A quick guide to shape and position tolerance symbols

The nature of technical drawing in CNC machining: A comprehensive guide for modern manufacturers

In the rapidly evolving world of manufacturing, the importance of clear communication between designers, engineers and manufacturers cannot be overstated. One of the cornerstones of this communication is the technical drawing. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the intricacies of the technical drawing, its importance to CNC machining and the best practices for creating it, complete with illustrative examples.

The undeniable importance of the technical drawing

Technical drawings may seem traditional, but they are the backbone of modern manufacturing processes. They serve as a bridge that ensures that the vision of the designer or engineer is accurately translated into the end product by the manufacturer.

Take, for example, a complex component such as a gear wheel. While a 3D CAD model shows the overall shape and size, a technical drawing shows the number of teeth, their pitch and other production-relevant dimensions that are required for manufacture and functionality.

The anatomy of an effective technical drawing

A well-crafted technical drawing is a mixture of art and science. It usually consists of:

Title block: This section contains important details about the part, such as the name, material specifications, designer's credentials and more. For example, a title block for a stainless steel screw could include the grade of steel used, tensile strength and other relevant data.

Isometric view: This view offers a three-dimensional perspective and provides a holistic picture of the part, making the drawing immediately understandable. Imagine a complex assembly like a piston-cylinder assembly; an isometric view would show how these parts fit together in three dimensions.

Orthographic views: These are two-dimensional representations that show the exact shape and dimensions of the part from different angles. For a component such as a flange, orthographic views would show the shape from above, from the side and from the front, detailing features such as bolt holes and their spacing.

Sectional views: Particularly useful for parts with internal features, sectional views show the cross-sectional details of a component. Think of a hollow shaft with internal grooves; a sectional view would show these grooves and their dimensions.

Notes for the manufacturer: These are important notes that contain additional information or specific instructions that may not be included in the main drawing. For example, a note may contain a surface finish requirement such as "Ra 0.8 µm".

Tolerances: The unsung heroes of precision manufacturing

In the field of CNC machining, precision is the be-all and end-all. Tolerances play a crucial role when it comes to ensuring that the end product meets the specifications exactly. They define the permissible limit deviations for a specific dimension and ensure that the component functions optimally, especially if it has to interact with other components.

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Shape and position tolerances are used to define and communicate technical tolerances. Below you will find a brief guide to some common symbols:

Flatness (⏥): Ensures that a surface is uniformly flat. It does not require a reference point and is applied directly to surfaces.

Straightness (⏤): Ensures that a feature is straight in 2D. Often used for linear features such as bars or rails.

Roundness (◯): Ensures that a feature is round in 2D. Often used for cylinders or pins.

Cylindrical shape (⌭): Combines straightness, circularity and taper. Used for cylindrical features.

Perpendicularity (⊥): Ensures that a feature is exactly 90 degrees to a reference point. Usually used for components that must fit flush with another.

Inclination (∠): Ensures a certain angle between two features.

Parallelism (∥): Ensures that two features are parallel to each other.

Position (⌖): Determines the center point of a feature and ensures that it is positioned correctly.

Coaxiality/concentricity (◎): Ensures that the center axis of a feature coincides with another feature.

Symmetry (⌯): Ensures that a feature is symmetrical to a reference plane.

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Understanding these symbols is crucial for accurate manufacturing and ensuring that components fit and function as intended. Comprehensive information can always be found in the standards on shape and position tolerances.

Specification	Features	Icon	Required date
Flatness	Uniformity of a surface	⏥	No
Straightness	Linearity of a feature in 2D	⏤	No
Roundness	Roundness of a circular feature	◯	No
Cylinder shape	Combines straightness, circularity and taper	⌭	No
Perpendicularity	90-degree orientation of two features	⊥	Yes
Inclination	Specific angular orientation of two features	∠	Yes
Parallelism	Parallel orientation of two features	∥	Yes
Position	Determines the center point of a feature	⌖	Yes
Coaxiality/ Concentricity	Central axis alignment of two or more features	◎	Yes
Symmetry	Symmetrical alignment of a feature around a reference plane	⌯	Yes

CNC24's promise of unparalleled top performance

At CNC24, we pride ourselves on our in-depth understanding of CNC machining. Our experienced team of professionals excel at understanding technical drawings and ensuring that every part we produce seamlessly matches the designer's vision.

For example, if a technical drawing specifies a certain thread type for a screw, our team ensures that the thread is produced exactly according to the specifications, be it a metric thread or a special thread.

In addition, every component that we manufacture for our customers is precisely measured in our measuring center in Berlin. This stringent quality control is reflected in our remarkably low complaint rate of < 0.017%. This unwavering commitment to precision, quality and excellence has cemented our reputation as a reliable, long-term partner for all CNC machining projects.

Conclusion

In the dynamic world of CNC machining, the technical drawing has proven to be an indispensable tool. It ensures that the intricate details of a component are communicated effectively and paves the way for successful production.

At CNC24, we are at the forefront of this synergy between design and manufacturing, ensuring that every project is a testament to precision and quality. For example, if a customer requires a bespoke gear with a specific module and pressure angle, our team ensures that these parameters are met with the utmost precision, resulting in a gear that fits perfectly into its counterpart.