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Geometrical Tolerancing

Reference Standards

BS ISO 1101:1983 Technical Drawings - Geometrical tolerancing - Tolerancing of form, orientation, location
and run-out - Generalities, definitions, symbols, indications on drawings

BS ISO 5459:1981 Technical Drawings - Geometrical tolerancing - Datums and datum-systems for
geometrical tolerances

Introduction

The notes below relate to use of geometric tolerances on drawing. The notes are outline in nature to
provide general guidance. This subject is complex and it is wise to consult the standards and have a clear
understanding of what is required when including geometric tolerances on technical drawings. There are
clear differences between ANSI Y14.5 and the above noted ISO standard. The notes below do not
address this difference or refer to the ANSI standard in any way.

Geometric Tolerances

Geometric tolerances specify the maximum variation that is allowed in form or position from true
geometry. The geometric tolerance is, in essence, the width or diameter of tolerance zone within which a
surface or axis of hole or cylinder can lie which results in resulting feature being acceptable for proper
function and interchangeability.

If a tolerance of form is not specified on a drawing for a feature, then the feature as made will be acceptable
regardless of form variation. The tolerances of form control straightness, flatness, parallelism, angular
displacement etc. etc.

The tolerance zone will be one of the following:

 The area within a circle

 The area between two circles

 The area between two equidistant lines or between two parallel straight lines

 The space within a cylinder

 The space between two coaxial cylinders

 The space between two equidistant surfaces or two parallel planes

 The space within a bent pipe

Tolerance Frame with Symbol identifications

Indication of datum

Supplimentary Symbols
 Notes on supplimentary symbols are provided on webpage Geometrical Tolerancing Notes

Tolerance Frame Variations

The tolerance frame can be divided into two or more compartments.

These compartments include from left to right

 The symbol for the feature to be toleranced

 The tolerance value..If the tolerance zone is circular or cylinderical it is preceded with a

 Letters for datums when the toleranced feature is specified in relation to one, or more
datums.

When multiple datums are referenced in the tolerance box they are indicated as below:

Maximum Material Indication in Tolerance Frame

The maximum material condition, when used, is indicated by a symbol placed after the tolerance value,
after the datum letter, or both.

See the figures below:

Additional Frames- Notes

If a single frame cannot convey sufficient information it is acceptable to stack additional frames and/or
provide additional notes..

Positioning of Frames /Datum triangles

The datum triangle is placed on a feature or on an extension of the outline ( but clearly separated from the
dimension line) when the datum feature is the line or surface itself

The datum triangle is place on the extension of a dimension arrow when the datum feature is the axis or
medium line.
When two datums are indicated they relate to the common axis of the two features
The datum triangle can replace a dimension arrow if there is not enough room.
 The datum can be located on the axes or median line when

 The axis or median line is clearly for a single feature

 The axis or median line is clearly formed by two features

Geometric Tolerancing Examples

1. Maximum Material Condition

2. Form Control

3. Flatness

4. Roundness

5. Straightness

6. Squareness/ Perpendicity

7. Form

8. Angularity

9. Position

10. Concentricity/Coaxility

11. Cylindricity

12. Parallelism

13. Runout

14. Total Runout

Links Providing information on Geometrical Tolerancing <

1. Volvo Drawing Standards......

For access to document 101-0005 on
European-Standard-based drawing
procedures
2. Volvo Geometrical Tolerancing...
For access to document 112-0003 on
geometrical tolerancing and 112-0004
on measuring principles

3. Baseline Uncertainty in Geometric

Tolerance Inspection...... Interesting
downloadable paper

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Last Updated 18/01/2013