Circularity A geometric tolerance used to control all points on a surface, at any perpendicular cross-section, to be equidistant from the axis.

. Sometimes referred to as roundness. Concentricity A geometric tolerance used to control the median points of all diametrically opposed elements of a circular feature, in order to be congruent with a datum axis. It is commonly misused; usually runout or position can suffice. Cylindricity A geometric tolerance used to control a surface of revolution (inside or outside diameter) where all points are to be equidistant from a common axis. The cylindricity tolerance will control circularity, straightness, and taper. Datum A theoretically exact point, axis, or plane derived by contact a datum feature; it then becomes the origin from which geometric characteristics are measured. Datum target A specific point, line, or area on a datum feature that is used to establish a datum (rather than using the full feature to establish the datum). Feature control frame The rectangular box that is used to display a geometric tolerance. It is divided into compartments which identify the geometric characteristic symbol, the tolerance value, and any datum references. Flatness A geometric tolerance used to control a surface which is designed to have all elements in the same plane. Flatness allows variation within two imaginary planes, separated by the given tolerance amount. With the 2009 standard, it may also be used on a centerplane of a feature of size. Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing Affectionately called GD&T, it is a symbolic system of controlling dimensional variation. In addition to providing standardized symbols and rules, it is a design philosophy that ensures that tolerances are based on fit and function. Least material condition A number that represents the condition where a feature of size has the least amount of material, while still being within the given size limits. Thus, LMC would be the smallest pin (for an external feature) or the largest hole (for an internal feature). Maximum material condition Often abbreviated as MMC, the size of a feature of size when it contains the most material allowed (while still being within the acceptable size limits). Parallelism The geometric tolerance used to control a surface, axis, or center plane that is designed to be parallel (zero degrees) in relation to a datum. Perpendicularity The geometric tolerance used to control a surface, axis, or center plane that is designed to be 90 to a datum. Position A geometric tolerance that controls the location of a feature of size. It defines a zone around the perfect location within which the axis or center plane of the feature is permitted to vary.

Profile of a line A geometric tolerance used to control line elements (taken at any crosssection in the plane of the given view) as they relate to the true profile. It may or may not reference datums. Profile of a surface A geometric tolerance used to control a three-dimensional surface as compared to the true profile. It may or may not reference datums. Projected tolerance zone A concept sometimes used in GD&T to indicate that a tolerance zone does not exist within the part itself, but is projected above the part surface. This is usually done to ensure that a fastener will assemble through multiple parts without interference. Regardless of feature size Abbreviated RFS, it is a term used to indicate that a geometric tolerance is the same, no matter what size the feature is made at. It is the presumed condition, unless the symbol for MMC or LMC is shown. Resultant condition A number, similar to virtual condition, that represents the worst-case combination of size and geometric tolerance. However, instead of representing the mating size, this shows how much material may be affected. Rule #1 The rule defined in the ASME standard stating that a size dimension, for a feature of size on a rigid part, not only controls the size, but also the form. Rule #2 The rule in the ASME standard stating that all geometric tolerances are assumed to be RFS unless the modifier for MMC or LMC is shown. This applies to the tolerance value and any datum references that are features of size. Runout The category of geometric tolerancing that controls a surface of revolution as compared to a datum axis other than its own. It can be used to control circularity, wobble, taper, and concentricity. The two types of runout are circular runout and total runout. Shift tolerance Also called datum shift, this refers to the looseness or play that is sometimes allowed on a datum feature. Similar to bonus tolerance, it is the result of using a modifier (usually MMC) after the datum reference in a feature control frame.