a number used to specify the position of a point on a plane or in space (using a
coordinate system).

Coordinate dimensioning
Coordinate dimensioning refers to dimensioning the position of points using two or three coordi‐
nates (e.g., X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis coordinates) in a coordinate system (in this standard, a Car‐
tesian system).
Coordinate system
A coordinate system is defined by specifying an origin/reference point (zero point) and defining
spatial directions (X, Y, and Z). Coordinate systems are used to clearly describe the position of
points and objects in a geometric space. The references are used to define this space.
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Local positioning systems (LPS)

A local positioning system is a reference system for one or more functional areas.
Just like reference point systems, local positioning systems are defined based on the 3-2-1 rule.

Center point (hole/pin)

A center point is the intersection point between an axis derived from a hole/pin reference element
and a theoretical intersecting plane.

Secondary RPS points

Secondary RPS points are required for components that are not flexurally stiff. These points are
used to locate unstable areas on joining and measuring fixtures in such a way that the installation
position will be simulated.
Reference machining points (RB points)
Components that cannot be completely described by means of RPS because the corresponding
holes or surfaces are not produced until they are machined (e.g., by milling surfaces or drilling
holes) require reference machining points for pre-positioning purposes. This applies, for example,
to castings, extruded sections, and hot-worked sheet metal parts.

Reference points
Reference points are divided into RPS points and secondary RPS points.

Reference point system

A reference point system is a system with defined rules for designing, designating, and represent‐
ing reference points and component reference systems on components in a standardized manner
throughout a vehicle's entire emergence process.

Reference point system (RPS)

A reference point system ensures that individual parts, assemblies, and whole systems can be
clearly and reproducibly positioned in the vehicle axis system.
This ensures that the position of components relative to each other is clearly defined. This way, the
tolerances of the individual components relative to each other can be accurately and exactly de‐
scribed for the entire production, inspection, and testing process.
The system is used as the basis for the tolerance systems in tolerance management.

RPS points
RPS points help locate components in a perfectly reproducible manner during the individual proc‐
ess steps in the vehicle emergence process (production and quality control). Within this context,
"locating" means that a component's RPS points will be placed at the appropriate contact points on
the pertinent joining or measuring fixtures. The locating method is described in a component-spe‐
cific, production-specific, inspection-method-specific, and test-method-specific manner in Perform‐
ance Specifications, Design Guidelines, and Test Specifications.
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RPS points are defined with the corresponding RPS geometry elements, what are referred to as
RPS holes/surfaces/pins, and their target coordinates in the global reference system.

SET
Simultaneous engineering team

Theoretical point
A theoretical point is interpolated from two secondary RPS points or secondary RB points or sec‐
ondary LPS points and is located at the symmetrical center of these two secondary points.

5 Theoretical principles

5.1 Reference systems

5.1.1 Global vehicle reference system

Vehicles are dimensioned by means of a global vehicle axis system (three-dimensional Cartesian
system). This system's origin is set in the center at the height of the front axle of a vehicle; see
Figure 1. VW 01052 is the mandatory reference for the vehicle axis system.
Starting from the origin, grid lines are scaled at 100 mm increments in all three spatial directions.
Using these grid lines, every point in the vehicle can be uniquely defined by its coordinates (see
figure 11 and VW 01052).
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Legend
1 Vertical YZ plane
2 Longitudinal XZ center plane
3 Horizontal XY plane
4 Vehicle axis system reference point
Figure 1 – Global coordinate system for vehicles

5.1.2 Component reference system

Component reference systems are used to define the coordinate system on a component. Compo‐
nent coordinate systems are used to define geometry elements that are important in terms of the
component's function. The reference points in component reference systems are used to position
and tolerance – in the vehicle axis system – the theoretical positions of components relative to
each other.
The origin/reference point of a component reference system is defined by the intersection point of
three reference planes. These reference planes are defined by the RPS points defined on the com‐
ponent.
In order to define the reference point, the vehicle axis system origin is translated – see figure 3.
The component's reference system is positioned relative to the global coordinate system with zero
tolerance.
Figure 2 shows the symbol for graphically representing the origin/reference point of a component
reference system in an engineering drawing.
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Figure 2 – Component reference system origin/reference point

The reference point's coordinates are entered into the RPS table; see figure 4. The reference point
can also be defined as per the pertinent design requirements.

