Introduction to Geometric
Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
Based on ASME
Y14.5M 1994 standard
Feature
A feature is a general term applied to a
physical portion of a part, such as a surface,
hole, slot, boss, tab, etc.
Feature of Size
A feature of size (FOS) is one cylindrical or
spherical surface, or a set of 2 opposed
elements or parallel surfaces, associated
with a size dimension.
An axis, median plane or center point can be
derived from a feature of size.
Actual Local Size
Actual local size is the value of any individual
distance (two-point measurement) at any
cross-section of a feature of size
Actual Mating Envelope (AME)
Defined according to the type of feature of
size being considered
AME of an external feature of size is a
similar perfect feature counterpart of the
smallest size that can be circumscribed
around the feature so that it just contacts the
surfaces at the highest points. Eg. Smallest
cylinder or two parallel planes at a minimum
separation
Actual Mating Envelope (AME)
Actual Mating Envelope (AME)
AME of an internal feature of size is a
similar perfect feature counterpart of the
largest size that can be inscribed within the
feature so that it just contacts the surfaces at
the highest points. Eg. Largest cylinder or
two parallel planes at a maximum separation
Actual Mating Envelope (AME)
Actual Mating Envelope (AME)
AME is a variable value: it is derived from an
actual part
If a feature of size is controlled by a
positional or orientation tolerance with the
MMC or LMC modifier, the AME is relative to
the appropriate datums
Actual Mating Envelope (AME)
Internal Feature
(Hole)
External Feature
(Shaft)
Feature Control Frame
A series of compartments containing symbols
and values that describe the geometric
tolerance of a feature. The order and purpose
of these compartments follow a consistent
standard.
Feature Control Frame: Components
1.
2.
3.
Geometric characteristic being controlled.
Feature tolerance value
Datums to reference
Datum Reference Frame (DRF)
Frame of reference to which all
requirements are attached.
In geometric tolerancing, we can relate
engineering, manufacturing and inspection
together by using this DRF.
Three planes are called primary plane,
secondary plane and tertiary plane.
Datum Reference Frame (DRF)
Datum Reference Frame (DRF)
Datums and DRF indicate the origin of a dimensional
relationship to a toleranced feature of a part.
True geometric counterpart (TGC) of datum feature
actually establishes the datum.
Being theoretical, measurements cannot be made
from the true geometric counterpart. Hence,
simulated datums are assumed to exist and be
simulated with manufacturing/inspection equipment.
Measurements then originate from the simulated
datums and not from the features themselves.
Datum Reference Frame (DRF)
DRF Defines Design Intent
DRF Defines Design Intent
Datum Features without Size
Datum Features without Size
Datum Features with Size
Datum Features with Size: TGC
Placement of Datum Feature Symbol
Datum: Pattern of Features
The Y14.5 standard tells us we can use a
pattern of features to establish a datum or
datums.
Datum: Pattern of Features
Unfortunately, the explanation in the Standard only covers a
pattern of holes at MMC. There is no support for using a
pattern of features of size RFS.
Where two parallel holes are used as a pattern to help
establish a datum reference frame, it is pretty certain that two
datum planes will result - one plane through the two holes and
a second plane midway between the holes.
Once more than two holes are used as a pattern to establish a
datum, the resulting datum reference frame is unclear.
Recommendation: Avoid using a pattern of more than two
holes to establish datums when referenced RFS.
Single Datum from Two Features
Datum Targets
Datum Targets
Taylor Principle
Also known as Envelope Principle or Rule
#1
Unless otherwise specified, the limits of size
of a feature prescribe the extent within which
variations of geometric form, as well as size,
are allowed. This control applies solely to
individual features of size.
Does not apply to features left in the "as
furnished" condition (eg. stock)
Taylor Principle
Basic Dimension
A theoretically perfect, linear or angular
dimension, which serves to specify
(1) The form, and the orientation and location of
tolerance zones relative to one another and
relative to specified DRFs
(2) The mutual orientation and location of
datums, and
(3) The mutual orientation and location of datum
targets.
