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The term "module" derives from the Latin "modulus" as a diminutive of "modus", i.e., measure. Module is thus a term, starting from its original meaning of small measurement, utilized in the sphere of constructions to identify the basemeasurement, or the base-form, in relation to which a complex structure is conceived, organized, designed and built. With the module it was possible to verify the proportioning of a building mainly from the perceptive and aesthetic points of view, and its definition was totally independent of the characteristics of the materials utilized or of reference to dimensions correlated to the human body. With industrialization, the theme of the module was collocated even more precisely within the context of so-called modular coordination. The concept of module takes on the specific meaning of fundamental dimensional element to be assumed as common reference, both in the design process and in the production process of industrial nature.
MODULES
"modular coordination".
Major dimensions e.g., grid lines on plans, distances between wall centers or surfaces, widths of shelves and kitchen components) are multiples of 100 mm, i.e. one decimetre. This size is called the "basic module" and represented by the letter M. For larger dimensions, preference is given to multiples of the modules 12 M (= 1.2 m), 15 M (= 1.5 m), 30 M (= 3 m), and 60 M (= 6 m). For smaller dimensions, the submodular increments 50 mm or 25 mm are used. Dimensions chosen this way can easily be divided by a large number of factors without ending up with millimetre fractions.
MODULAR COORDINATION A module can be defined as a basic dimension which could for example form the basis of a planning grid in terms of multiples and submultiples of the standard module. TYPICAL MODULAR COORDINATED PLANNING GRID: Modular coordination is a concept of coordination of dimension and space, in which buildings and components are dimensioned and positioned in a term of a basic unit or module, known as 1M which is equivalent to 100 mm.
GRID
Structural Grid used to locate structural components such as beams and columns. Planning Grid based on any convenient modular multiple for regulating space requirements such as rooms. Controlling Grid based on any convenient modular multiple for location of internal walls, partitions dc. Basic Module Grid used for detail location of components and fittings. All the above grids, being based on a basic module, are contained one within the other and are therefore interrelated. These grids can be used in both the horizontal and vertical planes thus forming a three dimensional grid system. If a first preference numerical value is given to M dimensional coordination is established.
For example, the manufactured length of a unit whose nominal length is 12 in. would be 11 1/2 in. if the unit were designed to be laid with 1/2 in. joints, or 11 5/8 in. for 3/8 - in. joints.
TOLERANCES
The permissible deviation from a specified value of a structural dimension, often expressed as a percent. Amount of variation permitted or tolerated in the size of a machine part. Manufacturing variables make it impossible to produce a part of exact dimensions; hence the designer must be satisfied with manufactured parts that are between a maximum size and a minimum size. Tolerance is the difference between maximum and minimum limits of a basic dimension. For instance, in a shaft and hole fit, when the hole is a minimum size and the shaft is a maximum, the clearance will be the smallest, and when the hole is the maximum size and the shaft the minimum, the clearance will be the largest.