Engineering & Design: Geometric Dimensioning: Section

Engineering & Design: Geometric Dimensioning SECTION
Section Contents
1 Introduction
2 What is GD&T?
NADCA No. Format Page
5-2
5-2
5
3 Why Should GD&T be Used? 5-3
4 Datum Reference Frame 5-4
4.1 Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Features & Datums 5-4
4.2 Datum Feature Vs. Datum Plane 5-5
4.3 Datum Plane Vs. Datum Axis 5-5
4.4 Datum Target Sizes & Locations 5-6
5 Feature Control Frame 5-6
6 Rule #1 – Taylor Principle (Envelope Principle) 5-7
7 GD&T Symbols/Meanings 5-8
8 Material Conditions 5-8
8.1 Maximum Material Condition (MMC) 5-8
8.2 Least Material Condition (LMC) 5-9
8.3 Regardless of Feature Size (RFS) 5-10
9 Location Tolerances 5-11
9.1 Position Tolerance 5-11
5
9.2 Concentricity & Symmetry Tolerances 5-13
10 Profile Tolerance 5-14
11 Run Out Tolerances 5-18
12 Orientation Tolerances 5-19
13 Form Tolerances 5-21
13.1 Straightness 5-21
13.2 Flatness 5-23
13.3 Circulatity (Roundness) 5-23
13.4 Cylindricity 5-23
14 Conversion Charts 5-29
14.1 Conversion of Position (Cylindrical) Tolerance Zones 5-29
to/from Coordinate Tolerance Zones
14.2 Conversion of Position Tolerance Zone 5-32
to/from Coordinate Tolerance Zone
14.3 Conversion of Coordinate Measurements to 5-33
Position Location Measurements
NADCA Product Specification Standards for Die Castings / 2006 5-1

Engineering & Design: Geometric Dimensioning
1 Introduction
The concept of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) was introduced by Stanley
Parker from Scotland in the late 1930’s. However it was not used to any degree until World War
II (WW II) because until then the vast majority of products were made in-house. The designer
could discuss with the manufacturing personnel (die designer, foundry foreman, machinist,
and inspectors) what features were to be contacted to establish the so called “centerlines” that
were used on the drawing to locate features such as holes and keyways. Also when two (2) or
more features were shown coaxial or symmetrical around these “centerlines”, the questions that
needed to be answered by the designer was, “how concentric or symmetrical do these features
have to be to each other”?. During WW II companies had to “farm out” parts because of the
quantities/schedules. This meant the new manufacturer had to interpret the drawing hence the
“centerlines” were often established by contacting features that were not functional or important
and features produced from these incorrect “centerlines” were not at the location required. The
parts did not assemble and/or did not function properly hence had to be fi xed or scrapped. GD&T
was the solution to this major problem. GD&T provides a designer the tools to have clear, concise,
and consistent instructions as to what is required. It eliminates ambiguities hence everyone that is
involved with the part will not have to interpret the dimensioning.
2 What is GD&T?
It is compilation of symbols and rules that efficiently describe and control dimensioning &
tolerancing for all drawings (castings, machined components,etc.). It is documented in ASME
Y14.5M which has the symbols, rules, and simple examples. Also ASME Y14.8 has guidance for
casting and forging drawings.
3 Why should GD&T be used?
a. It is a simple and efficient method for describing the tolerancing mandated by the designer of
the part.
b. It eliminates ambiguities as to what Datum features are to be contacted to establish the Datum
planes and/or Datum axis that are to be used for locating other features. All inspection will
result in the same result – the dimension is within or out of tolerance. Fig. 5-1 illustrates a
simple example of ambiguities associated with the “old” type drawing. Fig. 5-2 illustrates the
same example with GD&T.
c. It simplifies inspection because hard gages can often be utilized and inspection fi xtures are
often mandated which simplifies inspection for production quantities.
d. It forces the designer to totally consider function, manufacturing process, and inspection
methods. The result is larger tolerances that guarantee function, but reduce manufacturing
& inspection costs. Also the “bonus” or extra tolerance for certain conditions can result in
significant production cost savings. In addition the time to analyze whether a missed dimen-
sion is acceptable is dramatically reduced.
5-2 NADCA Product Specification Standards for Die Castings / 2006

