MM3-Fundamentals of GD&T and Coordinate Metrology – Part 1
MA3-Fundamentals of GD&T and Coordinate Metrology – Part 2
Dr. Jaime Berez and Dr. Edward P. Morse (University of North Carolina-Charlotte)
Monday, October 26, 2026 (8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon)
Monday, October 26, 2026 (1:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
This tutorial will provide attendees with a comprehensive introduction to the language of geometric product specification (GD&T), combined with the practical considerations of determining conformity or nonconformity to these specifications (metrology). While geometric specifications are well defined on ideal geometry, the interaction of non-ideal geometry with various measuring systems provides challenges in determining conformity to the specifications. This tutorial uses the discussion of gaging and measuring techniques to not only reinforce the understanding of the geometric specification, but to provide the attendee with guidance in choosing and utilizing measuring systems. The two-part tutorial will build from basic concepts of specification and gaging to more advanced topics such as functional tolerancing, coordinate metrology algorithms, sources of measurement error in metrology systems, and common areas of misalignment or ‘methods divergence’ between the intent of a specification and the method of verification. While there will be some interplay between the two parts of this tutorial, Part 1 will largely focus on specification (GD&T) while Part 2 will largely focus on verification (metrology).
Learning outcomes
After completing this tutorial, attendees will be able to
- Describe the shortcomings of conventional tolerancing and the motivations behind the development of GD&T.
- Interpret basic GD&T specifications by describing the tolerance zone they create.
- Apply basic GD&T specifications to capture common forms of design intent.
- Describe the operational principles of common coordinate metrology instruments.
- Determine the computational algorithms that are used to verify GD&T specifications.
- Identify pitfalls, methods divergence, and deficiencies in how coordinate metrology verifies tolerances.
Prerequisites
Part 1 of this tutorial is strongly recommended as a prerequisite for Part 2, unless the attendee has a strong background in GD&T. Part 1 may be taken alone if desired.
Dr. Jaime Berez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science at UNC Charlotte where he works with the Center for Precision Metrology, an industry-university collaborative research center. His research interests include tolerance engineering, methods divergence in computational coordinate metrology, X-ray computed tomography, and metrology for additively manufactured surfaces and workpieces. In addition, he conducts research on the pedagogical aspects of tolerancing and metrology education and has developed a number of university-level courses and industry trainings on these topics. Jaime is certified by ASME as a Senior Level GD&T Professional (GDTP) in accordance with the qualifications of ASMEY14.5.2–2017.
Dr. Edward Morse is the Norvin Kennedy Dickerson Jr. Distinguished Professor in mechanical engineering at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and is the director of UNC Charlotte’s Center for Precision Metrology. His current research interests include large scale metrology, assembly modeling and analysis, machine tool metrology, uncertainty estimation and analysis, tolerance standards and modeling, and various aspects of computational metrology (including the application of machine learning). Ed is the chair of the ASME B89 committee on Dimensional Metrology and is a long-time member of ASME Y14.5.1 on the Mathematical Definition of Dimensioning and Tolerancing Principles. He also represents the US on ISO Technical Committee 213 in working groups dedicated to metrology, tolerancing, and uncertainty.