Symbology
Straightness (Line element)
Tolerance zone between 2 parallel lines
Value must be smaller than size tolerance
Material modifier cannot be applied
Datum cannot be referenced
Straightness (Axis/Median plane)
Tolerance zone is cylindrical or 2 parallel
planes.
Value must be smaller than size tolerance.
Material modifier can be applied.
Datum cannot be referenced.
Straightness (Axis/Median plane)
Median plane or (median) axis is very difficult
(and hence expensive) to determine.
Can only be applied to features of size.
Differentiated from Straightness of line
elements by positioning the FCF differently.
Straightness of Median Plane
Straightness of Cylindrical Axis
Straightness of Cylindrical Surface
Flatness
Tolerance zone between 2 parallel planes
Material modifier cannot be applied
Datum cannot be referenced
0.0 0 1
p a r al l e l
p lanes
1.000 ' 0.002
0 .0 01
Straightness/Flatness: Unit Basis
Flatness and straightness on a unit basis are
good controls to use when you don't want an
abrupt change in a surface.
If you don't limit the overall variation,
however, a larger than expected out of
flatness or straightness may result.
Straightness/Flatness: Unit Basis
The maximum radius of
curvature allowed by the
flatness of 0.2/50 is:
R2 = 252 + (R - .2)2
R = 1562.6
Solving the other
triangle for B:
1562.62 - 1002 = B2
B = 1559.4
Therefore the maximum
out of flatness could be:
R - B = 3.2
Straightness/Flatness: Unit Basis
To avoid this unintended accumulation of
tolerance, it is usually best to include an overall
flatness control when applying flatness or
straightness on a unit basis.
Circularity (Roundness)
On a cylindrical/conical feature: Applies to a
cross-section obtained as a result of the
intersection by any plane perpendicular to a
common axis.
On a sphere: Applies to a cross-section
obtained as a result of the intersection by
any plane passing thru a common center.
Circularity (Roundness)
Tolerance zone bounded by two concentric
circles.
Material modifier cannot be applied.
Datum cannot be referenced.
Value should be smaller than size
tolerance.
Circularity (Roundness)
Cylindricity
Tolerance zone bounded by two concentric
cylinders within which the surface must lie.
3D counterpart of 2D circularity.
Material modifier cannot be applied.
Datum cannot be referenced.
Value should be smaller than size tolerance.
Cylindricity
Perpendicularity
A surface, median plane, or axis at right
angles to the datum plane or axis.
Automatically controls flatness.
Datum must be referenced.
Datum may be modified.
Material modifier may be applied.
Perpendicularity
Perpendicularity Tangent Plane
Perpendicularity Axis of Cylinder
Angularity
A surface, median plane or axis at a specified
angle (other than 0 or 90) from a datum plane or
axis. Can have more than one datum specified.
Parallelism
The condition of a surface equidistant at all
points from a datum plane, or an axis
equidistant along its length to a datum axis.
Parallelism
Runout or Circular Runout
A 2D geometric tolerance that controls the
form, orientation, and location (but not size)
of each element of a cylindrical part as it
rotates about a datum axis.
As the part rotates 360 about the datum
axis, the error must be within the tol limit.
Datum must be specified but material
modifier cannot be applied.
Circular Runout
Circular runout does not protect
against barrelling or waisting
Circular Runout
Circular runout does not protect against sphericity or
conicity. Nor does it locate the surface.
Total Runout
A 3D geometric tolerance that controls the
form, orientation, and location (but not size)
of the entire length of a cylindrical part as it
rotates about a datum axis.
As the part rotates 360 about the datum
axis, the error must be within the tol limit.
Datum must be specified but material
modifier cannot be applied.