Figure 3 – Definition of component-oriented reference system/coordinate system

Component reference systems are normally translated parallel to the grid. For an example, see
figure 4. If necessary, they can also be rotated about the reference point; see section 5.1.3.
For component reference systems that have not been rotated, horizontal dashes ("–") must be
used to cross out the "Theor. angle of rotat. around axis" field. For an example, see figure 4.
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Legend
* The corresponding tolerance must be defined in the SET.
Figure 4 – Sample table and drawing for a component in the vehicle axis system

5.1.2.1 Component-based reference system for an assembly

After being joined, the assembly is described by a common component reference system.
This system is formed by:
– Adopting one of the existing component reference systems
– Creating a new reference system based on the existing reference points
The new component reference system is defined based on the assembly's function.

5.1.3 Rotated component reference systems

For rotated reference systems, the theoretical angles of rotation must be included in the RPS Di‐
mensions Sheet, in the RPS drawing table, and in the CAD system 3-D model.
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If there are multiple angles of rotation, the angle specifications and the order of the rotations must
be entered into the "Bemerkungen/Notes" field on the part drawing as shown in figure 5.

Figure 5 – Example showing how multiple angles of rotation for a rotated reference system must be
entered into the "Bemerkungen/Notes" field

"See Bemerkungen/Notes", instead of the actual angles, must be entered into the RPS table as
shown in figure 6.

Legend
* The corresponding tolerance must be defined in the SET.
Figure 6 – Example showing how multiple angles of rotation for a rotated reference system must be
entered into the RPS table

The position of the origin/reference point is defined by its X, Y, and Z coordinates in the global ve‐
hicle axis system.

For rotated reference systems, the local coordinates and tolerances are specified using a, b, and c
values in the RPS table.
The locating directions for the RPS points are specified in a, b, c values in the RPS table and/or in
the part drawing, e.g., RPS_001_Hab.
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Figure 7 and Figure 8 show examples of how to specify the rotation of a reference system about an
axis. For axes that are not relevant, horizontal dashes ("–") must be used to cross out the "Theor.
angle of rotat. around axis" field.

Legend
* The corresponding tolerance must be defined in the SET.
** The duplicate labels are intended to make it easier to understand the drawing
*** The reference point must be specified in the part drawing
Figure 7 – Sample table and drawing for a component in a rotated coordinate system (reference
point on component)
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Legend
* The corresponding tolerance must be defined in the SET.
** The duplicate labels are intended to make it easier to understand the drawing
*** The reference point must be specified in the part drawing
Figure 8 – Sample table and drawing for a component in a rotated coordinate system (reference
point outside the component)
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5.2 The 3-2-1 rule

Every rigid body has six degrees of freedom in three-dimensional space – three translational de‐
grees of freedom parallel to the axes of a coordinate system and three rotational degrees of free‐
dom about the axes; see figure 9.
The α, β, and γ angles of rotation about the X, Y, and Z axes can have a positive or negative direc‐
tion of rotation. Mathematically positive angles of rotation are specified as clockwise angles, while
negative angles of rotation are specified as counterclockwise angles (when the direction of rotation
is viewed from the origin looking at the positive direction of the coordinate axes). For an example,
see figure 9.

Figure 9

5.2.1 3-2-1 rule for non-rotationally-symmetrical components

In order to be able to define the position of a rigid body (which is not rotationally symmetric) in
three-dimensional space, a reference system that locates all six degrees of freedom (3 translation‐
al and 3 rotational directions of motion) must be defined for the body.
For this purpose, six mounting points located as far as possible from each other are generally re‐
quired for a rigid body in order to achieve the greatest possible stability. Rotationally symmetric
bodies and systems consisting of rigid bodies are excepted – see section 5.2.2.
The 3-2-1 rule provides for such explicit locating.
A primary, a secondary, and a tertiary reference plane are formed when applying the 3-2-1 rule.
See table 1 and figure 3. The resulting surfaces are perpendicular to each other.

