Geometrical tolerance

Tolerances of size are not always sufficient to provide the required

control of form. For example, in Fig.a the shaft has the same diameter
measurement in all possible positions but is not circular; in Fig.b, the
component has the same thickness throughout but is not flat and in Fig.c,
the component is circular in all cross-sections but is not straight. The form
of these components can be controlled by means of geometrical tolerances.

Fig.a Fig.b Fig.c

Geometrical tolerance is defined as the maximum permissible overall

variation of form or position of a feature.
Geometrical tolerances are used,
(i) to specify the required accuracy in controlling the
(a)form of a feature, (b)to ensure correct functional
positioning of the feature,
(ii) to ensure the interchangeability of components, and
(iii) to facilitate the assembly of mating components.

Terms Used:

Datum:

It is a theoretically exact geometric reference (such as axes, planes,

straight lines, etc.) to which the tolerance features are related.

Datum Feature:

A datum feature is a feature of a part, such as an edge, surface, or a hole,

which forms the basis for a datum or is used to establish its location.

Datum Triangle:

The datums are indicated by a leader line, terminating in a filled or an open

triangle.
Datum Letter:

To identify a datum for reference purposes, a capital letter is enclosed in a

frame, connected to the Datum triangle.

Tolerance Frame:

Tolerance Frame is used to indicate the geometrical tolerance on the drawing. It is connected
to toleranced feature by a leader line. The first box in the frame specifies the symbol for
geometrical tolerance , next box specifies tolerance value and third box specifies datum
surface with reference to which the tolerance is to be maintained.

Modifier:

The modifier is used to specify the condition to which the tolerance is applied. There are
three modifiers-

Maximum Material Condition(MMC) and its symbol is

Least Material condition (LMC) and its symbol is

Regardless of feature size (RFS) is the default condition, it has no symbol.

Tolerance Zone:

It is an imaginary area or volume within which the controlled feature of

the manufactured component must be completely contained

Geometric Characteristic Symbols:

Representation of Geometrical Tolerance on Drawing:

Example:

1) Explain the meaning of symbol at X and Y.

Ans:

The toleranced surface at X is parallel to surface A within 0.030 mm.

The toleranced surface at Y is perpendicular to surface A within 0.030 mm.

2) State the meaning of symbol shown in the fig below:

Ans:

The radial run-out shall not be greater than 0.1 in any plane of measurement duing one
revolution about the datum axis A-B.

3) Draw the symbols for i) Flatness ii) Run-out.

i) ii)

Exercise:

1) Explain the meaning of symbol at Y.

2)Explain the meaning of symbol at X and Y.

3) Explain the meaning of geometrical characteristics shown in the fig.

4) Explain the meaning of symbols shown in the fig.

5) Explain the meaning of symbol at X.

6) Draw the symbols for i) Cylindricity ii) Concentricity.

 PRODUCTION DRAWING

The orthographic views of the part will give the information about the shape and size of
the part. A production drawing, in addition to this, will give all the information which is
required to manufacture the part. A design engineer will give a production drawing to the
production engineer, which will give the following additional information-

a) Raw Material and its size.

b) Quantity to be produced.
c) Dimensional Tolerances.
d) Geometrical Tolerances.
e) Surface Roughness.
f) Heat Treatment.
g) Surface Treatment.
h) Special instructions about manufacturing.
A production drawing of a flange is shown in the figure given below.

The meaning of various symbols shown on the drawing is explained below:-

Example:

Explain the meaning of various tolerances given in the production drawing of a

connector shown in the figure below.

Ans: