Least Material Condition

(LMC)
Symbol:
Category: Feature of Size
Definition:
Least material condition is a feature of size symbol that describes a dimensional or size
condition where the least amount of material (volume/size) exists within its dimensional
tolerance. The callout also overrides GD&T Rule#2 or the Regardless of Feature Size
rule. 

For simplicity:

If it is a hole or internal feature: LMC =Largest hole size (least material in part)

If it is a pin or external feature: LMC = Smallest size of the pin

 

Least Material Condition is one side of the dimensional limits on a part. The other side
of the tolerance range would be the Maximum Material Condition.

If you want to ensure that two always have contact or a press fit Least Material condition
can be called out. It is most often the control of parts that are pressed together to
ensure that they always have a snug fit and no clearance.

If you made sure that the LMC of the shaft was always larger than the LMC of the hole,
you ensure that there will always be a tight fit between the parts. This creates a
condition where you can use a functional gauge to ensure that the external feature is
not too small or that the internal feature is too loose.

Use in GD&T:
Least Material Condition is fairly rare in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. There
are only a few reasons why a LMC should be called. The most common reason for
calling it would be that you have a hole or other internal feature that is very close to the
edge of a part. If you call LMC with true position in figure 2 below – you would be
specifying that if the hole is at its largest size, it can only vary by as much as the  true
position tolerance.
 Thin Wall Hole Example

However if the hole is smaller than its Least Material Condition, you can apply a bonus
tolerance to the part, because now the true center of the hole can be closer to the edge,
without minimizing the thickness of the material.