Fig. 5-1 “OLD” Drawing without GD&T.
Questions:
1) What is the relationship (coaxiality tolerance) between the ∅1.00 and the ∅2.00?
2) Which feature (∅1.00 or ∅2.00) is to be used for measuring (locating) the .500±.005 dimension
for locating the ∅.120 hole?
Fig. 5-2 “NEW” Drawing with GD&T.
Questions asked in Fig. 5-1 answered:

1) The axis of the ∅2.00 has to be coaxial with the axis of the ∅1.00 within a tolerance zone that
is a ∅.005 if the ∅ is 2.01 which is the MMC.
2) The ∅1.00 is the feature to be used for measuring the .500 dimension for locating the n.120
hole. The tolerance for locating the ∅.120 hole is a ∅ of .014 (the diagonal of the rectangular
tolerance zone shown in Fig. 5-1) when the hole is a MMC (∅.120).

4 Datum Reference Frame (DRF):
The DRF is probably the most important concept of GD&T. In order to manufacture and/or
inspect a part to a drawing , the three (3) plane concept is necessary. Three (3) mutually
perpendicular (exactly 90° to each other) and perfect planes need to be created to measure
from. In GD&T this is called Datum Reference Frame whereas in mathematics it is the Cartesian
coordinate system invented by Rene Descartes in France (1596-1650). Often one would express
this concept as the need to establish the X,Y, and Z coordinates. The DRF is created by so-called
Datum Simulators which are the manufacturing, processing, and inspection equipment such as
surface plate, a collet, a three jaw chuck, a gage pin, etc. The DRF simulators provide the origin
of dimensional relationships. They contact the features (named Datum Features) which of course
are not perfect hence measurements from simulators (which are nearly perfect) provides accurate
values and they stabilize the part so that when the manufacturer inspects the part and the
customer inspects the part they both get the same answer. Also if the part is contacted during the
initial manufacturing setup in the same manner as when it is inspected, a “layout” for assuring
machining stock is not required. The final result (assuming the processing equipment is suitable
for the tolerancing specified) will be positive.
4.1 Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Features & Datums:

The primary is the first feature contacted (minimum contact at 3 points), the secondary feature is
the second feature contacted (minimum contact at 2 points), and the tertiary is the third feature
contacted (minimum contact at 1 point). Contacting the three (3) datum features simultaneously
establishes the three (3) mutually perpendicular datum planes or the datum reference frame. If
the part has a circular feature that is identified as the primary datum feature then as discussed
later a datum axis is obtained which allows two (2) mutually perpendicular planes to intersect the
axis which will be the primary and secondary datum planes. Another feature is needed (tertiary)
to be contacted in order orientate (fi x the two planes that intersect the datum axis) and to estab-
lish the datum reference frame. Datum features have to be specified in an order of precedence
to properly position a part on the Datum Reference Frame. The desired order of precedence is
obtained by entering the appropriate datum feature letter from left to right in the Feature Control
Frame (FCF) (see Section 5 for explanation for FCF). The first letter is the primary datum, the
second letter is the secondary datum, and the third letter is the tertiary datum. The letter identi-
fies the datum feature that is to be contacted however the letter in the FCF is the datum plane or
axis of the datum simulators. See Fig. 5-3 for Datum Features & Planes.
Fig. 5-3 Primary, secondary, tertiary features & datum planes.

