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## Using Feature Control Frames: Introduction

PC-DMIS lets you insert valuable dimensioning information in the form of Feature Control Frames (FCFs) into your part program. FCFs are special, rectangular boxes that house standard GD&T symbols and information. When you insert a FCF into the Edit window, PC-DMIS also draws the actual frame in the Graphics Display window.

Sample Feature Control Frame (see FCF1)

To insert a FCF command, access the Insert | Dimension submenu, ensure that the Use Legacy Dimensions
menu item is not selected, and then select the appropriate dimension. PC-DMIS displays the GD&T dialog box for that dimension. Once you create the FCF, PC-DMIS inserts it along with dimension information into the part program.

Note: FCFs provide you with a new way of dimensioning your part. All of the same options you had with previous Dimensioning functionality still exist with FCFs (see the Advanced tab in the GD&T dialog box). If you prefer the old way of doing dimensions, however, simply select the Use Legacy Dimensions menu item and PC-DMIS will insert dimensions the old way. See the "Dimensioning Features" section for information on legacy dimensions.
Also, since the Location, Distance, Angle, and Keyin dimensions are not part of the ASME and ISO standards, they are always created using legacy dimensions, even if you deselected the Use Legacy Dimensions menu item.

This section covers the following topics:

- What is a Feature Control Frame?

- Information on FCF Dimension Calculations

- Rules for Using Feature Control Frame Dimensions

- Creating a Feature Control Frame Dimension

- Creating a Symmetry Feature Control Frame Dimension

- Defining Datums

- Creating Customized Datum Reference Frames

- Using Maximum Material Boundary (MMB) and Least Material Boundary (LMB)

- The GD&T Dialog Box

- Feature Control Frame Command Block

- Feature Control Frame Trihedron

- Simultaneously Evaluating Feature Control Frames

- True Position Feature Control Frame Dimension Information

- Parallelism Feature Control Frame Information

- Straightness Feature Control Frame Information

- Creating a Runout Feature Control Frame Dimension

- Using Unequal Tolerance Zones with Profile Feature Control Frame Dimensions

- Feature Control Frame Reporting Tables