GPS 100 — Introduction to Geometrical Product Specifications

GPS 100 is a free online course — about 90 minutes spread over 14 lectures.

What the Course Covers

An explanation of the benefits of GPS and the difference between systematic GPS and traditional tolerancing:

• Why tolerancing needs have changed over time.
• The shortcomings of traditional dimensional tolerancing and hybrid dimensional/geometrical tolerancing, explained using an easy to understand example.
• The advantage of systematic GPS tolerancing demonstrated in the same example.
• The benefits for companies introducing systematic GPS tolerancing.

About GPS

Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) is the international symbol language used to express tolerances in technical drawings. It defines the nominal geometry of the components that make up the product, and the tolerances that quantify the allowable deviations from this nominal geometry.

The GPS language is defined in a number of ISO standards developed by ISO Technical Committee 213 “Dimensional and geometrical product specifications and verification”. I was chairman of ISO TC 213 from 2008 to 2017 and have been the project leader (main author) on many of these standards.

Any time a design has to be captured and communicated, it is done using GPS. This global specification language enables a drawing of a component developed in one country to be sent to another country, where it can be understood and the component manufactured. GPS is an effective communications link, even when the designer and supplier do not have a common language. It helps products to be made more easily and efficiently, using fewer resources in the process.

Key GPS Standards

Some of the more well-known ISO GPS standards are:

• ISO 1101 — Geometrical Tolerances
• ISO 5459 — Datums
• ISO 14405-1 — Size
• ISO 286-1 — ISO code system for tolerances on linear sizes
• ISO 1302 — Surface Finish
• ISO 8015 — Fundamental Principles