TS 11397

TS 11397 is a standard focused on the rules for dimensioning technical drawings, one of the core elements of technical drawing language. Dimensioning is not just about placing numbers on a sheet; it is about showing exactly what feature is being defined, how that information is arranged across views, and how it can be read consistently in manufacturing and inspection.

Why dimensioning is treated as a distinct technical discipline

In technical drawing, dimensioning complements the views that describe a part’s geometry. Information such as length, diameter, angle, radius, and location becomes a shared reference for production, assembly, and quality control. For that reason, legibility, placement, avoidance of duplication, and the prevention of ambiguity are central to engineering communication.

The general scope covered by this standard

According to the provided scope, TS 11397 covers the rules for dimensioning technical drawings. In practical terms, it addresses the application rules for expressing dimensions in technical drawings. Its reference context with ISO 129 and related DIN documents places it within the established technical-drawing tradition used to standardize how dimensions are presented.

• Placement of dimensions on the drawing and their readability
• Clear identification of the feature a dimension refers to
• A consistent, standardized approach to dimensioning in drawing practice
• Reduced risk of misinterpretation in production, assembly, and inspection

This standard has been withdrawn, but it remains useful for understanding the logic of technical drawing notation and dimensioning practice. In mechanical design, manufacturing drawings, and quality documentation, the purpose of dimensioning is to make the drawing not only a visual representation but also a reliable technical communication tool for fabrication.