4.2 Datum Feature vs Datum Plane:

The datum features are the features (surfaces) on the part that will be contacted by the datum
simulators. The symbol is a capital letter (except I,O, and Q) in a box such as A used in the 1994
ASME Y14.5 or -A- used on drawings made to the Y14.5 before 1994. The features are selected
for datums based on their relationship to toleranced features, i.e., function, however they must be
accessible, discernible, and of sufficient size to be useful. A datum plane is a datum simulator such
as a surface plate. See Fig. 5-4 for a Datum Feature vs a Datum Plane.
Fig. 5-4 Datum feature vs. datum plane.
4.3 Datum Plane vs Datum Axis:

A datum plane is the datum simulator such as a surface plate. A datum axis is also the axis of
a datum simulator such as a three (3) jaw chuck or an expandable collet (adjustable gage). It is
important to note that two (2) mutually perpendicular planes can intersect a datum axis however
there are an infinite number of planes that can intersect this axis (straight line). Only one (1) set 5
of mutually perpendicular planes have to be established in order to stabilize the part (everyone
has to get the same answer – does the part meet the drawing requirements?) therefore a feature
that will orientate or “clock” or “stabilize” has to be contacted. The datum planes and datum axis
establish the datum reference frame and are where measurements are made from. See Fig. 5-5 for
Datum Feature vs Datum Axis.
Fig. 5-5 Datum feature vs. datum axis.

4.4 Datum Target Sizes & Locations:

Datum targets are datum simulators such as spherical pins or round flat bottom pins or three (3)
jaw chucks or centers that establish datum planes or datum axis. They contact the datum features
and are often specified to be used for inspecting parts that are inherently not round or straight
or flat or they are large parts. If targets are not used then the entire datum feature has to contact
a datum simulator. An example of what can result is the part could “rock” on a surface plate if
the part was not relatively flat which would result in an unstable scenario and conflicting results.
If the datum feature is large a datum simulator that contacts the entire feature may not exist or
would be extremely expensive to produce. The datum targets are the datum planes and datum
axis and often are assembled together to create an inspection fi xture and or a manufacturing
fi xture. See Fig. 5-6 for Datum Target Sizes & Locations.
Component configuration shown as phantom lines on seperate drawing

• Illustrates orientation when targets contact component
• Illustrates that targets are physically seperate from the component
• Apply marking is shown to depict which side is to be contacted by the targets
Fig. 5-6 Target sizes & locations.
5 Feature Control Frame:
The geometric tolerance for an individual feature is specified in the Feature Control Frame which
is divided into compartments – see Fig 5-7. The first compartment contains the type of geometric
characteristic such as true position, profile, orientation, etc. The second compartment contains
the tolerance (where applicable the tolerance is preceded by a diameter symbol and followed by a
material condition symbol). The remaining compartments contain the datum planes or axis in the
proper sequence (primary datum is the first letter).
Fig. 5-7 Feature control frame.

6 Rule # 1 – Taylor Principle (Envelope Principle):
When only a size tolerance is specified for an individual feature of size the form of this feature
shall not extend beyond a boundary (envelope) of perfect form at maximum material condition
(MMC). In other words when the size is at MMC the feature has to be perfectly straight. If the
actual size is less than the MMC the variation in form allowed is equal to the difference between
the MMC and the actual size. The relationship between individual features is not controlled
by size limits. Features shown perpendicular, coaxial or symmetrical to each other must be
controlled for location or orientation otherwise the drawing is incomplete. In other words Fig. 5-1
is an incomplete drawing. Fig. 5-8 shows the meaning of Rule #1 for an external cylinder (pin or
shaft) and an internal cylinder (hole). Note that a hard gage can be used to inspect this principle
or requirement.
Fig. 5-8 Rule #1.

