6

Datums and Datum

Feature References

 Define the difference between a theoretically

perfect datum and a datum feature.
Explain how to create a datum reference frame
through references made on a drawing.
Utilize all methods for identifying datum features,
including the use of target points, lines, and
areas.

GD&T: Application and Interpretation

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

 Make datum feature references in a feature

control frame using the correct order of
precedence.
Explain how a datum reference frame is
established from three referenced datum
surfaces.
Use material boundary modifiers on datum
feature references and be able to explain the
significance of the modifiers.

GD&T: Application and Interpretation

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Datum Reference Frame

Made of three planes

Planes locate X, Y, Z axes
Perfect frame
Made from imperfect datum features

GD&T: Application and Interpretation

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Degrees of Freedom

Three translational
Three rotational
Translational are along X, Y, Z
Rotational are u, v, w

GD&T: Application and Interpretation

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Datum Feature Symbol

Identifies surfaces and features of size as datum
features
Typically one letter in a square
Connected by short leader line to triangle
Only applied to physical features
Datum target symbol identifies datum targets

GD&T: Application and Interpretation

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Flat Surfaces (Planes)

Commonly used as datum features

Establishes datum plane
High points establish datum
May be simulated with surface plate

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Cylindrical Features (Axes)

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Cylindrical Features

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Targets

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Target Points
Locate and label each point
Dimensions may be basic or toleranced
3 points primary, 2 points secondary, 1 point
tertiary

GD&T: Application and Interpretation

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Target Lines
Locate and label each line
Dimensions are typically basic
Side of dowel pins are used

GD&T: Application and Interpretation

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Target Areas
Phantom lines for perimeter
Continuous line for small areas
Located by dimensions or features

GD&T: Application and Interpretation

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Material Boundary Modifiers

Maximum material condition (MMC)
Maximum material boundary (MMB)
No symbol indicates regardless of material
boundary (RMB)

GD&T: Application and Interpretation

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Order of Precedence
Established from order in feature control frame
Feature control frame referencing A, B, C is
different from feature control frame referencing
D, E, F
Feature control frame referencing A, B, C is
different from feature control frame referencing
B, A, C

GD&T: Application and Interpretation

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Material Boundary Modifiers

on Flat Datum Features
May have RMB, LMB, or MMB
Generally, avoid LMB and MMB on flat surfaces
No LMB or MMB on primary datum feature
reference when feature is flat
LMB or MMB on references to flat datum
features allowed only when profile creates an
applicable boundary

GD&T: Application and Interpretation

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Material Boundary Modifiers

on Datum Features of Size

GD&T: Application and Interpretation

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Least Material
Least material condition (LMC)
Least material boundary (LMB)

GD&T: Application and Interpretation

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Compound Datum Features

Rotating shaft is typical application
Reflects functional need
Compound datum feature reference shows two
datum letters separated by a dash
May also be used to establish a plane

GD&T: Application and Interpretation

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

RMB and MMB on Surfaces

Boundary farthest outside material is MMB
Boundary closest inside material is LMB
RMB is assumed

GD&T: Application and Interpretation

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

RMB, MMB, and LMB Application

to Datum Feature Surfaces

GD&T: Application and Interpretation

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.