Runout

GD&T Symbol: 
Relative to Datum: Yes
MMC or LMC applicable: No
Drawing Callout:
Description:
Runout is how much one given reference feature or features vary with respect to
another datum when the part is rotated 360° around the datum axis. It is essentially a
control of a circular feature, and how much variation it has with the rotational axis.
Runout can be called out on any feature that is rotated about an axis. It is essentially
how much “wobble” occurs in the one part feature when referenced to another.

GD&T Tolerance Zone:

2-Dimensional circular tolerance zone that is defined by a datum axis where all points
on the called surface must fall into. The zone is a direct reference to the datum feature.
Runout is the total variation that the reference surface can have when the part is rotated
around the datum’s true axis.

Gauging / Measurement:
Runout is measured using a simple height gauge on the reference surface. The datum
axis is controlled by fixing all datum points and rotating the central datum axis. The part
is usually constrained with V-blocks, or a spindle, on each datum that is required to be
controlled. The part is then rotated around this axis and the variation is measured using
the height gauge held perpendicular to the part surface. As long as the gauge does not
vary by more than the runout tolerance, the part is in spec.
Relation to Other GD&T Symbols:
A great way to relate this symbol to others is through this equation:

Circular Runout = Concentricity (axis offset) + total Circularity (out of round)

Runout captures both of these in a single measurement when you are comparing the
surface to another datum.

Runout can also be constrained using a face as well as another circular surface. If this
is the case the perpendicularity of the datum face to the reference surface can add into
the runout of the surface as well, since if the part is tilted at an angle, the part would
runout higher due to the tilting of the part.
Runout is the 2D version of total runout. While it is measured in individual cross-
sections, total runout takes the measurement around and across the surface of the
entire part in a 3D tolerance zone.

  When Used:
Runout and its 3D component, Total runout, are very common symbols in GD&T due to
the control they have on a rotating part. They are used in any rotating components such
as drills, gears, shafts, axles, and many machine tool parts. The automotive and
industrial industry uses this GD&T symbol very often on any part that is rotated. Runout
usually is put into place when oscillations or vibrations need to be controlled on a fast
rotating part, like an engine or transmission. If the part rotates it probably requires
runout.

Example:
A shaft that is rotated at very high speeds is prone to oscillations if the right edge of the
shaft is too far offset from the left side. To control how much wobble this part will have
runout is used to ensure that the smaller diameter surface is relatively controlled to
datum surface A. To control this without GD&T would be nearly impossible. The small
amount of variation in the shaft, straightness of the shaft, and roundness of the
individual surfaces would be unrealistic to control. With runout, you have your final
rotational condition that you want controlled without needing to specify
unnecessary tight control on the entire part.

The best way to constrain this part is with GD&T

By constraining with runout as shown on the drawing you are ensuring that when the
shaft rotating, with datum A fixed in housing, the reference surface will not go outside of
a perfect central rotation by more than 30 microns. This will ensure that only a limited
vibration is made and that both parts will wear evenly. To ensure this condition is met,
you must measure the parts with a gauge.

B is now controlled in relation to A, ensuring a smooth, near-perfect rotational system.

Note: this runout must be controlled on any cross-section along the reference surface.
You must gauge each cross-section separately though (Gauging the entire cylinder at
once would be total runout).