Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
(OP)
This topic has come up before most recently in thread1103-239885: Pos Tol applied to pattern (how to?), but on a quick look in ASME Y14.5M-1994 & a search of this site I can't find the text/section in the standard that says explicitly when using datum feature center planes you get implied symmetry/centerlines.
It's shown in figure 5-4 amongst others but I'd like to refer to the actuall text that says when you show a pattern or similar centered to "datum center planes" you don't have to add an extra dimension centering it.
It's shown in figure 5-4 amongst others but I'd like to refer to the actuall text that says when you show a pattern or similar centered to "datum center planes" you don't have to add an extra dimension centering it.
KENAT,
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RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
Try section 4.5.3 (a) through (d) and see if that helps. One quote is "the simulated datum is the center plane of the true geometric counterpart of the datum feature".
I'm not sure if this is the issue you're referring to or not. You might be referring to an "implied basic zero", in which features that look like they're centered or symmetric are assumed to be nominally centered or symmetric unless there are dimensions showing otherwise. It's along the same lines as implied 90 degree angles. I don't know of any specific reference to implied basic zero in the standard though.
Evan Janeshewski
Axymetrix Quality Engineering Inc.
www.axymetrix.ca
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
Since you can't "dual-dimension" (i.e. create ambiguity) when using basic dimensions (unless you screw up and have the numbers not add up), go ahead and add the basic dimensions that clarify the location of the centerlines.
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
We are moving into a gray area where we have to determine how obvious it is that the part is symmetrical. A rectangular plate with four holes in it can obviously be symmetrical. If we add one more hole that is not symmetrical, then I would be suspicous of the symmetry.
As a checker, you ought to be able to criticize drawings for format and clarity, regardless of what the rules say. This is no different than people who place the diameter of a hole in one view, and the depth in a section view on the next page.
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
If it's clear it's symmetrical, and is using appropriate GD&T then to me it's often clearer, or at least cleaner without a 'centering' dimension. This is shown in the standard in a few places but I was hoping there was something a bit more concrete.
KENAT,
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RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
h
Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 08; CATIA V5
ctopher's home (updated Aug 5, 2008)
ctopher's blog
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RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
KENAT,
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RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 08; CATIA V5
ctopher's home (updated Aug 5, 2008)
ctopher's blog
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RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
Apparently they have rectified this shortcoming in the '09 release, Section 1.4(k).
Jim Sykes, P.Eng, GDTP-S
Profile Services www.profileservices.ca
TecEase, Inc. www.tec-ease.com
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
Matt Lorono
CAD Engineer/ECN Analyst
Silicon Valley, CA
Lorono's SolidWorks Resources
Co-moderator of Solidworks Yahoo! Group
and Mechnical.Engineering Yahoo! Group
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
It had the potential for saving a lot of time with repeated details.
These days, with computer generated documentation, you just hit the right key and you have mirrored the information.
Therefore, symm has less if any purpose.
When we invoke Y14.5 the CLs are the center of a feature rather than the centerline of symm of the part. There may be some exceptions, but in general that is the case.
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
The way I see it, if you are not using GD&T then you can't really use implied centerlines/symmetry or variation there on because it means you don't have a tolerance stated - your definition is incomplete.
If using GD&T where you're using position or surface profile then it's Ok because you are still fully tolerancing the part.
KENAT,
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RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
That was history and trust me it was/has been done that way.
You might want to look at 1.8.8 of the 1982 Std.
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
I'm not sure where your comments fit into that scenario Mint.
KENAT,
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RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
For simplicity, consider a simple rectangular plate with a hole pattern.
Imagine the left edge is datum A. Dimension the center as basic from datum A. Dimension the right edge as basic from datum A and some sort of feature control on the right edge.
Now add basic dimensions from the centerline to your symmetrical hole pattern with position controls for each hole.
In a large population of parts, your pattern will always be biased from the physical center of the actual part - except for the rare case when the right edge is dead-nuts. This bias will be dependent on the process capability of whatever operation creates the right edge.
Alternately, make the centerline datum A. Dimension and tolerance the left and right edges separately from there. Dimension and tolerance the holes from there.
In a large population the hole pattern will be evenly distributed around the physical center of the parts because the width variation should have a more normal distribution as the variations of left and right edges will tend to nullify any bias.
I think.
It may or may not matter for any given design intent.
It may be possible to achieve the same thing either way by paying sufficient attention to feature controls.
