ASME Y14.38-2019 PDF
Name in English:
St ASME Y14.38-2019
Name in Russian:
Ст ASME Y14.38-2019
Original standard ASME Y14.38-2019 in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
ASME Y14.38-2019 — Abbreviations and Acronyms for Use in Product Definition and Related Documents. This Standard provides an approved list of abbreviations and acronyms for use on engineering drawings and related product-definition documentation, allowing use of standardized shorthand in lieu of spelling out full terminology to improve clarity and reduce repetition in technical documents.
Abstract
The abbreviations and acronyms (hereinafter “abbreviations”) listed in this Standard are intended for application on engineering drawings and related documentation used throughout the product life cycle. The document defines accepted abbreviations, usage guidance, cross‑referencing rules, and exceptions so that abbreviations used in drawings need not be separately defined on each document. Y14.38 is a redesignation of the earlier Y1.1 series.
General information
- Status: Active / Current.
- Publication date: ASME edition designated 2019; published/implemented May 18, 2020 (commonly referenced as the 2019 edition).
- Publisher: American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
- ICS / categories: Engineering drawing practices; product definition and documentation; drafting standards; Y14 series.
- Edition / version: Y14.38-2019 (2019 edition).
- Number of pages: Approximately 176 pages (editions/suppliers list 176–179 pages depending on format).
Scope
This Standard lists and defines approved abbreviations and acronyms for use on engineering drawings and related product‑definition documents. It is intended to standardize shorthand used in drawings so that abbreviations need not be individually defined on each document, to provide guidance on cross‑references to other standards, and to note exceptions (for example, widely recognized scientific or industry abbreviations). The scope explicitly covers product definition and related documentation practices within the ASME Y14 family.
Key topics and requirements
- Approved list of abbreviations and acronyms grouped by subject area (drawing notes, materials, processes, inspection, manufacturing, electrical, etc.).
- Rules for using abbreviations in drawings and related documents so that additional definition is not required when the standard abbreviation is applied.
- Guidance on cross-referencing other standards and dated/undated references when applying abbreviations.
- Exceptions and notes for abbreviations established in other scientific/industry standards and for widely recognized terms.
- Editorial conventions, formatting, and administration (redesignation history — Y1.1 → Y14.38).
Typical use and users
Used by mechanical engineers, design draftsmen, CAD modelers, technical illustrators, document-control specialists, manufacturing engineers, quality/inspection personnel, procurement and procurement documentation teams, and regulatory/aerospace/defense contractors who must apply consistent abbreviations across drawings and product‑definition documentation.
Related standards
Commonly used alongside other ASME Y14 series standards (for example, Y14.100 Engineering Drawing Practices, Y14.5 Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Y14.41 Digital Product Definition Data Practices) and with applicable military or industry marking/identification standards where specified (e.g., MIL‑STD references). The Y14 family provides complementary guidance on drawing format, notation, and model‑based definition practices.
Keywords
abbreviations, acronyms, engineering drawings, product definition, drafting, Y14.38, Y14 series, technical documentation, notation, drawing notes, standards
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: ASME Y14.38-2019 is the ASME standard that publishes an approved set of abbreviations and acronyms for use in product‑definition documents and engineering drawings to ensure consistent, unambiguous shorthand across technical documentation.
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers a curated list of abbreviations and acronyms, rules and conventions for their application on drawings and related documents, guidance on cross‑references to other standards, and exceptions for widely accepted terms. It does not replace domain‑specific standards where specialized notation is required.
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Design engineers, drafters, CAD administrators, manufacturing and quality engineers, technical publications staff, and procurement/document control teams who prepare or consume engineering drawings and product‑definition documentation.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: The document is the 2019 edition (commonly published/issued May 2020) and is listed as the current/active edition, superseding the 2007 (R2013) edition. Users should check ASME for any later revisions or reaffirmations.
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: Yes — it is part of the ASME Y14 family of standards that govern engineering drawing and product‑definition practices (e.g., Y14.100, Y14.5, Y14.41, Y14.46, Y14.47). These documents are intended to be used together to produce consistent, standards‑compliant drawings and digital product definitions.
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: Abbreviations, acronyms, product definition, engineering drawing, drafting standards, notation, Y14.38, Y14 series.