Total Runout
Total runout controls cumulative variation of
circularity, cylindricity, straightness, coaxiality,
angularity, taper, and profile when it is applied
to surfaces constructed around a datum axis.
Total Runout
When it is applied to surfaces constructed at
right angles to a datum axis, it controls
perpendicularity (and thereby flatness).
Runout: Straightness of Shafts
Straightness of an axis on an RFS basis will be
functional but may cause problems in inspection.
The straightness control automatically provided by
Rule #1 and the size tolerance is an alternative.
Since size tolerances on shafts are usually tight to
assure good fit in bearings, this approach frequently
results in a straightness requirement that is tighter
than required. This is especially true when the
length/diameter ratio is large. Also, Rule #1 does not
apply for diameters left "as furnished".
Runout callout with datum targets is an alternative.
Runout: Straightness of Shafts
The datum targets are located where the shaft contacts
the bearings. Circular runout controls the circularity and
concentricity of each slice of the feature. If the shaft is
out of straight, some slices will be eccentric to the
datum axis and will show up in the inspection.
Position
A 3-D location tolerance that describes the
exact location with respect to a datum
reference.
Sometimes, when a pattern of features carry
a position tolerance, then a datum reference
may be omitted. It then controls the individual
features to each other.
Position: Cylindrical Feature
For a cylindrical feature (of size), typically, a
symbol is specified with the tolerance,
indicating a cylindrical tolerance zone for the
axis of the actual mating envelope of the
feature.
2 datum planes may be referenced for
locating the feature in a plane perpendicular
to its axis. Another plane may be referenced
for perpendicularity.
Alternately, datum axes may be specified.
Position: Cylindrical Feature
Position: Cylindrical Feature
Position: Single Planar Surface
For a single planar surface, the position
tolerance specifies a tolerance zone between
two parallel planes located to the datum and
oriented parallel to it, within which the
surface must lie.
An additional datum plane may be
referenced for perpendicularity.
Same as a profile of a surface control.
Position: Single Planar Surface
Position: 2 Opposed Planar Surfaces
For two opposed planar surfaces (planar
feature of size), the position tolerance
specifies a tolerance zone between two
parallel planes located to the datum and
oriented parallel to it, within which the
median of the actual mating envelope of the
feature of size must lie.
An additional datum plane may be
referenced for perpendicularity.
Position: 2 Opposed Planar Surfaces
Position
Material modifier may be applied for position
control of features of size.
Datum features of size, if specified, may be
modified.
Composite Position Tolerance
Composite Position Tolerance
Composite Position Tolerance
Compound Position Tolerance
Projected Tolerance Zone
Generally used for threaded holes and holes that
will receive a pin (usually a press fit).
Concern is that the screw or pin projecting from
the hole might interfere with the surface of the
clearance hole in the mating part.
More important to know where stud or fastener
will be rather than where hole or tapped hole is.
Projected value is usually max thickness of the
mating part or max height of the pin or stud.
Projected Tolerance Zone
Concentricity
A 3-D location tolerance that describes the
location of opposing points in cylindrical
features with respect to a datum reference.
Controls median points. Hence, maybe
expensive to check.
Datum axis must be specified; cant be
modified.
Feature tolerance cant be modified.
Concentricity ignores the size, roundness
and cylindricity of the feature.
Concentricity
Symmetry
A 3-D location tolerance that describes the
location of opposing points with respect to a
datum reference.
Controls median points. Hence, maybe
expensive to check.
Datum plane must be specified; cant be
modified.
Feature tolerance cant be modified.
Symmetry
Symmetry vs. Position
Profile
A tolerancing method of controlling irregular
surfaces, lines, arcs or normal planes.
Controls form, orientation, location and size.
Hence, it is the most powerful control.
The profile tolerance specifies a uniform
boundary along the true profile within which
the elements of the surface must lie.
Profile
Profile
Datums can be specified and modified.
Tolerance cannot be modified.