7 GD&T Symbols / Meanings
Tolerance Geometric Charac- Symbol Applied To Datum Use L or Gages Used

Type teristics Feature Feature of Reference M Material
Surface Size Dim. Required Condition
Form Straightness ⎯ YES YES YES***
Flatness
YES NO
Circularity { NO NO NO
Cylindricity
Location Positional Tolerance ⁄{⁄ YES YES***
Concentricity {

{ NO YES YES
—— NO NO
Symmetry ———
——
Orientation Perpendicularity ⊥
Parallelism ⁄⁄ YES YES YES YES YES***
Angularity ∠
Profile Profile of a Surface ∩
YES NO YES* YES** NO
Profile of a Line ∩
Runout Circular Runout
YES YES YES NO NO
Total Runout
* Can be used to control form without a datum reference.
** Datum reference only.
*** – Yes if M is specified for the feature of size being controlled
– No if S or L are specified for the feature of size being controlled.
8 Material Conditions:
Features of size which includes datum features have size tolerances hence the size condition or
material (amount of metal) condition can vary from the maximum metal condition (MMC) to the
least metal condition (LMC). Consequently if the center planes or axes of a feature of size are
controlled by geometric tolerances a modifying symbol can be specified in the feature control
frame that applies the tolerance value at either the maximum or the least material condition. It
also can be specified for a datum that is a feature of size. If a symbol is not specified the tolerance
value applies regardless of material condition which is named regardless of feature size (RFS).
8.1 Maximum Material Condition (MMC):

This is the condition when the actual mating size or envelope size is at the maximum material
condition which is maximum size for an external feature such as a cylinder and the minimum
size for an internal feature such as a hole. The symbol is m. The tolerance value specified for the
feature being controlled in the FCF applies only if the actual mating envelope is the MMC size.
If the actual mating envelope deviates from MMC an additional tolerance is allowed. The added
tolerance is the difference between the actual mating envelope size and the MMC size hence
the largest actual mating envelope named virtual condition is equal to the MMC size plus the
tolerance specified in the FCF for an external feature and minus for an internal feature. The MMC
symbol is used to assure that parts will assemble and it allows the use of so called hard gages (go
gages) for quick inspections. An example of position with MMC is shown in Fig. 5-9. It should be
noted that actual local size has to meet the size tolerance however the actual local size does not
affect the geometric characteristic tolerance.

THIS ON THE DRAWING

A
Ø2.00+.01
Ø1.00+.01
Ø.005 M A
MEANS THIS
Ø TOLERANCE ZONE
ACTUAL LOCAL SIZE
Ø1.00 TO Ø1.01
DATUM AXIS A (AXIS OF

ACTUAL MATING ENVELOPE (AXIS ACTUAL MATING ENVELOPE)
PARALLEL TO DATUM AXIS A)
ACTUAL MATING
Ø TOLERANCE
ENVELOPE Ø FEATURE ZONE
BEING CONTROLLED
Ø1.01 .005
Ø1.00 .015
Fig. 5-9 Position control with MMC.
8.2 Least Material Condition (LMC):

This is the opposite of MMC consequently this is the condition when the actual minimum mating
size or envelope is at the minimum material condition which is minimum size for an external
feature such as a cylinder and the maximum size for an internal feature such as a hole. The
symbol is l. Additional tolerance is allowed if the actual minimum envelope deviates from LMC
and is the difference between the actual mating size and the LMC size hence the smallest actual
mating size is equal to the LMC size minus the tolerance specified in the FCF for an external
feature and plus for an internal feature. The LMC symbol is used to assure a minimum amount of
machining stock for features that are to be machined and for assuring a minimum amount of wall
thickness between external and internal features. Hard gages cannot be used for inspection. An
example of position with LMS is shown in Fig. 5-10. It should be noted that the actual local size
has to meet the size tolerance however the local size does not affect the geometric characteristic
tolerance.

