2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Work In Progress: A Novel, Modular, Gaging System for Teaching Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing

Presented at Design in Engineering Education Division (DEED) Poster Session

Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) is a system of symbols and normative definitions essential for designing and manufacturing accurate engineering components. Conventional engineering curricula often fall short of preparing students for the level of GD&T proficiency expected by employers. This is largely due to a lack of time, insufficient instructor training, and limited instructional tools. This project aims to bridge this gap with a novel modular gaging system that demonstrates core concepts of GD&T that are typically challenging to visualize. The gaging system consists of a baseplate with a grid of threaded holes and interchangeable 3D printed components. Utilizing 3D printing allows for the rapid manufacturing of components that need to vary in size and function to adapt to individual workpieces. When attached to the baseplate, these components create datum feature simulators that define datum reference frames, i.e., gages. This work-in-progress is intended to provide a classroom tool that instructors value as being practical, inexpensive, and easy to replicate. Future efforts will evaluate the impact of the modular gaging system on student comprehension of GD&T concepts through surveys and select case studies.

Authors

Dr. Jaime Berez http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9589-4865 University of North Carolina at Charlotte [biography]

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. He conducts research at the intersection of advanced manufacturing and dimensional metrology, often with a focus on metrology as applied to metal additive manufacturing (AM) machines and workpieces. Additional research interests include dimensional X-ray computed tomography (XCT), functional tolerancing, methods divergence in computational metrology, and engineering education/workforce development. His research often leverages geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and he is passionate about integrating GD&T, metrology, and documentary standards into engineering curricula using strong teaching pedagogy. Jaime is certified by ASME as a Senior Level GD&T Professional (GDTP) in accordance with the qualifications of ASMEY14.5.2-2017.
Zoette Francis University of North Carolina at Charlotte [biography]

Zoette Francis is a third-year undergraduate mechanical engineering student with hands-on experience in design and manufacturing. Through her work at the UNC Charlotte Fab Lab, she has gained diverse experience across a range of fabrication techniques, including 3D printing, laser cutting, machining, and electronics integration. Her research interests focus on improving student comprehension of the complexities and abstract nature of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 21, 2026, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 24, 2026

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