Profiles can be individual line elements
(Profile of a line) or the entire surface (Profile
of a surface)
Referencing datums (to lock all relevant
DOFs) for a profile of a line control is
equivalent to a profile of a surface.
Profile
Profile of a Line vs. Surface
Profile of a Line vs. Surface
Profile of a Surface - Composite
Acceptable
Configurations
Unacceptable Configurations
Profile of a Surface - Composite
Profile of a Surface - Composite
Position to Control Location of
Irregular Features: Boundary Concept
Position to Control Location of
Irregular Features: Boundary Concept
Position to Control Location of
Irregular Features: Boundary Concept
Material Condition Modifiers
Can only be applied to features of size
MMC: Condition when a feature contains the
maximum material within stated limits of size
LMC: Condition when a feature contains the
least material within stated limits of size
RFS: Indicates that a geometric tolerance
applies at any increment if size within limits
Material Condition Modifiers
Effect of MMC Modifier
Diameter
Feature Size
Diameter Tol
Zone Allowed
.260
.005
.261
.006
.262
.007
.263
.008
.264
.009
.265
.010
.266
.011
.267
.012
.268
.013
Effect of LMC Modifier
Diameter
Feature Size
Diameter Tol
Zone Allowed
.268
.005
.267
.006
.266
.007
.265
.008
.264
.009
.263
.010
.262
.011
.261
.012
.260
.013
Effect of No Material Modifier (RFS)
Virtual Condition
A constant "worst case" imaginary boundary
defined by the collective effects of a feature's
size, geometric tolerance, and material
condition.
Virtual Condition: Shaft
For an external feature of size, the virtual
condition is equal to the size at MMC plus the
size of the tolerance zone at MMC.
Virtual Size
Tolerance
Zone at MMC
MMC Size
Virtual Condition: Hole
For an internal feature of size, the virtual
condition is equal to the size at MMC minus the
size of the tolerance zone at MMC.
Virtual Size
Tolerance
Zone at MMC
MMC Size
Resultant Condition
A variable "worst case" boundary, opposite the
virtual condition, that equals the feature's
actual mating envelope and its location
tolerance.
Resultant Condition: Shaft
For an external feature of size, the resultant
condition is the actual mating size minus the
actual size of the tolerance zone utilized.
Actual
Tolerance Zone
Utilized
Actual Mating
Envelope
Resultant Size
Resultant Condition: Hole
For an internal feature of size, the resultant
condition is the actual mating size plus the
actual size of the tolerance zone utilized.
Actual Mating
Envelope
Resultant Size
Actual
Tolerance Zone
Utilized
Inner/Outer Boundary
The combination of size and position tolerance
causes a feature of size to "act" larger and smaller
than the actual size from a fit and slop standpoint.
The smallest the feature may act is called the inner
boundary. It represents the closest the surface of
the feature may ever get to the basic location
relative to the referenced datums.
The largest the feature may act is called the outer
boundary. It represents the farthest the surface of
the feature may ever get from the basic location
relative to the referenced datums.
Inner/Outer Boundary: Shaft
The smallest a shaft may act is called its inner
boundary. It represents the closest the surface of
the shaft may ever get to the basic location relative
to the referenced datums. This boundary often
affects the slop between mating parts.
The largest a shaft may act is called its outer
boundary. It represents the farthest the surface of
the shaft may ever get from the basic location
relative to the referenced datums. This boundary
often affects the fit of mating parts.
Inner/Outer Boundary: Hole
The smallest a hole may act is called its inner
boundary. It represents the closest the surface of
the hole may ever get to the basic location relative to
the referenced datums. This boundary often affects
the fit of mating parts.
The largest a hole may act is called its outer
boundary. It represents the farthest the surface of
the hole may ever get from the basic location relative
to the referenced datums. This boundary often
affects the slop between mating parts or the wall
thickness on the component.
Inner/Outer Boundary: Hole (Eg.)
IB
IB
OB
OB
IB
OB
