# S6S25 Andy Thompson | Practical Applications of GD&T

- Show: [Being an Engineer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer)
- Published: 2025-06-20
- Length: 45m
- Episode: 25
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2025-06-20-s6s25-andy-thompson-practical-applications-of-gd-t

## Summary

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.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2025-06-20-s6s25-andy-thompson-practical-applications-of-gd-t#t=0) Introduction: Andy Thompson and his journey from machinist to engineer
- [5:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2025-06-20-s6s25-andy-thompson-practical-applications-of-gd-t#t=338) Learning GD&T and identifying common misconceptions in engineering drawings
- [14:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2025-06-20-s6s25-andy-thompson-practical-applications-of-gd-t#t=845) Case studies: Correcting bad drawings for aerospace manifolds and defense contracts
- [17:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2025-06-20-s6s25-andy-thompson-practical-applications-of-gd-t#t=1051) Design for Manufacturing: Collaborative design and avoiding sharp corners
- [20:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2025-06-20-s6s25-andy-thompson-practical-applications-of-gd-t#t=1245) Auditing shops: Using zero at MMC to test supplier understanding
- [26:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2025-06-20-s6s25-andy-thompson-practical-applications-of-gd-t#t=1578) Staying current with ASME standards and networking on LinkedIn
- [38:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2025-06-20-s6s25-andy-thompson-practical-applications-of-gd-t#t=2305) Personal interests: Networking, metrology, and learning foreign languages

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Quality & yield](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/quality-and-yield)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Northrop Grumman (company)
- ASME Y14.5 (other)
- Simutek (company)
- ANSYS (tool)
- The Wave (other)
- PD Expo (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Meet a Guru: Laura Court](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2021-05-19-meet-a-guru-laura-court) (Global Medical Device Podcast)
- [HDI, Manufacturing Clashes, and More with Mike Tucker](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2024-10-13-hdi-manufacturing-clashes-and-more-with-mike-tucker) (OnTrack)
- [Technical documentation in industrial design - IDology #19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2024-04-02-technical-documentation-in-industrial-design-idology-19) (IDology)
- [053 - "Duct Tape and Bubble Gum" with Chris Tsai](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2022-10-05-053-duct-tape-and-bubble-gum-with-chris-tsai) (Let's Combinate)
- [203: Design for Manufacturing for a New Invention Product](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2023-11-24-203-design-for-manufacturing-for-a-new-invention-product) (Product Startup)

## Citing this page

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