Table 1 – Component reference system

References Number of reference elements and located degrees of freedom
3 reference locations/mountings fix 3 degrees of freedom (largest
Primary reference plane
possible area)
Secondary reference 2 reference locations/mountings fix 2 degrees of freedom (largest
plane possible length to prevent rotation)
1 reference location/mounting fixes 1 degree of freedom (function-re‐
Tertiary reference plane
lated specification used to prevent translational displacement)

Figure 10 shows how this rule is implemented.

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The three mountings in the Z direction limit three degrees of freedom: translation in the Z direction
and rotation about the X-axis and Y-axis. The pin in the round hole prevents motion parallel to the
axes in the X and Y directions, and the pin in the oblong hole prevents rotation about the Z-axis;
see figure 10.
This rule applies accordingly to all other rigid components the same way, even if the design behind
these components is far more complex.

Figure 10 – Applying the 3-2-1 rule

5.2.2 Special 3-2-1 rule cases

Spheres, rotationally symmetric bodies, and systems consisting of rigid bodies with joints or guides
are the special cases for the 3-2-1 rule.
Systems of rigid bodies (components) that are, for example, connected to each other by means of
joints or guides, have more than six degrees of freedom. For these systems, one of these compo‐
nents must be given a full reference point system. Secondary RPS points must be used to locate
all other connected components in terms of the degrees of freedom that are not yet located.
The tolerances for the secondary RPS points must be defined in the appropriate simultaneous en‐
gineering team (SET); see figure 11 and figure 12.
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Figure 11 – Example showing an RPS layout for a hinge

For moving sleds, a body is located by means of RPS points. The moving part is located in the
direction of motion with a secondary RPS location, the tolerance of which must be defined in the
appropriate SET; see figure 12. This method is used for seat rails, for example.

Figure 12 – Example showing an RPS layout for a moving sled

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6 Design

6.1 General principles

The purpose of a reference point system is to ensure that all processes are reliable, production-
capable, and exactly repeatable so as to minimize the influence of workers and eliminate additional
tolerances caused by changing references in a process.
In order to support the product emergence process the best way possible, the RPS points must be
defined as early as possible.
A consistent use of reference points must be ensured in all manufacturing, assembly, inspection,
and installation processes.
Reference point systems for components that are used more than once in one or more vehicles
and thus reference the global coordinate system grid multiple times may be represented in the per‐
tinent technical documentation (part drawing (TZ), part model (TM), etc.) without a global coordi‐
nate reference.
RPS surfaces must be projected onto the component axially parallel in the locating direction (effec‐
tive direction) in order to obtain standardized tool, production equipment, and measuring fixtures;
see figure 13.

Legend
1 Part 4 Projected surface
2 RPS surface 5 Vehicle axis system
3 Projection in locating direction
Figure 13 – Example showing the axially parallel projection of an RPS surface onto the component
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6.2 Requirements when defining reference points

