Composite Feature Control Frame

complies with ASME Y14.5M 94 & also 2009

Revised November 16, 2011

Here we have a pattern of four (4) holes, each having a diameter of 4.9 +/- 0.2 mm. Below the size, we have a composite feature control frame. Please note that there is only one (1) positional symbol is used in a composite feature control frame. Let's review this composite feature control frame and the meaning for both the top and bottom segments.

The top section of the composite feature control frame is called the Pattern Locating Tolerance Zone Framework. Sometimes one may see in its acronym form of "PLTZF". The Pattern Location Tolerance Zone Framework reflects the maximum movement of the pattern of four (4) holes relative to their true position (theoretical location). This value also includes the movement inside the pattern. Here, we see that we have a diametrical tolerance zone of 0.2 mm beyond its maximum material condition (MMC) relative to primary datum A (perpendicularity), secondary datum B and tertiary datum C. The secondar & tertiary datums reflect the coordinate location of the theoretical centres. This is detailed in Positional Tolerances web page. The PLTZF will reflect the shift in the pattern relative to datums B & C and also skewing as shown on the right.

The lower segment of the composite feature control frame is called the Feature Relating Tolerance Zone Framework and is sometimes seen in its acronym form of "FRTZF". Note that the amount in the FRTZF is always smaller than the PLTZF since FRTZF is a component PLTZF just as your arm is a component of your complete body. Both cannot have the same value. In our example, the feature control frame references datum A. This means that the four (4) holes are aligned to each other and perpendicular to datum A. The FRTZF is to itself and has no relationship to datums B & C as shown in the PLTZF. Even if the pattern were skewed or out of positional tolerances in the upper segment of the composite postional tolerances, it still could conform to the lower section. In our example on the right, it appears that the hole shown in the lower right is out of position inside the pattern of four (4) holes. In both cases, the positional tolerances are best confirmed with a checking fixture (hard gauge) since they were reflected in MMC but both can be, somewhat, confirmed using a CMM (coordinate measuring machine). The FRTZF is extremely difficult to confirm on a CMM since one (1) hole is usually taken as a datum but, in reality, it isn't the case. All four (4) holes must be checked simultaneously and a checking fixture accomplishes this function. Why use a Composite Feature Control Frame?? The ASME Y14.5 - 2009 standard recommends that features of size (holes or pins) have their location reflected in positional tolerances. Both the pattern location and the features within the pattern are shown in a composite feature control frame. In many cases, the FRTZF is more important that the PLTZF since we probably have a mating part with the same hole or threaded stud configuration within the pattern but the pattern positional is not as important.We need to assemble the two

(2) parts together. Here we have a mating part with the same threaded stud position as the hole position previously shown. The location of the threaded stud pattern (PLTZF) relative to datums A, B and C is not as important as the location of the features within the pattern (FRTZF). The position of each of the studs to each other and also their perpendicularity to datum A is vital to assembly.

Tolerance Stacking Awareness Whenever one has a positional tolerance such as shown in both sketches, always confirm that there is not a conflict where the parts will not assembly. Always confirm that the virtual condition sizes allow assembly and the virtual condition size of the hole(s) is larger than the stud(s). The top section of the composite feature control called the Pattern Locating Tolerance Zone Framework (PLTZF) will have a conflict on your drawing but, possibly, these values are not used for assembly. Looking at the PLTZF virtual condition for the threaded stud, we find that we have a value of 6 (maximum material condition) + 0.2 (positional tolerance) = diametrical tolerance zone of 6.2 On the mating part holes shown previously, we have a virtual condition size of nominal size 6.5 0.2 = 6.3 MMC size - 0.2 positional tolerance = a diametrical tolerance zone of 6.1 which is smaller than the threaded stud virtual condition size and appears to be a conflict. It doesn't matter in this composite feature control frame if the PLTZF is not used for assembly!!! The PLTZF is only a pattern location relative to the respective part. If the PLTZF is actually used for assembly,

then the virtual condition of the holes must be larger than the studs.

Above we have the checking fixture for the PLTZF of the four (4) holes relative to datums A, B & C while belowe find the checking fixture for the FRTZF with the four (4) holes relative to each other and perpendicular to datum A.

Composite Feature Control Frame using Flatness Here is another situation that is common to many Designers. We have a primary datum which is the mounting surface. To qualify this surface, one would place a flatness tolerance on it of, say, 0.25 mm. There is a fear that that may be a situation where all the tolerance could be used in a very small area which could cause problems in the finished product. The Designer now wants to place a refinement to reflect that only 0.05 mm in any square area of 10 mm. This now will become a composite feature control frame as shown to the right..

I hope the above information is of value and if you have any questions, please e-mail them to me. David DeLong ASME GD&T Professional - Technologists and Senior Levels