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
Figure 5-4 shows the case I'm talking about, I tried using the correct terminology in the OP
KENAT,
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RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
Tolerance is only an issue if you use ± tolerances. Basic dimensions and true position work from datums, regardless of how you apply the dimensions.
My favourite scenario is holes located accurately to an interfacing part, and a part with a sloppy outline. A dimension from one side or end to the hole pattern might be nominally correct, but it could be wrong if you prefer the symmetry on an otherwise, inaccurate part.
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
But it's fully possible to use GD&T to define a part that doesn't meet the design intent.
If your controls on the position and profile of the edges of the piece allow a wide range of variation then the centerline of individual parts may be significantly different than the centerline of the basic or nominal part.
That may or may not matter - depending on design intent.
All I saying is make sure your dimensioning will get you what you need.
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
I would note that I as I read thru this thread, I did wince a time or two. At the beginning there were comments as to the importance of using correct terminology, however as I continued to read there were comments that made me wonder if the distinction between "symmetry" and "symmetrical relationship" as defined by the standard are being used correctly. A few comments (particuarly referencing fig 5-4) would be referring to a positional callout in regard to "symmetrical relationships". Others like the one referring to why board drawings only were delineated with half of the part, lead me to think of a "symmetry" callout.
It seems as if the "shared centerline" on a drawing may have highlighted that when discussing such a callout or drawing delineation, that we should be careful to distinguish whether the design intent requires a "symmetry" or "symmetrical relationship" callout. Clearly there is a distinction made by the standard.
(Axym,
I used the word centerline because the standard also uses this word when referring to the delineation on a drawing. I understand that in the realm of the physical part we would be referring to center planes and/or axes. Sorry if I was premature in presuming that you would comment on this particular terminology, however I am betting it would at least come to your mind
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RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
This attached file shows what I meant. I just slapped it together. It is not a real part.
Presumably, this is a cover that is inserted into a pocket, and retained with M6 screws. The M6 screws are positioned to a Ø0.3mm diameter, with a little perpendularity error. It is symmetric across the vertical centre. Otherwise, the fit inside the pocket is not critical.
I have shown a side dimension as a reference. Ordinarily, I would not do this. Because the outside width is sloppy, I have not used it as a datum. The side with the 10mm dimension could be 3mm inside the MMC state, and the opposite side could be close to MMC. The reference dimension is potentially not very useful.
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
If I were to receive this drawing for a check, my initial reaction woud be to send back and say "lets try again".
Somehow it seems disconnected.
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
drawoh,
I don't see how the hole pattern is located or controlled wrt anything in the left/right direction.
Each individual hole is located wrt to other holes, but the pattern is entirely unlocated and uncontrolled.
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
As mentioned the drawing needs modifcation to pass check, however I don't believe Datum C is needed in this dimensioning scheme. A major element of the profile callout dimensioning would be to tie the basic profile dimensions back to the hole pattern. The pattern as Datum B along with the surface as Datum A locks down all DOFs.
See attached file for DRF.
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RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
2. Thanks, Mechnorth for that reference to 1.4(k) in the new 2009 spec. This really does clarify it. I am, however, contracturally tied to the 1994 spec for now.
3. Drawoh: Like ringster, I have an immediate problem with your testing.pdf example. If I got a drawing with that dimensioning method to check, my reaction would be, "now let me see...there's got to be a better way to do this".
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
i think you need a review of your graphics. I do not believe that an axis will provide you with 2 datum planes B as you have indicated.
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
How do you reconcile 4.5.8 Pattern of Features if you do not determine the axis of the feature pattern which is established by "all of the holes" in regard to the DRF axis if half dimensions(in this case)are not used?
Ringster,
I believe my graphis are correct. Yes an axis is at the intersection of 3 planes which define a DRF, however the definition of a Datum Reference Frame is 3 mutually perpendicular planes. Again pg 73 4.2.2.1. No planes, no DRF.
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RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
Matt Lorono
CAD Engineer/ECN Analyst
Silicon Valley, CA
Lorono's SolidWorks Resources
Co-moderator of Solidworks Yahoo! Group
and Mechnical.Engineering Yahoo! Group
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
Would a vertical centre line have made it work for you?
My actual point is that I do not want to use a sloppy feature of size as a datum. Locating DesignBiz's centreline B-B can only be done using the width, which I have shown with an admittedly exaggerated sloppy tolerance of +0/-6mm. There is no vertical symmetry, so the location of the horizontal plane is not critical.
