What does Datum reference frame mean? How is it formed in GD&T ?
As in co-ordinate geometry , there is always a reference system with respect to which dimensions are referred from or measured from.
GD&T also uses similar concept In the Datum reference frame system when establishing interrelations between features.
Here the reference frames are formed by features of a part which maybe planar features of features of size.
When Datum notations are applied to features, that feature is called as the datum feature and it will have datum planes associated with it.
Datum reference frame is formed by creation of datum planes for each datum feature
Consider this drawing
There are three datum features which primary, secondary and tertiary datum features.
The corresponding datum planes (which are theoretical) if intersected – as shown in the pink color . They form together the datum reference frame
The intersection point between all the three datum planes is nothing but the origin of the datum reference frame.
Here is another example.
The datum reference frame for this component would look like this .
Learn more about how to Interpret GD&T callouts from this Free e-book on GD&T interpretations
To learn more about GD&T have a look at this course
Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing: Basics
Explore more topics in GD&T :
What is virtual condition in GD&T
Factors in Specifying tolerance
GD&T Regardless of feature size
GD&T maximum material condition
What is datum feature modifier
What is actual mating envelope
What is 3-2-1 principle in tolerancing
Applying GD&T scheme to a bracket
GD&T applied to patterns of features
Tolerance stack up analysis of a simple part
What are material conditions in GD&T
Composite position tolerance in GD&T
What are datum targets in GD&T
Verification of manufactured GD&T drawing
What are simultaneous requirements in GD&T
Calculating the geometric tolerance of a part
Developing GD&T scheme for a part
Traditional tolerancing vs GD&T
Categories: : GD & Tolerancing