S6S25 Andy Thompson | Practical Applications of GD&T

Being an Engineer · 20 Jun 2025 · 45m · Episode 25

What this episode covers

Andy Thompson, a mechanical and manufacturing engineer with over 20 years of experience at Northrop Grumman, explains how Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) serves as a critical common language between design, manufacturing, and quality control. He details how incorrect GD&T application leads to assembly failures, citing examples where correcting drawings for aerospace and defense contracts resolved chronic quality issues. Thompson emphasizes that early identification of manufacturing processes and collaborative design discussions are essential to avoiding costly errors and ensuring parts function as intended.

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