What does "geometric dimensioning and tolerancing" (GDandT) communicate?

Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) is a system used in engineering to describe the allowable variation in the size, shape, and location of a part’s features. The main purpose of GD&T is to communicate how much tolerance is permitted for each dimension and how those tolerances can affect the fit and function of the manufactured part.

By specifying engineering tolerances, GD&T provides a clear framework that helps manufacturers produce parts that are within acceptable limits, ensuring they fit together properly in assemblies and operate as intended. This practice improves manufacturing quality by reducing defects and enhancing the reliability of parts, which is crucial in fields where precision is paramount.

The other options—such as communicating colors and textures, addressing economic factors in design, or suggesting marketing strategies—do not pertain directly to the technical and precise nature of GD&T, which focuses specifically on dimensions and tolerances necessary for effective and efficient manufacturing processes.