THIS ON THE DRAWING

A
Ø2.00+.01
Ø1.00+.01
Ø.005 L A
MEANS THIS
Ø TOLERANCE ZONE
ACTUAL LOCAL SIZE
Ø1.00 TO Ø1.01

ACTUAL MINIMUM MATING ENVELOPE ACTUAL MATING ENVELOPE)
(AXIS PARALLEL TO DATUM AXIS A)
ACTUAL MINIMUM
Ø TOLERANCE
MATING ENVELOPE
ZONE
FEATURE BEING
CONTROLLED
Ø1.00 .005
Ø1.01 .015
Fig. 5-10 Position control with LHC.
8.3 Regardless Of Feature Size (RFS):

There is no symbol in the 1994 Y14.5 whereas it was s for the 1982 Y14.5. It is applicable if the
MMC or the LMC are not specified for individual features of size tolerances or for datum features
of size. The tolerance is limited to the specified value in the FCF and if applied to a datum feature
of size the actual axis or center plane have to be established regardless of the feature size. It
is always used for run out, concentricity, and symmetry controls as will be discussed in those
sections. It is also used when targets are specified to establish datum axes and center planes
because the targets have to contact the datum features to be useful. Also it is used to control wall
thickness variation between external and internal features. Hard gages are not applicable since
there is no additional or bonus tolerance as allowed for MMC and LMC. An example of position
with RFS is shown in Fig. 5-11.

THIS ON THE DRAWING

A
Ø2.00+.01
Ø1.00+.01
Ø.005 A
MEANS THIS
Ø TOLERANCE ZONE
ACTUAL LOCAL SIZE
Ø1.00 TO Ø1.01

ACTUAL MATING ENVELOPE (AXIS NOT ACTUAL MATING ENVELOPE)
PARALLEL TO DATUM AXIS A)
ACTUAL MINIMUM
Ø TOLERANCE
MATING ENVELOPE
ZONE
FEATURE BEING
CONTROLLED 5
Ø1.00 .005
Ø1.01 .005
Fig. 5-11 Position control with RFS.
9 Location Tolerances:
These include position, concentricity, and symmetry tolerances. Position is used to control
coaxiality of features, the center distance between features, and the location of features as a
group. Concentricity and symmetry are used to control the center distance of feature elements.
These three (3) tolerances are associated with datum’s because the obvious question is – located
from what?
9.1 Position Tolerance:

Positional tolerances are probably used more than any other geometric control. It is used to
locate features of size from datum planes such as a hole or keyway and used to locate features
coaxial to a datum axis. The tolerance defines a zone that the axis or center plane of a feature of
size may vary from. The concept is there is an exact or true position that the feature would be if
it was made perfect however since nothing is made perfect a tolerance zone allows deviation from
perfection. The exact location of a feature of size is defined by basic dimensions which is shown in
a box () and are established from datum planes or axes. Coaxial controls are typically a cylindri-

cal tolerance zone which has a diameter value and the true position is a datum axis. A positional
control is indicated by the position symbol (∅), a tolerance value (diameter symbol precedes the
tolerance value if desired), the applicable material condition modifier (m or l) if desired, and
the appropriate datum references placed in a feature control frame. When a material condition
modifier is specified a boundary named virtual condition is established. It is located at the true
position and it may not be violated by the surface or surfaces of the considered feature. Its size
is determined by adding or subtracting depending on whether the feature is an external or an
internal feature and whether the material condition specified is m or l. An example for controlling
the location of holes is shown in Fig. 5-12 and of a keyway in Fig. 5-13.
Fig. 5-12 Positional tolerancing of holes.
Fig. 5-13 Positional tolerance for keyway.

Notes:
1) Datum B is the feature of size (5.000+.005) hence the true position for the keyway is the midplane
of datum B.
2) No material condition modifier specified for either the keyway location tolerance .005 or the datum
B, hence the material condition is ‘regardless of feature size’ for both features.