The RPS points, as well as the number of RPS points, must always be chosen in such a way that
the required degrees of freedom will be specified and fixed in a clear manner without excessive
defining points (3-2-1 rule; see section 5.2). For components that are not flexurally stiff, additional
secondary RPS points must be defined. These secondary RPS points are required in order to lo‐
cate unstable areas on joining and measuring fixtures in such a way that the installation position
will be simulated. The component's deviation at these secondary RPS points must be measured
when the component is not clamped.
RPS points must be defined on the basis of the corresponding component's function.
The reference points must preferably be made with the tool sequence that will provide maximum
dimensional stability.
The component areas where reference points are positioned must be stable, must not change dur‐
ing the remaining development and/or manufacturing processes, and must remain accessible for
measuring purposes. Reference points must not be positioned in areas with resilience, joints, or
surface flaws such as waviness, wrinkles, burrs, or roughness.
Reference points must always be parallel to the coordinate system grid. This can be achieved us‐
ing suitable design elements (e.g., embossments, sprues).
The reference points must be placed with the largest possible distance to each other.
For rotated systems, parallelism must be ensured within the reference system.
The RPS points in an assembly must be preferably placed on the component that defines the as‐
sembly's geometry; see figure 28.
RPS holes that are used multiple times in the manufacturing process must be sufficiently sturdy
(e.g., plunged holes).
For process reliability, and in order to ensure that components can be located easily, a combina‐
tion of holes/oblong holes and surfaces must be aimed for; see figure 10.
If holes cannot be added to a component, surfaces must be used to specify the reference points.
RPS points must be described separately according to their geometry types (hole or surface).
Ideally, function-relevant RPS points must be placed in such a way that they will remain accessible
during all process steps.
Reference points must be preferably designed as per standardized dimensional specifications as
per table 5 and Production Handbook for Standardization PHS 387.
If switching from one reference system to a new one is unavoidable, functional dimensioning must
be used in order to describe the relationship between the two systems.
When designing production equipment for joining components, it must be assumed that not all six
degrees of freedom need to be located in every component. Certain degrees of freedom are al‐
ready fixed by common joint areas; see figure 14.
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The block position of the contact areas between the two components means that RPS_002_Hy,
RPS_003_Fz, and RPS_101_fz (shown struck through in figure 14) of component 2 are not used
during joining. In other words, they are eliminated from the joining process. The component that
defines the geometry (see figure 14 – component 1) must form the basis and be located in all six
degrees of freedom.

Legend
1 Component 1
2 Component 2
Figure 14 – Example showing how degrees of freedom are fixed for joining

6.3 Procedure for components with reference machining (RB)

RB points are used to achieve an unambiguous initial component alignment for production and for
checking RPS points as per the 3-2-1 rule.
RB points must be placed in areas allowing a reliable production process.
RB points must be preferentially placed in function-relevant connection areas in order to obtain the
smallest possible component tolerances when mounting the component with RPS.
If there are no such areas on the component, RB points must be placed in waste areas (e.g., trim,
manufacturing spigots, sprues).
The same rules as for RPS are used.
The RB layout loses its validity for the subsequent process once RPS is incorporated.
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6.4 Local positioning systems (LPS) for functional areas

If a local positioning system is being used for a complex vehicle component, this system will be a
special case of component reference systems. Local positioning systems for functional areas can
be used in order to reproduce the dimensional influences of the environment and its adjacent com‐
ponents. They are used in order to comprehensively describe functional areas, in and of them‐
selves, for the manufacturing and measuring processes (dimensioning and tolerancing).
Just like reference point systems, local positioning systems are defined based on the 3-2-1 rule.
They are used to dimensionally align the functional area and must not be physically clamped. This
means that they are exclusively a dimensional alignment system.
If multiple local positioning systems that are related to each other are used, one of these systems
must be dimensioned relative to the component's reference point system – for an example, see
figure 15.
A functional area includes all visible and concealed components that, together with their functional
points, have a direct effect on their adjacent surroundings. An additional dimensional reference
must be defined for each functional area.
The local reference system for a functional area is identical for all the components, assemblies,
and the corresponding adjacent areas located within it, i.e., all these elements have the exact
same starting basis.
LPS points are designated as per section 6.5.1.2.
For example, a cockpit can be subdivided into the following functional areas: the airbag area, the
left vent area, and the right vent area.
These functional areas are shown on a schematic cockpit drawing; see figure 15.
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Legend
L01 Left vent functional area (schematic)
L02 Airbag functional area (schematic)
L03 Right vent functional area (schematic)
Figure 15 – Schematic drawing showing functional areas on a schematic cockpit
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6.5 RPS, RB, and LPS points

The following RPS/RB geometry elements must be used:
– Holes/pins (see table 5)
– Surfaces (see table 6)
– Theoretical point
The following elements must be used for LPS:
– Hole/pin center point
– Surface point
– Theoretical point

6.5.1 Designation

6.5.1.1 RPS and RB points

Within the reference point system, the purpose of each RPS point and RB point is to fix the corre‐
sponding degrees of freedom of the component. The designations for the RPS and RB points are
based on their function.
RPS points and secondary RPS points, as well as their locating directions, are designated as per
table 2. Figure 16 and figure 18 both show examples of designations. This designation system is
used to uniquely identify the RPS and RB points on a component.
Surfaces not positioned parallel to the grid are specified using the pertinent coordinates for the
main load direction (effective direction).

