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| Aligned Dimension | A system of dimensioning which requires all numerals, figures, and notes to be aligned with the dimension lines so that they may be read from the bottom (for horizontal dimensions) and from the right side (for vertical dimensions). |
| Allowance | The tightest possible fit between two mating parts. |
| American National Standards Institute (ANSI) | A private, non-profit organization that coordinates the development and use of a voluntary consensus standards in the United States. |
| American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) | A professional engineering organization that is known for setting codes and standards for mechanical devices in the United States. |
| Audience Analysis | The understanding of the consumer group for which the design is targeted. This would include the audiences, demographics, physical location, amount of time available to view the design, and interest in the subject matter. |
| Auxiliary View | A view that is used to show features that are located on an inclined surface in true size and shape. |
| Baseline Dimensioning | System of dimensioning in which all dimensions are placed from a datum and not from feature to feature. Also referred to as Datum Dimensioning. |
| Ballon | A circle with a single number connected to an assembly component with a leader line to refer to parts. |
| Bilateral Tolerance | A tolerance in which variation is permitted in both directions from the specified dimension. |
| Blind Hole | A hole that does not go completely through the work piece. |
| Broken-Out Section | A section of an object broken away to reveal an interior feature for a sectional drawing. |
| Chain Dimensioning | Also known as point-to-point dimensioning where dimensions are established from one point to the next. |
| Clearance Fit | Limits the size of mating parts so that a clearance always results when mating parts are assembled. |
| Counterbore | A cylindrical recess around a hole, usually to receive a bolt head or nut. |
| Countersink | A conical-shaped recess around a hole, often used to receive a tapered screw. |
| Cutting Plane Line | A line drawn on a view where a cut was made in order to define the location of the imaginary section plane. |
| Datum | A theoretically exact point, axis, or plane derived from the true geometric counterpart of a specific datum feature. The origin from which the location, or geometric characteristic of a part feature, is established. |
| Datum Dimensioning | A dimensioning system where each dimension originates from a common surface, plane, or axis. Also known as baseline dimensioning. |
| Decision Matrix | A tool used to compare design solutions against one another, using specific criteria. |
| Detail Drawing | A dimensioned, working drawing of a single part. Also referred to as part drawing. |
| Detail View | A view that is used to show a magnified view of features that are too small to adequately specify in another view. |
| Dual Dimensions | Where alternate units are displayed within the same dimension. |
| Fillet | An inside radius between two intersecting planes. |
| Foreshorten | To show lines or objects shorter than their true size. Foreshortened lines are not perpendicular to the line of sight. |
| Full Section | A sectional drawing based on a cutting plane line that extends completely through an object. |
| Half Section | A sectional drawing based on a cutting plane line that cuts through one-quarter of an object. A half section reveals half of the interior and half of the exterior. |
| General Notes | Notes placed separate from the views; relate to the entire drawing. |
| Interference | The amount of overlap that one part has with another when assembled. |
| Interference Fit | Limits the size of mating parts so that an interference always results when mating parts are assembled. |
| International Organization for Standardization (IOS) | This is a worldwide organization that creates engineering standards. |
| Least Material Condition (LMC) | The smallest size limit of an external feature and the largest size limit of an internal feature. |
| Limit Dimesions | The largest and smallest possible boundaries to which a feature may be made as related to the tolerance of the dimension. |
| Local Notes | Connected to specific features on the views of the drawing. Also known as annotations. |
| Location Dimension | A location dimension that defines the relationship of features of an object. |
| Market Research | The activity of gathering information about consumers’ needs and preferences. |
| Maximum Material Condition (MMC) | The largest size limit of an external feature and the smallest size limit of an internal feature. |
| Nominal Size | The designation of the size established for a commercial product. |
| Part Drawing | A drawing that contains all the information for making one part of the design. |
| Parts List | A list of materials or parts specified for a project. Also referred to as a bill of materials or BOM. |
| Pitch | A distance of uniform measure determined at a point on one unit to the same corresponding point on the next unit; used in threads, springs,and other machine parts. |
| Reference Dimension | A dimension, usually without a tolerance, used for information purposes only. A reference is a repeat of a given dimension or established from other values shown on a drawing. Reference dimensions are enclosed in ( ) on the drawing. |
| Round | An outside radius applied to corners. |
| Section Lines | Thin lines used in a section view to indicate where the cutting plane line has cut through material. |
| Section View | A view that is used to show details not apparent on the exterior of the part. |
| Size Dimension | Placed directly on a feature to identify a specific size or may be connected to a feature in the form of a note. |
| Specified Dimension | The dimension noted or, in the case of a tolerance, the part of the dimension from which the limits are calculated. |
| Spotface | A shallow recess like a counterbore, used to provide a good bearing surface for a fastener. |
| Survey | An investigation of the opinions or experience of a group of people, based on a series of questions. |
| Tap | To cut internal Threads. |
| Taper | Gradual diminution of width or thickness in an elongated object. |
| Technical Writing | A type of expository writing that is used to convey information for technical or business purposes. |
| Tolerance | The acceptable amount of dimensional variation that will still allow an object to function correctly.. |
| Transition fit | Occurs when two mating parts can sometimes have a clearance fit and sometimes have an interference fit. |
| Unidirectional Dimension | A dimensioning system which requires all numerals, figures, and notes to be lettered horizontally and to be read from the bottom of the drawing sheet. |
| Unilateral Tolerance | A tolerance in which variation is permitted in only one direction from the specified dimension. |
| Working Drawings | Drawings that convey all of the information needed to manufacture and assemble a design. |