I could have set datum C as the bottom edge, which would have provided the same clocking as the second hole. The bottom edge still is a sloppy feature.
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
Where are you when we need you? Can you either justify or clarify this statement? Yes, an axis is at the intersection of 3 planes which define a DRF, however the definition of a Datum Reference Frame is 3 mutually perpendicular planes.
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
I just looked again through and I don't see where I made any such statement to justify, that was you responding to Design Biz.
Neither Drawoh's or Design Biz's illustrations are classic, simple examples of what I'm talking about.
Drawoh's looks more along the lines of figure 4-8. Assuming B is meant to be the single hole not the pattern I don't see the obvious symmetry/common centerline. I can see the part is nominally symmetrical but it's a bit too subtle for my liking and combined with potential confusion over if B is the individual hole or a pattern I probably wouldn't allow it.
Design Biz is to me a, perhaps understandable, misinterpretation of Drawoh's sketch. That said,it looks like it follows the idea of hole pattern identifide as a datum fig 4-22. Figure 4-22 shows how 2 planes can be developed from the 'B' axis.
KENAT,
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RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
My assumption is that a centreline does not exist on an actual part. To inspect the part, you must fixture to a datum feature. The datum feature may or may not define a hypothetical centre. The symmetry is nothing more than the nominal state of the part.
On a shaft with a precision diameter, you have a feature that reliably defines a centre, and that you can fixture to.
On my example, the centre is defined by an inaccurate feature, the outline. This is equivalent to a sheet metal base with four folded edges. My intent was to make the part symmetrical. On the actual part, if the holes line up with the mating holes, and the outline fits in a pocket, we are done. I arbitrarily picked two holes as my secondary and tertiary datums, to control position and rotation. I am looking at Figure 4.22 just now, and it does show what I was trying to do.
On my outline profile, I ought to have indicated datums B and C at MMC. If I had done this, the inspection GO gauge would be a pocket with six pins inside, all features representing MMC. I can inspect LMC with NOGO gauges for the holes, and a NOGO shim to be used all around the outside.
All the symmetry does is simplify the drawing. There is no need for the inspector to test for it. As per my drawing, the outline is allowed to be 1.5mm off centre.
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
I re-read my post and might not have worded it the best way possible. I should have said that there are 3 axes at the intersections of the 3 planes of a DRF. I did not mean to imply that all 3 planes defined 1 axis.
CheckerRon,
If your comments were in reply to my jpg regarding a vertical centerline, then I should say that I only posted a jpg for the DRF to support the jpg of the drawing that you posted. You said the drawing was lacking and this was hopefully to clarify to MintJuleps response when he replied to your drawing where he didnt see the centering control from left to right.
Kenat,
I posted earlier regarding symmetry and symmetrical relationships which the standard clearly makes a distinction here. In DrawOh's jpg which is a clear case of symmetrical relationships using position and profile to center the part profile to the "hole pattern". The symmetry symbol is not used in this case, and if it where used can only be used at RFS. Symmetry is inspected differently as well.
The DRF demonstrated in my jpg is correct and is similar to an axis thru a cylindrical feature, however it is oriented in this case by the implied geometry and the dimensions. I have listed the refereneces for what is stated in the standard regarding datums and a pattern as a datum. There is no opinion here it is simply what the standard defines as the datum. The axis of a pattern is established by all of the holes collectively. This axis is the datum and is intersected by 2 planes according to the standard.
I dont really understand where "opinion" is required here. This is defined very clearly in the Datum section of the standard. If opinions are equal to stated standard definitions, then there probably isnt anything more that can be discussed.
If I am in error then I would gladly accept correction if i were directed to specific statements in the standard. If we go off into the realm of opinion when it comes to the basic concepts and definitions of the standard then I dont see any constructive value in it.
I hopefully do not come across as angry, however it is disheartening when opinions are regarded equal to the written standard. Of course opinion on "how to apply" the standard is obviously neccessary.
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RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
If more thought were applied to the content, perhaps, just perhaps, we might have a better understanding of the intent
of posts in this forum.
Design,
I dont think you came across as angry.
I hope I have thought this one out.
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
This was the basis for my post.
KENAT,
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RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
I understand. I looked at it from the context of this thread that the pattern (Datum B) was the the Datum used to center the profile. In that case Datum C was not neccessary to me.
In addition I re-read your post regarding the jpg i posted and believe we are on the same page. Appologies for mis-reading you. Ringster has commented regarding miss use of terms, not reading a post closely, etc; and I agree with him.
