You have choices, make the right choice


Anchoring Precision: Advanced Metrological Strategies for Primary Datum Plane Establishment on Coordinate Measuring Machines
GD&T, Datums Mark Boucher GD&T, Datums Mark Boucher

Anchoring Precision: Advanced Metrological Strategies for Primary Datum Plane Establishment on Coordinate Measuring Machines

The integrity of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) specifications hinges entirely upon the stability and accuracy of the Datum Reference Frame (DRF). As the foundation of this framework, the primary datum plane—typically designated Datum A—serves the critical function of establishing the initial orientation and location of a manufactured component in three-dimensional space.

Read More
How to choose the right 3D metrology software solution
Mark Boucher Mark Boucher

How to choose the right 3D metrology software solution

In manufacturing and quality inspection, selecting the right 3D metrology software solution is essential to ensure accurate results, efficient workflows, and compliance with industry standards. Many companies make the mistake of buying measurement hardware first and then patching together different software tools—which can lead to inconsistent data and wasted effort. In this article, you’ll discover how to evaluate and choose metrology software that supports GD&T, handles large point clouds, integrates across devices, and scales with your operation.

Read More
Virtual Advanced GD&T Training on October 14-16. Limited Spots Available!
Mark Boucher Mark Boucher

Virtual Advanced GD&T Training on October 14-16. Limited Spots Available!

While the GD&T Fundamentals course teaches a core framework for understanding GD&T, the Advanced GD&T course builds upon this to give students a more comprehensive understanding of GD&T standards and their application. GD&T standards cover every manufacturing application across every industry, and this course fleshes out our Fundamentals course framework to show how GD&T is applied for better design for manufacturability.

Read More
Intelligent Model Based GD&T for Inspection
Mark Boucher Mark Boucher

Intelligent Model Based GD&T for Inspection

The central concept embodied in model-based definition (MBD) is that the 3D CAD model provides the detailed product information necessary for all aspects of the product definition. Engineers have wanted to harness the power of MDB for years.

Read More
Flatness – Surface vs. Feature of Size
Mark Boucher Mark Boucher

Flatness – Surface vs. Feature of Size

Surface flatness is the type of flatness that most people are familiar with. On a drawing, the flatness callout can point straight to the surface with a leader arrow or be extended out from the surface and away from the feature of size.

Read More
Fundamentals Matter: Why GD&T Remains Essential in Modern Manufacturing
Mark Boucher Mark Boucher

Fundamentals Matter: Why GD&T Remains Essential in Modern Manufacturing

In an era where emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and humanoid robotics dominate the headlines, it’s easy to overlook the foundational principles that make these breakthroughs possible. Yet, behind every cutting-edge application is a bedrock of engineering fundamentals—principles that have guided innovation for decades.

Read More
Reverse Inspections of Orientation
Mark Boucher Mark Boucher

Reverse Inspections of Orientation

I am trying to check the parallelism of the surface of a part in relation to Datum A. Is it acceptable to locate off of the surface of the part and indicate on the Datum A?

Read More
Composite Profile Control
Mark Boucher Mark Boucher

Composite Profile Control

Are the Datum structures in the two examples above valid for this drawing?If they are valid, wouldn’t both examples yield the same results when inspected?

Read More
Flatness - GD&T and Calypso Rev 3 Book
Mark Boucher Mark Boucher

Flatness - GD&T and Calypso Rev 3 Book

Flatness (form tolerance): the tolerance zone is limited by two parallel planes a distance t apart.

Implies: Straightness of the surface or Straightness of the derived median line

Read More
 2-Day In-Person Public GD&T Training Event on July 9-10, 2024
Mark Boucher Mark Boucher

2-Day In-Person Public GD&T Training Event on July 9-10, 2024

This In-Person GD&T Fundamentals Public Training Course allows you to learn GD&T in 2-days - with a live in-person instructor, enabling you to complete training off site, without distractions from the office or home. In this course, we teach a simple framework for understanding how GD&T is used and why it improves the manufacturing process. Our GD&T Fundamentals course focuses on practical knowledge and uses real-world drawing examples throughout the class to practice what is learned.

Read More