PL is an abbreviation for places. This notation will be shown with a number associated with it such as:
Chamfer 0.010” x 45 degrees 4 PL
When the PL note is used, it should be very clear what feature, edge, etc. that the callout applies to. Unfortunately, what was obvious to the person drafting the print and what is obvious to the person down the line reading it, does not always match up.
When in doubt ask the customer or someone higher up the food chain.
PL example on a blueprint
The example below shows two chamfer callouts that use PL notation.
This is just a section of the blueprint but the overall part shape is square. The 4 PL refers to the 4 edges on each side there the main surface (S1 & S2) meet the sides of the part.
Therefore the part should be chamfered at 0.5 x 45° all around on one side and 2.0 x 45° on all around on the other side.
Blueprint notes that are similar to PL
The #x format (2x, 4x, etc) gets used often in place of the places note. The PL example given above could be changed to either of the following and the requirement would remain the same:
Chamfer 0.010” x 45 degrees 4x or Chamfer 4x 0.010” x 45 degrees
Want to learn more?
GD&T is a complicated subject and understanding it correctly can be the difference between a perfect part and scrap.
The best way to learn GD&T is from experienced teachers who can break down the material into manageable pieces.
Luckily, we know someone.
And MachinistGuides.com readers get an exclusive discount on training!
