A02 · Reference edition 2026.11
Locators and supports — Layout and sequence
A locator establishes a reference; a support resists movement under a load. One component can perform both roles, but its role must be recorded.
Scope and purpose
Place the relevant elements in a visible order before completing the record. A diagram should distinguish position from sequence and should preserve the orientation used in the written notes. Review the example for a practical way to make the relationship explicit.
Working notes
This reference collection concerns light, offline dimensional-inspection layouts. It brings locating concepts, component descriptions and revision records together without substituting for an engineered fixture design. The drawings are original explanatory diagrams. Reference IDs identify documents, not commercially tested products. Read the scope and limitations alongside each example, and keep the actual part drawing and inspection requirements available when reviewing a proposed layout.
Practical example
Show the contact normal and the intended direction of restraint separately in the layout.
| Reference record | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| A02 | Locators and supports |
| Scope and purpose | A locator establishes a reference; a support resists movement under a load. One component can perform both roles, but its role must be recorded. |
| Limits and interpretation | Do not infer the number of restrained degrees of freedom from the number of components. |
Review checklist
Identify the starting condition; mark the order or orientation; check that labels in the figure match the accompanying table.