Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)
MAE-40031
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:
- Fundamentals of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
- ASME Y14.5M-2009 standards and associated guidelines
- Datum selection and datum reference frames
- Form controls (flatness, straightness, circularity, cylindricity)
- Orientation controls (parallelism, perpendicularity, angularity)
- Profile tolerances
- Position tolerance and hole pattern location
- Non-cylindrical feature controls
- Co-axial and concentricity controls
- Bonus tolerance principles
- Functional dimensioning vs. coordinate tolerancing
- GD&T inspection implications
- 3D CAD product definition per ASME Y14.41 (Model-Based Product Definition)
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
Understanding of basic engineering.
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.Course Information
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 1/19/2026
