Introduction.
A few weeks ago, I surveyed on the interpretation of size dimensions based on Y14.5. I posted the survey on several group boards on LinkedIn. This article compiles the results of the survey.
Before I discuss the results, I would like to thank all the people that participated in the survey. Their contribution allows all of us to look at the questions in this survey from many users viewpoint.
I use these surveys as the "voice of industry" in my work on standards committees. I also believe they are helpful for the readers to know how their use of tolerancing concepts compare to others around the world.
Purpose of this survey
The purpose of this survey was to find out if various groups in industry interpret and verify the minimum limit (or local size) of size dimensions.as a two point requirement or as a theoretical swept sphere requirement. . (The survey does not address the effects of Rule #1)
GD&T and Inspection Skill Levels of Survey Participants
The figure above shows the GD&T and Inspection skill levels of the survey participants. This information is important because it shows that most of the responses came from very knowledgeable participants.
Participants Area of Work
The chart above shows that the main two areas of participation were from Engineering/design and quality/inspection. The questions were designed for the engineering community and the inspection community.
Questions Presented to Both the Engineering /Design and Quality/Inspection Participants
The intent of the question in the figure above is to determine if the participants felt the requirement for the minimum size limit should be verified with a two-point measurement or a theoretical spherical ball.The responses show that the majority (67%) of participants feel that a two-point measurement can be used to verify the minimum limit of a size dimension. However, there is not a uniform interpretation in industry.
A few descriptions from the "Other" responses on how the minimum size limit should be verified are below.
The question in the figure above is similar to the previous question about a diameter. It is interesting that when presented with a block even more people selected the response of the two point measurement.
A few descriptions from the "Other" responses on how the minimum size limit should be verified are below.
The question in the figure above asked the participants to select an answer based on the Y14.5 -2009 standard. The two point measurement still has the highest response rate. The chart shows there is variation in the interpretation of a size dimension.
Questions presented only to the Quality/Inspection Participants
The figure above shows that the amount of tolerance is the most significant factor in the choice of a measurement device for the minimum limit of a size dimension. I am a bit surprised that the standard referenced on the drawing did not score higher.
The figure above shows the two-point measurement (micrometer/caliper) is the most common method for verifying the minimum limit of a size dimension in industry. closely followed by CMM verification. I find it interesting that the swept ball algorithm is rarely used.
Conclusions
NOTE:
These survey results are based on participant responses from 27 countries. There were 147 participants total. 61% of the responses were from the U.S. and the remainder from the international community. The highest response rates internationally were from India, Canada, and Great Britain.
Although the participation is significant, it is not high enough to make an accurate assessment of the interpretation of size dimensions in industry, but, it does provide us with information to make useful insights on the topics even though it is not a definitive answer.
The survey results indicate that the minimum limit of a size dimension is not uniformly understood by engineers, designers, quality personnel, and inspectors in industry. The variation in understanding size dimensions is partially because this topic is not covered thoroughly in the Y14.5 and Y14.5.1 standards.
Size can matter
In a number of cases, any of the methods used to verify the lower limit of a size dimension described in this survey would be adequate for the function of a part. However, in certain cases, the method of verifying a size dimension can make a difference between a functional part and a failed product. (e.g. minimum wall thickness, allowable roundness deviation, etc.)
Assumptions are effective barriers to precise communications
If you create drawings, precise communications can make the difference between a successful product and failure. Where the interpretation of the minimum limit of a size dimension can make a difference in the function of your part, I recommend that you specify how the size dimensions should be interpreted (or verified).
Do you intend the minimum limit of size dimensions to be interpreted as a two point requirement (as implied in Y14.5) or as a theoretical swept ball requirement (as shown in Y14.5.1)?
Until the Y14.5 and Y15.1 standards adequately cover how to interpret size dimensions, consider one of the following actions:
Final thoughts
In hindsight, I can think of several additional questions that would have been useful to ask in this survey. It is always a trade-off between the depth and length of these studies. If you have an opinion on how many survey questions would not discourage participants, leave a comment or send me an email. Thanks.
I hope you found the survey results informative. If you like the article, please share it with your friends on on social media. Feel free to leave a comment about your experiences with size dimensions or on any aspect of this article.
Thanks again to all the survey participants.