How To Add Tolerance In AutoCAD 2018?

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Tolerance in AutoCAD 2025

Understanding Tolerance in AutoCAD

Tolerance is an essential aspect of technical drawings that indicates the permissible limits of variation in a dimension. When drafting in AutoCAD, adding tolerance helps ensure that parts will fit together as intended even with small variations in their sizes. Tolerances can be expressed in various ways, including limit tolerances, bilateral tolerances, and unilateral tolerances.

Selecting a Dimension

1. Open Your Drawing: Start by opening your AutoCAD 2025 project that contains the dimensions you need.
2. Select a Dimension: Click on the dimension you want to modify. This action will highlight the dimension and allow you to access its properties.

Accessing Properties

1. Right-Click for Options: Once the dimension is selected, right-click anywhere on the highlighted area. A contextual menu will appear.
2. Choose ‘Properties’: From the contextual menu, click on ‘Properties.’ This action will open the Properties palette, displaying various settings related to the selected dimension.

Setting Tolerance Values

1. Locate the Tolerances Panel: In the Properties palette, navigate to the Tolerances panel. Here you will find fields specifically designed for setting tolerance values.
2. Enter Tolerance Limits:
   • Upper Limit: Enter the upper limit of the tolerance you wish to set in the designated field.
   • Lower Limit: Similarly, input the lower limit using the appropriate field.
3. Confirm Changes: After entering the desired limits, exit the Properties palette. Your changes will automatically reflect in the dimension.

Utilizing the Tolerance Calculator

1. Access the Tolerance Calculator: Navigate to the Design tab on the ribbon, then click on the Power Transmission panel to find the Tolerance Calculator option.
2. Add Dimensions: Click on "Click to add a dimension," and then specify the dimensions requiring tolerance.
3. Set Tolerance Parameters: Specify the tolerance values for each dimension added.
4. Element Type: Choose the type of element that lies within the chain to ensure accurate calculations.
5. Perform Calculation: Finally, click the Calculate button to determine the overall tolerance based on the entered values. The calculator provides a clear output for your reference.

Displaying Tolerances on the Drawing

1. Select the Dimension: Like before, select the dimension that you wish to show the tolerance for.
2. Modify Display Settings: In the Properties palette, look for options that allow you to display tolerances. Ensure that the correct settings are toggled to show them in your drawing.
3. Check Visualization: Verify that the tolerances are prominently displayed on your dimension in the drawing area.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the most common types of tolerances used in AutoCAD?
The most common types of tolerances are:

• Limit Tolerances: Specifies the maximum and minimum allowable dimensions.
• Bilateral Tolerances: Allows variation in both directions from a nominal value.
• Unilateral Tolerances: Permits variation in only one direction from the nominal.

2. How can I adjust the tolerance settings for multiple dimensions at once?
To adjust multiple dimensions:

• Use the Select Similar command to select all dimensions you wish to modify.
• Open the Properties palette and make your adjustments to the Tolerance panel. This will apply the changes to all selected dimensions simultaneously.

3. How do I determine the appropriate tolerance for my projects?
Selecting the right tolerance involves:

• Identifying critical dimensions that affect functionality.
• Evaluating the manufacturing process and materials used.
• Performing a cost-benefit analysis to understand the impact of different tolerance levels on production and performance.