At its best, Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) is a shared language that connects design and production. At its worst, it creates misinterpretation, delays, and costly scrap.
So how do we make sure it stays useful?
At Absolute Quality Machining, we believe GD&T is not the problem. The disconnect is in how it’s interpreted. When engineers and machinists read symbols differently, design intent gets lost. Precision parts fall short. And the finger-pointing begins.
We’ve seen that story. Which is why we take a different approach.
GD&T Shouldn't Be a Guessing Game
The purpose of GD&T is to clearly communicate how a part needs to function in the real world. But symbols on a drawing only help when everyone is on the same page.
We start each project by asking key questions:
- What matters most in how this part performs?
- What’s critical to fit, form, and function?
- Where is tight tolerance essential and where is there flexibility?
By understanding the design intent early, we prevent confusion later. That clarity helps us hold tighter tolerances where they matter and avoid unnecessary constraints where they don’t.
From Feature Control Frames to Final Inspection
At AQM, we treat GD&T as a process, not just a drawing detail. That includes:
- Reviewing prints with the full team before machining begins
- Programming with real-world outcomes in mind
- Checking results with a CMM based on the right datums
- Offering upstream feedback when something on the print doesn't match real-world needs
We also use GD&T to drive improvement, not delays. When we see specs that are technically correct but hard to produce, we work with our partners to find better solutions. That collaboration avoids rework, saves time, and keeps costs down.
Bridging the Gap
We don’t just machine to spec. We help translate your intent into real parts.
That mindset is what turns GD&T into a tool for alignment. It helps us deliver parts that match the drawing and perform in the field.
If you’ve ever thought, “This part doesn’t match what I expected,” we’re the shop that will help you find the reason and fix it.
At Absolute Quality Machining, we build more than parts.
We build understanding.
