Datum Design Principles in 3DCS

This article is from DCS's monthly article series the DE Focus included in each of DCS's monthly newsletter.

Datums are the origins for both Tolerances and Measurements. Figure 1 shows a datum example [ASME Y14.5-2009, 49]. Datums are established to ensure consistency between design intentions, manufacturing processes, and inspection plans.

Figure 1. Datums constrain Degrees of Freedom of a part

To make a datum, a feature or a group of features is designated for the datum. The selected feature is called a Datum Feature.

Datum Feature Selection

(S1) A good datum feature is a ‘functional’ feature that most influences the location or orientation of a component. [Paul Drake, ‘Dimensioning and Tolerancing Handbook, 1999, 5-61]. See Figure 2 for an example. A functional feature is often a mating feature used in assembling operations.

Figure 2. The Most Influential Feature

(S2) A good datum feature should be easily accessible for assembly and manufacturing. See Figure 3 for an example on an Engine Block.

Figure 3. Engine Block with Good Datum Features

(S3) A good datum feature should be easily accessible for inspection and gauging. See Figure 4(a-b) for an example [Bruce Wilson, GD&T Application and Interpretation, 165].

Figure 4(a). A GD&T Drawing with Good Datum Features

Figure 4(b). Potential Inspection Setting

Datum Reference Frame

A Datum Reference Frame (DRF) is a set of three mutually perpendicular planes, established from datum features; see Figure 1 for a DRF example. A component, either a part or subassembly, is required to have at least one DRF to constrain the component. Figure 5(a-d) [ASME Y14.5-2009, 54] shows the steps in constructing a DRF.

Figure 5(a). Three Datum Features

Figure 5(b). Theoretical Inspection Gauge

Figure 5(c). Datums derived from Datum Features

Figure 5(d). Datum Reference Frame

Note: A DRF with three datum planes is generally used to locate a component. It is also common that machined components use DRFs of one or two planes.

DRF Considerations

(C1) Identify the body of a part

The body of a part is the main portion of the part, excluding appendages and extensions. Datum Features should come from the body of a part.

(C2) Identify Functional Requirements

Find the gap and flushness requirements, as well as the mating features, flanges, holes, and slots.

(C3) Identify Process Requirements

Determine the process impacts, such as gravity, tool position, accessibility, checking repeatability, and historical part capabilities.

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Editors:

Ying Qing Zhou

Earl Morgan

Victor Monteverde