Table 2 – RPS, RB designation

RPS points Uppercase letters Meaning of letter code
001 to 006 H Hole/pin
001 to 006 F Surface area
001 to 006 T Theoretical point, defined by two secondary RPS points

Secondary RPS points Lowercase letters

Starting from 101 h Hole/pin
Starting from 101 f Surface area
021 to 050 f/h Hole/pin/surface for secondary RPS points used to de‐
fine a theoretical point (symmetry)
051 to 099 Hole/pin/surface/angle for systems of rigid bodies (joint
h/f/w
or moving sled)

Locating directions Lowercase letters

x, y, z For component-oriented reference systems parallel to
the coordinate system grid
a, b, c For component-oriented reference systems that have
been rotated
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Figure 16 – Examples of RPS designations

Figure 17 – Example showing the RPS layout for a u profile

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Figure 18 – Examples of RB designations

Figure 19 – Example showing the RB layout for a u profile

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Legend
1 RB/RPS layout
2 RB layout
3 RPS layout
Figure 20 – Example showing the relationship between RPS and RB designations

6.5.1.2 LPS points

The way in which LPS systems are designated is based on the system for RPS and RB designa‐
tions; see table 3. Starting letter "L" is characteristic of LPS designations. This letter is followed by
the 2-digit numerical designation for the corresponding functional area. LPS points are numbered
using three digits (see table 3).
The letters H, F, T, f , and h in the LPS designation indicate, just like in the reference point system,
whether the points are located on a hole, surface element, or formed symmetry. Only center points
and surface points are marked with a cross (x).
Figure 21 shows examples of designations for LPS points. Figure 22 shows an example of an LPS
layout.
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Table 3 – LPS designations

LPS points Uppercase letters Meaning of letter code
001 to 006 H Hole/pin center point
001 to 006 F Surface point
001 to 006 T Theoretical point, defined using two secon‐
dary LPS points

Secondary LPS points Lowercase letters

021 to 050 f/h Secondary reference points forming a "T"
(symmetry)

Locating directions Lowercase letters

x, y, z For component-oriented reference systems
parallel to the coordinate system grid
a, b, c For component-oriented reference systems
that have been rotated

Figure 21 – Examples of LPS designations

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Figure 22 – Schematic diagram for an LPS layout

6.5.1.3 Functional points

Functional points:
– For RPS are desig‐ RPS_a01 to RPS_a99 (global vehicle axis system grid)
nated with: …
RPS_v01 to RPS_v99
– For LPS are desig‐ L01_b01 to L01_b99 (for L01) (local reference system L01)
nated with: …
L99_b01 to L99_b99
The functional point table makes it possible to clearly assign tolerance specifications for functional
points on components (for examples, see figure A.4 and figure A.7).
The following must be taken into account for the "Toleranzart/Tol. type" column:
– In the functional point table, the " " symbol stands for a vectorial tolerance specification for a
measuring point. The tolerance specification for the functional point is relative to the normal to
the surface.
– Symbol " " corresponds to the positional tolerance as per DIN EN ISO 1101.
Table 4 shows the number of characters for the RPS, RB, and LPS designations.
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Table 4 – Number of characters for RPS/RB/LPS designations

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6.5.2 Standard values for mounting surfaces and mounting holes

Normally, the standard values in table 5 and table 6 must be used.
For skin parts (e.g., door outer panels, hood outer panels, etc.) to which RPS/RB surfaces are as‐
signed (square/rectangle – see table 6), the surfaces must be designed at a distance of 2 mm
away from the tangent line – see figure 23. The surface must be positioned at a right angle to the
normals at the point on the tangent line.

