Strategy for Testing Conformance to Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing Standards

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) information is created as part of the design process. Today, that process is performed using computer-aided design systems, which generate 3D digital product models. GD&T information is created and stored as an integral part of those models. In many industries, the goal is to reuse GD&T to drive downstream activities including engineering, analysis, production, and inspection. To achieve this goal, the software applications associated with those activities must be able to exchange and interpret GD&T information correctly and, to the extent possible, automatically. To facilitate that exchange and interpretation, ASME and ISO developed information standards for defining, representing, and presenting GD&T information. The complexity of those standards, however, frequently causes both exchange and interpretation errors. Those errors can result in significant delays and cost overruns. This paper presents a strategy for testing conformance to ISO and ASME GD&T standards. That strategy includes a testing architecture, testing requirements, test cases, and coverage analysis.