How to Read a GD&T Drawing—Expert Tips From R. Dean Odell

We've partnered with leading GD&T expert R. Dean Odell, known for his extensive experience in design, manufacturing, and inspection processes, to create a straightforward guide: "Mastering GD&T Drawings: How to Read a GD&T Drawing."

Dean's practical approach and clear communication make this essential guide invaluable for engineers, machinists, inspectors, and everyone involved in manufacturing.

Here’s the TLDR:

• Always start by checking the Title Block and General Notes.

• Highlight Datum features clearly for accurate referencing.

• Break down Feature Control Frames to understand tolerances.

• Recognize Material Conditions (MMC, LMC, RFS) for precise inspections.

• Evaluate drawing feasibility based on manufacturing processes and tolerances.

This guide simplifies the essentials, helping you read GD&T drawings quickly and accurately.

More On Drafter

At Drafter, we’re on a mission to automate the most mundane parts of engineering. We’re starting by creating high-quality, manufacturing-ready GD&T drawings in minutes. 

Today, we are working with customers across a variety of industries, from aerospace to robotics, automotive, medical devices, energy, and more.

If you want to learn more about Drafter or how we’re automating 2D drawings, check us out at drafterinc.com or schedule time on our calendar below!

We'd love your feedback! If there are specific resources or tools you'd like Drafter to create, please reach out anytime. Your input directly shapes the tools we build.

Happy engineering,

The Drafter Team