Basics of Functional Dimensioning

• Functional dimensioning assigns priority to

specific dimensions because of the way a part is
used, or functions.

• If a part has to mate tightly with another part, then

a specification of the smoothness (finish) of
mating surfaces is important. In addition, these
finished surfaces become the reference point for
other key features of the part.

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 Functional Dimensioning
• Finished surfaces:
– Surfaces that need to fit together snugly should
be smooth. These are specially machined and
are called finished surfaces.
• The symbol used to indicate finished surfaces in
working drawings is a "V" on the surface.
• Examples:
– flat surfaces that must fit tightly together
– shaft rotating in a hole
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 Dimensioning to Finished Surfaces

• Finished surfaces
(machined, laser
cut, etc.) are used to
get more exact
"fits".

• Finished surfaces
have sharp edges
– Exception: If a
radius is
machined

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 Functional Dimensioning

1. Function First
Which dimensions are critical to perform the
part functions?
2. Finished surface to finished surface
3. Finished surface to the center of radial features
4. Center to center
5. Fill in the rest according to good dimensioning
practices, without over-dimensioning.

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 Dimensioning to Finished Surfaces
• Finished surfaces should always be used to
locate features on drawing.

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 Locating Features on an Object
Holes need
to be located
relative to:

• Finished
surfaces

• Other holes

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Dimensioning to Finished Surfaces – Assembly
Drawings

• What are the most critical dimensions for the

function of the assembly?

• How do we dimension to minimize variation in

critical relationships?

• Examples: Today's drawings

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 Arm Support

The ARM must

support the
SHAFT at the
correct distance
above and to
the right of the
BASE. Only a
partial view of
the BASE is
shown.

AU 2005 8
Arm Support – Orthographic and Isometric

FINISHED
SURFACES

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What should be dimensioned first?

G N

E F

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 Arm Support: Step 1

2.50 (G) 3.00 (E)

1. Critical to function: F, Y
2. Finished – Finished: E
3. Finished – Center: N
4. Center – Center: G

2.50 (Y)

1.25 (N) 2.50 (F)

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 Arm Support: Step 2
2 X Ø.80

2.50 3.00

Ø2.00

Ø1.00
1. Negative Cylinders (Holes)
2. Positive Cylinders
3. Rounds and Notes

2.50

1.25 2.50 R.50 TYP ALL UNDIMENSIONED RADII .25

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 Arm Support: Step 3
2 X Ø.80

4.50 2.50 3.00

Ø2.00
3.00

Ø1.00
1. Finished - Unfinished
2. Unfinished - Unfinished

2.50 .50

1.88
1.13

1.25 2.50 R.50 TYP ALL UNDIMENSIONED RADII .25

2.25
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 Functional Dimensioning

Functional Dimensioning begins with tolerancing the most important features.

Then, the material around the holes is

dimensioned (at a much looser tolerance).
Functional features are those that come in contact with other parts,
especially moving parts. Holes are usually functional features.