minimummaat

Minimummaat is a Dutch term used in engineering, manufacturing, and design to denote the smallest dimension or size allowed for a part, feature, or package. It represents the lower bound of a specified size range and is typically defined alongside other dimensional limits such as nominal size and the maximum size (maximale maat). The concept is important for ensuring fit, function, safety, and regulatory compliance, even when production introduces variation.

In practice, minimummaat appears in technical drawings, product specifications, and quality control documentation. It helps designers and suppliers communicate the minimum acceptable size so that components will assemble correctly, interfaces will work, and products meet required performance criteria. Minimummaat is often considered together with tolerances, which describe allowable deviations from the nominal size; together they define the permissible size interval for a feature.

The term is commonly used across domains such as mechanical engineering, construction, cabinetry, and packaging. It is related to related concepts like minimum clearance, minimum thickness, and minimum wall or gap dimensions, all of which influence manufacturability and usability. Verifying compliance with minimummaat typically involves metrological methods and inspection protocols to ensure that produced parts do not fall below the specified lower bound.

See also: nominal size, tolerances, maximum size, dimensioning.