Figure 23 – Placing RPS/RB points on skin parts

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Table 5 – Recommended standard values for locating holes

Designation Nominal dimension with tolerance (mm) Graphical representation

∅9.5 +0.2
∅12.5 +0.2
∅15.0 +0.2
∅20.0 +0.2
Round hole ∅25.0 +0.2
∅30.0 +0.2
∅40.0 +0.2

See VW 01077 and PHS 441a)

Nominal dimensions b x l with tolerances
Designation Graphical representation
(mm)

Oblong hole/ob‐
long hole in an‐
gular position
18.0+0.2 × 45.0+0.5
20.0+0.2 × 25.0+0.5
20.0+0.2 × 35.0+0.5
25.0+0.2 × 35.0+0.5
30.0+0.2 × 46.0+0.5

See VW 01078, PHS 387, and PHS 441a)

For additional standard values, see VW 01077, VW 01078, PHS 387, and PHS 441a).

a) PHS 441
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Table 6 – Recommended standard values for locating surfaces

Nominal dimensions b x l with toleran‐
Designation Graphical representation
ces (mm)

10 +1 x 10 +1
15 +1 x 15 +1
Square
20 +1 x 20 +1
25 +1 x 25 +1

bxl

Square wave 6 +1 x 20 +1
10 +1 x 20 +1
15 +1 x 20 +1

∅15 +1
Circle ∅20 +1
∅25 +1

∅11.5 -1 × ∅21.5 +1
∅14.5 -1 × ∅24.5 +1
Circular ring ∅17.0 -1 × ∅27.0 +1
surface ∅22.0 -1 × ∅32.0 +1
around hole ∅27.0 -1 × ∅37.0 +1
∅32.0 -1 × ∅42.0 +1
∅42.0 -1 × ∅52.0 +1

Circular ring di = dkral + 2 mm

surface da = di + min. 10 mm
around Design of surfaces similar to circular
plunged hole ring surfaces around hole
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Nominal dimensions b x l with toleran‐

Designation Graphical representation
ces (mm)
(bi − t x li − t) x (ba + t x la + t)

(20.0 −1 × 47.0 −1) x (30.0 +1 × 57.0 +1

)
(22.0 −1 × 27.0 −1) x (32.0 +1 × 37.0 +1
Ring surface
)
around ob‐
(22.0 −1 × 37.0 −1) x (30.0 +1 × 47.0 +1
long hole
)
(27.0 −1 × 37.0 −1) x (37.0 +1 × 47.0 +1
)
(32.0 −1 × 48.0 −1) x (42.0 +1 × 58.0 +1
)

bi = bkral + 2 mm
ba = bi + min. 10 mm
Ring surface
around li = lkral + 2 mm
oblong la = li + min. 10 mm
plunged hole
Design of surfaces similar to ring surfa‐
ces around oblong hole

For additional standard values, see VW 01077 and PHS 387.

6.5.2.1 Design of notches

Notches are designed as in figure 24 and figure 25, i.e.:
– The RPS point is located 2 mm away from the center of the radius. The area that leads from
the radius to the edge of the component must have a minimum length of 2 mm.
– In the tables, the dimensions of the notches are specified with b x l, where
b = 2 x r and l = 2 + r. Both dimensions must be given positive tolerances.
– If the notch has a circumferential surface, the surface must be designed with a width of 5 mm
(while maintaining a distance of 1 mm from the cut edge).
– A positive tolerance must be specified for the size of the surface all around.
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Legend
1 Cut edge
Figure 24 – Notch design
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An example of a completed RPS table for the use of a notch with a circumferential surface is
shown in figure 25.