DrawOh,
According to the standard, one can not use MMC to define symmetry.
Ringster,
I agree with what you wrote, regarding accuracy of posts and comments to them.
I am a little curious regarding, "And one of my favs is establishes, with regards to the mutually perpendicular planes". I'm not quite sure I understand your point.
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RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
I used the bottom left hand hole as datum B and the bottom right hand hole as datum C. It did not occur to me that I could use the whole pattern as a datum. All I was trying to do was use an accurate feature as a datum.
If I had left off datum C, I would have something close to Figure 4-22, except that I am not sure where the horizontal datum would be. Unless my holes are symmetrical in two axes, I think I prefer to datum my way.
DesignBiz,
On my drawing, symmetry was the nominal state, not the final functional requirement. My datums are not located on the axis of symmetry. With all features at MMC, the part is symmetric. As the part deviates away from MMC, it is potentially not symmetric, but it still works.
I am kind of puzzled at how important symmetry is to people. There is a form control for symmetry, but I cannot imagine a situation where I would use it. At one level, symmetry is a convenient layout for drafting. At another level, a symmetric feature is an appropriate feature-of-size datum. At yet another level, you do not care about the width or the parallelism or the flatness of the two sides, but you specify accurate symmetry.
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
At risk of frustrating Ringster & others through not using quite the right terms, your sketch relied on a 'common center' between the horizontal pairs and the overal width etc. However, to me this wasn't clearly stated or perhaps implied is the right word and so there is in my mind an argument that it's not completely clear.
This thread was really just trying to see if anyone could come up with a decent reference in the standard of why cases like figure 5-4 are OK.
KENAT,
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RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
As I noted above, this is more a matter of format and clarity than of a drafting standard.
I claim that there obviously is only one way to interpret Fig 5-4. The part is symmetric. I have no problems with it.
Now, we move out onto the slippery slope. I have attached a modified version of Fig 5-4 which is less clear, due to an asymmetric feature. I still think there is only one way to interpret this, I consider this to be standards compliant, but there is a good chance of a phone call from the fabricator to verify it.
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
In your 1st sketch, you had a different datum structure so to me in that case the centering/symmetry wasn't as obvious.
KENAT,
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RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
I am not sure where you are coming from. If you are thinking that because you pointed at a hole diameter; that the particular hole that the leader is pointing to becomes the Datum; this is not true. As on shown on your drawing , there is a Datum feature symbol that is attached to a FCF pointing to a single hole in a pattern of 6. This indicates that the pattern IS the datum, NOT a single hole. This is why I made the jpg showing the DRF at the center of the hole pattern. It is not correct to claim a single hole in the pattern of 6 is the datum as shown on the drawing you posted. (paragraph 4.5.8 pg 68 and fig 4-22 pg 69). You will notice that in figure 4-8 on page 58 that Datum B is established by a separate leader pointing to a single hole of 2 holes, which allows 1 hole in a pattern to be the datum. Not at all like your posting.
If that is the DRF (similar to fig 4-22) that you suggested for centering the part around the pattern of holes, then like MintJulep's response to that drawing in which he didnt see a "left/right" control; I agree with him. He is correct, there is no centering in that callout.
With your latest posted figure, you do show to place the hole pattern to the center plane(s) of the overall part profile. Your continued reference to the part being symmetric as shown on pg 84 fig 5-4 is simply NOT true.
You are centering the hole pattern in a "symmetrical relationship" with that callout. This is not symmetry according to the standard. There is a difference in the two!!! (See 5.13 and 5.14 page 149)
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RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
I rather take issue with the statement that an axis 'establishes' 2 mutually perpendicular planes. My old school of geometry says that an infinite number of planes may be passed thru a line. It is only when we provide a datum for the orientation of 2 of these planes which are perpendicular, that they are established, and not by the line alone.
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
KENAT,
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RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
I agree with Kenat, take a look at those figures..
until tomorrow (:
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RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
Okay, on my original sketch, I should have attached datum B directly to the first hole. This would have expressed my intent. My nominal geometry was symmetric, not my intended datums.
My second sketch was not a hack or re-intepration of my first one. In response to KENAT's original question, I hacked the absolutely symmetric and unambiguous figure 5-4 by deliberately adding an asymmetric feature. I do not think I would do this on a real drawing. I am trying to make the point that the format and clarity of the drawing suffers before you start not conforming to the standard.
RE: Implied Centerlines/Symmetry
Understood
DesignBiz