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.