Legend
* The corresponding tolerance must be defined in the SET.
Figure 25 – Example of a completed table for the use of a notch with a circumferential surface

7 Design requirements

7.1 Graphic representation in part models and part drawings

RPS, RB, and LPS points must be shown in part models and part drawings as per this standard.
The corresponding RPS and RB surfaces must be marked in the part drawing with cross-hatching
surrounded by a thin line as per table 6, "Graphical representation" column; for examples, see
figure 4, figure 7, and figure 8.
The LPS points are represented with a cross (x); see figure 22.
The RPS and RB surfaces must be consistently color-coded in the part model (3-D model). For the
colors used to mark RPS and RB surfaces in part models, see table 7. For an example of the
marking of RPS surfaces in part models, see figure 26.

Table 7 – Colors (RGB codes) for marking RPS and RB surfaces in part models
Surface
Color Red Green Blue
area

RPS 0 128 0

RBa) 0 0 255

a) Temporarily change color to RGB green: 0, 128, 0 for now; will be changed to blue after RPS-Tool is updated in 2015

The datum lines of RPS and RB points in part drawings (2-D) and part models (3-D) must be
ended with a closed, solid arrow head (for examples, see figure 17, figure 24, and figure 26).
For component designs with a zero side described in CAD (surface models), all RPS, RB, and LPS
points must be placed on this side.
Table 6 and Figure 11 show examples of detailed designs (for part drawings).
The RPS, RB, and LPS layouts must be listed in separate tables. These tables must be included in
the part model documentation and in the part drawing.
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All RPS, RB, and LPS points must be fully designed in the part model and the hole directions must
be included.
The reference point system application (RPS-Tool) supports the process for generating reference
points in the CATIA CAD system.
If there is no part drawing yet, RPS Dimensions Sheet FE 5151) must be used. As soon as the part
drawing exists, the specifications in the RPS Dimensions Sheet are copied to the RPS table in the
part drawing (VW 01014, text macro NO-F232)) and must be kept up-to-date in that table as bind‐
ing specifications.
The information on the RPS, RB, and LPS points shown in the tables must be prepared and docu‐
mented in a CAD system in connection with the part model (TM).

Figure 26 – Example – Graphical representations of the RPS surfaces in the part model

7.1.1 Procedure for component solid designs

When designing component solids, the RPS points must be defined in a function-oriented and
process-oriented manner. During the process, it must be ensured that the RPS point designations
for a plane direction are all arranged in the same direction (see figure 27).
For closed profiles, the RPS points must always be placed on the outside of the component. For
open profiles, all the RPS points must be placed on one tool side in order to exclude the influence
of the wall thickness.

1) The RPS Dimensions Sheet is stored in the engineering data management system (KVS) under FE0.000.515. The RPS Dimensions
Sheet can be generated using the RPS-Tool application.
2) The RPS table is available in the library templates for the CATIA and Creo CAD systems. The table can be generated using the
RPS-Tool application.
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Figure 27 – Example with a schematic drawing showing the RPS layout for a solid model

7.2 Procedure for assemblies containing components that do not have a separate drawing
The RPS, RB, and LPS points for components without a drawing (w/o drawing) must be labeled
with a specified item or part number. RPS, RB, and LPS tables for parts w/o drawings must be in‐
cluded for all components in the assembly drawing. For an example, see Figure 28. A drawing is
available for part 1, but there is no drawing for parts 2 and 3.
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Note on figure 28: The RPS points in the Z direction are not shown for easier understanding

