GD&T- Positional tolerance question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of positional tolerances in a two-hole pattern design, specifically addressing whether to control the holes individually or as a unit. Participants explore the implications of dimensioning and tolerancing practices in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that by using "2x" next to the tolerance box and omitting the distance between the holes, the tolerance can be applied separately to each hole, implying independent movement.
  • Another participant suggests that additional dimensions for the lower hole are necessary to avoid confusion, as there is currently no reference for its location.
  • A later reply questions whether the omission of dimensions for the lower hole is acceptable due to the symmetry of the design, indicating that the same basic dimensions apply to both holes.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of including all relevant dimensions to prevent confusion for machinists, advocating for clarity in communication of design requirements.
  • There is a suggestion that including the total distance from reference points to the lower hole is essential for accurate machining.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the omission of dimensions for the lower hole is acceptable. While some argue for the necessity of additional dimensions for clarity, others believe that symmetry may justify the omission. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to dimensioning in this context.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential for confusion due to omitted dimensions, the reliance on symmetry assumptions, and the varying interpretations of GD&T practices among machinists.

mhrob24
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TL;DR
Positional tolerance for hole pattern
I have a 2 hole pattern that I’d like to control individually (meaning I don’t want them to move as a unit….I want the tolerance to be applied separately for each hole position). However, they are the same DIA, so can I just do something like this (see below)? Like, by leaving out the distance between the two holes and putting “2x” next to the tolerance box, I believe this is implying that the tolerance is separately applied to the basic dimensions constraining the holes to datum B and C. Whereas if I added the dimension for the spacing, it would imply that the holes are to be positioned as a unit (both holes can move simultaneously within the 0.25 mm tolerance zone, and the spacing would also be constrained to a 0.25mm deviation)

Is this correct? Or would I need to have a separate feature control frame for each hole?

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As it is now, there is no reference or dimension for the location of the lower hole.
I would add those two dimensions (from C or the lower surface, rather than from the center of the upper hole), plus the tolerance for that one.
 
Lnewqban said:
As it is now, there is no reference or dimension for the location of the lower hole.
I would add those two dimensions (from C or the lower surface, rather than from the center of the upper hole), plus the tolerance for that one.
Ok see that’s what I was wondering as well….the reason I left the bottom hole dimensions off is because the geometry is symmetrical around both holes (meaning that the basic dimensions locating the top hole are exactly the same as the bottom)….so I still need to add those dimensions to the bottom hole as well?
 
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I would say yes.
Omitting those dimensions may create confusion in a machinist, who may be not familiar with that part and the mentioned symmetry.

As a vertical symmetry exists, and the center of the lower hole is to be measured from the lower surface, the total distance between reference C and the lower surface should be included, with tolerance perhaps.

It is always good practice to imaging that the person(s) performing the machining knows nothing about the requirements that the designer has in mind.
Unless it is incorrect or contradictory, the more information, the better (especially when a high number of parts are to be fabricated).

For example, total exterior dimensions tell a machinist what size of metal he needs to initially cut, rather than leaving the math of adding up partial dimensions to him, with the potential of error and wasted material and effort.
 

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