Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)

Master Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) – ASME Y14.5 Training Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) is the industry-standard symbolic language used across automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, robotics, and industrial engineering to define product specifications clearly and unambiguously.

This GD&T training course at UC San Diego Extended Studies provides practical instruction in applying ASME Y14.5 standards to engineering drawings and Model-Based Product Definition (MBPD) environments.

Students learn how to communicate design intent precisely, reduce manufacturing errors, improve inspection outcomes, and lower production costs.

As organizations increasingly adopt GD&T to improve quality, reduce waste, and streamline production, professionals with expertise in datum systems, position tolerance, profile tolerance, and geometric controls are in high demand.

Why Learn GD&T? Companies rely on GD&T to: Improve communication between design and manufacturing teams Reduce scrap, rework, and production delays Optimize tolerances for function-based design Ensure inspection accuracy and quality compliance Support Model-Based Definition (MBD / MBPD) workflows Professionals trained in GD&T contribute directly to cost reduction, improved quality, and faster product development cycles.

By completing this GD&T training, you will: Apply GD&T symbols confidently in engineering drawings Interpret and create tolerance schemes aligned with ASME Y14.5 Understand inspection criteria and CMM implications Optimize tolerances using function-based design principles Communicate design intent clearly across engineering teams Improve productivity and reduce costly manufacturing errors What You Will Learn In this GD&T course, you will learn: Interpret engineering drawings and fundamental dimensioning practices.

Apply rules and terminology based on ASME Y14.5 standards.

Identify and correctly use GD&T symbols to describe geometry.

Differentiate between types of tolerances and fits (imperial and metric) Evaluate drawings for compliance with GD&T standards.

Communicate technical information using proper symbols and conventions.

Demonstrate competency through exercises, quizzes, and applied assessments.

Who Should Take This GD&T Course? This course is ideal for: Mechanical Engineers Manufacturing Engineers Quality Engineers Design Engineers CAD Designers Product Development Engineers Inspection and Metrology Professionals Aerospace and Automotive Engineers This course supports professionals working in: Aerospace manufacturing Automotive design Robotics and automation Medical device manufacturing Industrial equipment production Advanced manufacturing and precision machining Course Format Offered in Winter and Summer quarter Online: Delivered asynchronously with access to course materials anytime during the published course dates Flexibility within structured timelines Interactive learning environments using Canvas LMS Instructor support and feedback Access to all course materials online Prerequisites There are no formal prerequisites.

Some familiarity with technical drawings or drafting is helpful but not required.

The course is appropriate for entry-level professionals, students in engineering or technology, and experienced practitioners seeking a structured review of GD&T.

Next steps Upon completion of this class, consider enrolling in other courses in the Mechanical Analysis and Design Certificate .

More information Contact unexengr @ucsd.edu to learn more about Mechanical Analysis and Design course offerings.