Figure 28 – Schematic diagram for assemblies without a separate drawing

7.3 Dimensioning and tolerancing

The RPS, RB, and LPS points must be entered into the part drawing by using the RPS, RB, and
LPS tables. For examples, see figure 4, figure 7, figure 8, and appendix A.
The coordinates for RPS, RB, and LPS points are dimensioned relative to the reference system's
origin.
The component reference system's origin/reference point must be entered into the part model and
the part drawing/RPS table.
In the RPS table, local coordinates are specified only for rotated reference point systems.
The position of the RPS points in the locating direction is determined by their theoretical coordi‐
nates in the global vehicle axis system without tolerances. Therefore, for RPS points, a tolerance
value of "0.0" is entered, for the coordinate in the locating direction, into the "Toleranzen/Toleran‐
ces" column in the RPS table. The other directions must be provided with orthogonal tolerances;
for an example, see figure 4.
For RPS holes that are intersected by theoretical planes at a right angle to the axis direction (non-
locating direction), a horizontal dash ("–") is entered into the tolerance field for the theoretical inter‐
secting plane; for an example, see figure 29.
The position of the secondary RPS points in the locating direction is determined by their theoretical
coordinates in the global vehicle axis system. Therefore, for secondary RPS points, a tolerance
value is entered, for the coordinate in the locating direction, into the "Toleranzen/Tolerances" col‐
umn in the RPS table; the other directions must be provided with orthogonal tolerances; for an ex‐
ample, see figure A.2.
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For secondary RPS holes that are intersected by theoretical planes, a horizontal dash ("–") must
be entered into the tolerance field for the theoretical intersecting plane; for an example, see
figure 29.
The general tolerances apply when it comes to the global and local coordinates without a tolerance
value (blank field) in the "Toleranzen/Tolerances" column.
For the deviations of the component at the secondary RPS points in the unclamped state, the cor‐
responding tolerances must be defined in compatibility with the process and must be entered into
the "Toleranzen/Tolerances" column in the RPS table (see figure A.2). The secondary RPS points'
tolerances in the locating direction when the component is clamped result from the measuring and
joining fixtures' accuracy.
Functional points with tolerances must always be referenced to the reference system's origin. The
functional point table must be used to list the functional points in the part drawing (see figure A.4
and figure A.7).
Special case: If a hole is used both as an RPS point in one locating direction and as a secondary
RPS point in another locating direction, the RPS points must be listed separately in the table.
Since two RPS points (one RPS point and one secondary RPS point) on the same hole and with
the same coordinates are being specified here, the following procedure must be used when speci‐
fying the tolerances in the "Toleranzen/Tolerances" field:
– There must be a cross-reference to the tolerance specification for the relevant locating direc‐
tion
– The following symbols, "&1" to "&n", must be used for comment fields
– The comments must be placed in the part drawing, directly under the RPS table; for an exam‐
ple, see figure 29.
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Legend
* The corresponding tolerance must be defined in the SET.
Figure 29 – Example of completed tolerance columns for the use of a hole as an RPS point and a
secondary RPS point

8 Applicable documents
The following documents cited in this standard are necessary to its application.
Some of the cited documents are translations from the German original. The translations of Ger‐
man terms in such documents may differ from those used in this standard, resulting in terminologi‐
cal inconsistency.
Standards whose titles are given in German may be available only in German. Editions in other
languages may be available from the institution issuing the standard.

VW 01014 Drawings; Drawing Frames and Text Macros

VW 01052 Engineering Drawings; Representations
VW 01077 Operating Process: Cutting; Round Holes
VW 01078 Operating Process Cutting; Long Holes
DIN EN ISO 1101 Geometrical product specifications (GPS) - Geometrical tolerancing -
Tolerances of form, orientation, location and run-out
PHS 387 RPS Standard Template Catalog (KVS: DOK:11-1D 302256)
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PHS 441 Standard Paint Shop/Assembly Plugs on the Body Side

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Appendix A (normative) Examples

Figure A.1 – Schematic representation of a door inner panel with sample RPS, RB, and LPS layout

Legend
* The corresponding tolerance must be defined in the SET.
Figure A.2 – Example of an RPS table for a system parallel to the grid
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Figure A.3 – Example of an RPS table with theoretical points

Legend
* The corresponding tolerance must be defined in the SET.
Figure A.4 – Example of a functional point table (reference: RPS)
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Legend
* The corresponding tolerance must be defined in the SET.
Figure A.5 – Example of an RB table for a system parallel to the grid

Legend
* The corresponding tolerance must be defined in the SET.
Figure A.6 – Example of an LPS table (reference: RPS)

Figure A.7 – Example of a functional point table (reference: L01)

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Figure A.8 – Sample RPS Dimensions Sheet

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Figure A.9 – Example of an RPS Dimensions Sheet

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Figure A.10 – Example of an RPS Dimensions Sheet for a hinge