RULE # 1

When no geometric tolerance is

specified, the dimensional tolerance
controls the geometric form as well as
the size. No element of the feature
shall extend beyond the MMC
boundary of perfect form. The form
tolerance increases as the actual size
of the feature departs from MMC
towards LMC
 RULE # 2
RFS automatically applies to individual
tolerances and to datum feature of size
MMC & LMC must be specified where
Required.
 RULE # 3
For all other geometric controls, RFS
automatically applies
 RULE # 4
All geometric tolerances specified for screw
threads apply to the axis of the thread
derived from the pitch diameter.
Exceptions must be specified by a note (such as
Major Dia or Minor Dia). All geometric
tolerances specified for gears and splines
must designate the specific feature(such as
Major Dia or Minor Dia) at which each
applies.
 RULE # 5
(Virtual Condition Rule)
Where a datum feature of size is controlled
by a geometric tolerance and is specified as
a secondary or tertiary datum, the datum
applies at virtual condition with respect to
ORIENTATION.
• Interpret the flatness control.

• Interpret the straightness control.

• Interpret the circularity control.

• Interpret the cylindricity control.

 FORM CONTROLS

• Flatness. c

• Straightness.

• Circularity. „

• Cylindricity. g
FLATNESS
SYMBOL :-

ZONE OF TOLERANCE :- TWO PARALLEL PLANES

STRAIGHTNESS
SYMBOL :-

ZONE OF TOLERANCE :- CYLINDER

CIRCULARITY
SYMBOL :-

ZONE OF TOLERANCE :- TWO COPLANAR

CONCENTRIC CIRCLES
CYLINDRICITY
SYMBOL :-

ZONE OF TOLERANCE :- TWO COAXIAL CYLINDERS

FLATNESS
Definition : Flatness is the condition of a
surface having all of its elements in one plane.
The tolerance zone for a flatness control is
three-dimensional.
General representation
Interpretation of Flatness tolerance :

It consists of two parallel planes within which

all the surface elements must lie. The distance
between the parallel planes is equal to the
flatness control tolerance value.
Flatness Control Application
Some examples of when a designer uses
flatness control on a drawing are to provide a
flat surface:
• For a gasket or seal.
• To attach a mating part.
• For better contact with a datum plane.
When these types of applications are
involved, the indirect flatness control that results
from Rule #1 is often not sufficient to satisfy the
functional requirements of the part surface.
This is when a flatness control is specified on
a drawing:
Inspecting Flatness
•Establish the first plane of the tolerance zone
by placing the part surface on a surface plate
that has a small hole.
• The surface plate becomes the true counterpart of the
controlled feature. A dial indicator is set in the small hole.
• The tip of the dial indicator traces a path across the entire
part surface.
• Then the part is moved over the hole at random.
 STRAIGHTNESS :
Definition : Straightness of a line element is
the condition where each line element (or axis
or center plane) is a straight line.
The tolerance zone for a straightness control
(as a surface line element control) is two-
dimensional.
General Representation :
General Representation
Interpretation (Straightness applied to the
surface element)
Interpretation (Straightness applied to the
axis)
0.2

0.2mm
Straightness at MMC Application
• A common reason for
applying a straightness
control at MMC to a FOS
on a drawing is to insure
the function of assembly.
• Whenever the MMC
modifier is used in a
straightness control, it
means the stated
tolerance applies when
the FOS is produced at
MMC.
Straightness at MMC Application
• An important benefit
becomes available
when straightness is
applied at MMC: extra
tolerance is
permissible.
• As the FOS departs
from MMC towards
LMC, a bonus
tolerance becomes
available.
Inspecting a Straightness Control
(Applied to a FOS at MMC)
CIRCULARITY
Definition: Circularity is a condition where all
points of a surface of revolution, at any Section
perpendicular to a common axis, are equidistant
from that axis.
General representation:

0.2

39.0
38.5
Example :
Circularity control :
•A circularity control is a geometric tolerance that
limits the amount of circularity on a part surface.
•It specifies that each circular element of a
feature’s surface must lie within a tolerance zone
of two coaxial circles.
•It also applies independently at each cross
section element and at a right angle to the feature
axis.
•The radial distance between the circles is equal to
the circularity control tolerance value.
 INTERPRETATION

94.2 – 94.6
0.2

79.4 – 79.8 Two imaginary and concentric circles with their

0.2 radii 0.2mm apart.

0.2

Part
surface
Circularity application :

•Is to limit the lobing (out of round) of a shaft

diameter.
•In certain cases, lobing of a shaft diameter will
cause bearings or bushings to fail prematurely.
 Circularity application :

•The diameter must be within its size tolerance.

•The circularity control does not override Rule #1.
•The circularity control tolerance must be less than the
size tolerance.
•The circularity control does not affect the outer
boundary of the FOS.
INSPECTION OF CIRCULARITY
Cylindricity g

Definition :Cylindricity is a condition of a

surface of revolution in which all points of the
surface are equidistant from a common axis.
General Representation :

0.2

39.0
38.5
Example & Interpretation:
INSPECTION OF CYLINDRICITY