Lesson 3 –

Fundamentals of
Dimensional
Metrology

Prepared by:
Ricardo S. Balog, RME, MEng’g

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1 Introduction
2.1.1 What is dimensional metrology?
• Dimensional metrology is the science of using physical
measurement equipment to quantify the physical size,
form, characteristics, and relational distance from any
given feature.
• It involves lengths and angles as well as geometrical
properties such as flatness, straightness, angularity,
roundness, concentricity, etc.
• Accurate dimensional measurement of product
dimensions allows for quality control and strict
compliance of such products with design specifications
and standards.

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1 Introduction
2.1.1 What is dimensional metrology?
• Dimensional metrology is the science of using physical measurement
equipment to quantify the physical size, form, characteristics, and relational
distance from any given feature.
• It involves lengths and angles as well as geometrical properties such as
flatness and straightness.
• Accurate dimensional measurement of product dimensions allows for
quality control and strict compliance of such products with design
specifications and standards.
• Measurement is the process to obtain the value of a quantity; the quantity
being determined is called the measurand (a physical object being
measured).

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.2 Factors that influence measurement

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.2.1 Parallax error
• A parallax error is an error in reading an
instrument due to the eye of the observer
and pointer are not in a line perpendicular
to the plane of the scale.

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.2.2 Abbe’s Principle

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.2.3 Temperature Compensation

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.2.2 Calibration
• Comparison of a measurement instrument
against a standard of higher accuracy
(gauge block).
• The purpose is to detect, correct and
document the instrument performance and
uncertainty.
• Instruments may drift over time making
recalibration a necessity.
• The most common calibration is to correct
systematic error

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.2.3 Calibration – Transfer Standards
• Gauge blocks are our most accurate standard
available in our engineering practice.

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.3 Measurement Strategy
• Selection of features on the workpiece to be measured.
• Understand the workpiece datum feature and its relationship to
the coordinate system.
• Selection of workpiece orientation and fixtures.
• Selection and qualification of measurement instruments is
critical remember the 10% rule.
• Understand how to use the instrument, especially the scale.
• Check the calibration status and the instrument for damage.
• Clean the instrument before use in particular the measurement
faces.
• Take more than one measurement and review the recorded
values; they do make sense .

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.4 Measuring Instruments
2.1.4.1 Transfer Instruments

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.4 Measuring Instruments
2.1.4.1 Transfer Instruments

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.4 Measuring Instruments
2.1.4.1 Transfer Instruments

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.4 Measuring Instruments
2.1.4.2 Common Gauges

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.4 Measuring Instruments
2.1.4.3 Micrometer Calipers

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.4 Measuring Instruments
2.1.4.4 Steps in reading micrometer calipers

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.4 Measuring Instruments
2.1.4.4 Steps in reading micrometer calipers

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.4 Measuring Instruments
2.1.4.4 Steps in reading micrometer calipers

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.4 Measuring Instruments
2.1.4.5 Vernier Caliper

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.4 Measuring Instruments
2.1.4.6 Vernier height caliper

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.4 Measuring Instruments
2.1.4.6 Dial Test Indicators

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances
2.1.5.1 What is GD &T? (see related videos)

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances
2.1.5.1 What is GD &T? (see related videos)

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances
2.1.5.2 Material Condition Modifiers

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances
2.1.5.3 Variations of Form

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances
2.1.5.4 MMC example of Bonus Tolerance

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances
2.1.5.4a MMC example of Bonus Tolerance

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances
2.1.5.4b MMC example of Bonus Tolerance

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances
2.1.5.4b MMC example of Bonus Tolerance

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances
2.1.5.4c MMC example of Bonus Tolerance

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances
2.1.5.4c MMC example of Bonus Tolerance

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances
2.1.5.5 Datum

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances
2.1.5.5 Datum

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances
2.1.5.6 Feature

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances
2.1.5.7 Form Tolerances

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.7 Form Tolerances:
a) Straightness

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.7 Form Tolerances:
a) Straightness

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.7 Form Tolerances:
a) Straightness

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.7 Form Tolerances:
a) Straightness

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.7 Form Tolerances:
a) Straightness

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.7Form Tolerances:
b) Flatness

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.7Form Tolerances:
c)

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2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.7 Form Tolerances:
c) Circularity (Roundness)

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.7 Form Tolerances:
c) Circularity (Roundness)

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.8 Profile Tolerances

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.8 Profile Tolerances:
a) Profile of a Line

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.8 Profile Tolerances:
c)Profile of a Line

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.8 Profile Tolerances:
b) Profile of a Surface

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.8 Profile Tolerances:
b) Profile of a Surface

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.9 Orientation Tolerances

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.9 Orientation Tolerances:
a) Angularity

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.9 Orientation Tolerances:
a) Angularity

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.9 Orientation Tolerances:
a) Angularity

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.9 Orientation Tolerances:
a) Angularity

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.9 Orientation Tolerances:
b)Perpendicularity

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.9 Orientation Tolerances:
b) Perpendicularity

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.9 Orientation Tolerances:
c) Parallelism

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.9 Orientation Tolerances:
c) Parallelism

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.9 Orientation Tolerances

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.10 Location Tolerances:
a) Position

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.10 Location Tolerances:
b) Concentricity (Coaxiality)

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.10 Location Tolerances:
b) Concentricity (Coaxiality)

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.10 Location Tolerances:
c) Symmetry

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.11 Runout Tolerances:

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.11 Runout Tolerances:

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.12 Threads
a) Thread Nomenclature

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.12 Threads
b) Common Thread Forms

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.12 Threads
c) Thread Measurement

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.12 Threads
c) Thread Measurement

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.12 Threads
c) Thread Measurement

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 Fundamentals of Dimensional Metrology
2.1.5 GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances)
2.1.5.12 Threads
c) Thread Measurement

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