9.2 Concentricity & Symmetry Tolerances:

These both control the median points of a feature of size: concentricity ( ) is applied to circular
features whereas symmetry ( ) is applied to non circular features. Both require that the median
points of the controlled feature, regardless of its size, to be within the tolerance zone (cylindrical
zone for concentricity and two parallel planes for symmetry). The tolerance zone is equally
disposed about the datum axis for concentricity and datum plane for symmetry. These controls
are not used very often because median points are difficult to establish due to irregularities of
form and the only reason to use these controls is for controlling the out of balance that can exist
if the mass center is not close to the axis of rotation or center plane. Examples of controlling
concentricity and symmetry are shown in Fig. 5-14 & 5-15 respectively.
Fig. 5-14 Concentricity tolerancing.

Fig. 5-15 Symmetry tolerancing.
10 Profile Tolerance:
Profile tolerances can control the location, orientation, and form of a feature that has no size (sur-
face). There are two (2) types – profile of a surface (∩) and profile of a line (∩). The exact or true
profile of a feature is established by basic dimensions of radii, angular dimensions, and coordinate
dimensions established from datums however a profile tolerance can be specified to an individual
surface without specifying a datum – see Fig. 16. The elements of a profile (outline of an object
in a given plane) are straight lines or arcs. The tolerance is a boundary of two (2) parallel planes
disposed (equally – see Fig. 17 or in one direction – see Fig. 16) and normal (perpendicular) along
the perfect or true profile within which the entire surface must lie. The profile can be controlled
between two (2) points – see Fig 16. Also if datum planes are established by targets – see Fig. 18
the tolerance zone is equally disposed about the datum planes whereas if the datum planes are
established by complete contact with the datum features the tolerance zone is unidirectional and
½ the tolerance value in the FCF – see Fig. 17 vs Fig. 18.

Fig. 5-16 Profile control – unidirectional and between points.

Fig. 5-17 Profile control – all around entire part without targets.
Notes:
1) All surfaces to be within .02±.01 tolerance zone of true or perfect profile.
2) Datum A B and C to be within .01 of datum planes A, B, and C.

Fig. 5-18 Profile control – all around entire part with targets.

11 Run Out Tolerances:
Run out tolerances control the relationship of a feature relative to a datum axis established from
one (1) diameter or two (2) diameters separated axially – see Fig. 5-19. The material condition
applied to the feature being controlled and the datum feature or features is always RFS because
360° rotation is required to conduct the inspection. If targets are not specified to establish the
datum axis the entire datum feature has to be contacted which may not be practical. There are
two (2) types of run out controls – circular ( ) and total ( ). Circular run out controls the
cumulative variation of circularity (roundness) and coaxiallity for features constructed around
a datum axis and circular elements of a surface constructed an angle not parallel to the datum
axis (control wobble). The tolerance is the full indicator movement (FIM) for each circular element
independently as the part is rotated 360°. For each measurement the dial indicator is removed
from the part after each 360° rotation and reset at a new location. Total run out controls the
entire surface simultaneously hence it controls cumulative variations in circularity, coaxiality,
straightness, taper, angularity, and profile of a surface. The dial indicator is not removed from
the part after each 360° rotation. If applied to surfaces that are at an angle to the datum axis it
controls variation in angularity (wobble) and flatness (concavity or convexity). See Fig. 5-19 for
circular run out and Fig. 5-20 for total run out.
Fig. 5-19 Circular runout with targets.

Fig. 5-20 total runout with targets.

5
12 Orientation Tolerances:
There are three (3) separate orientation tolerances however two (2) of the three are specific values
of the general tolerance named angularity. The two (2) specific tolerances are named perpendicu-
larity (90° to a datum) and parallelism (180° to a datum). These tolerances control the orientation
of features to a datum plane or axis. Angularity controls a surface (non feature of size), a center
plane or an axis of a feature of size to a specified angle and its symbol is ∠. Perpendicularity
symbol is ⊥ and parallelism symbol is ⁄⁄ and they do the same as angularity except the angles
are specific as previously stated. The tolerance zone may be either two (2) parallel planes at the
specified basic angle from a datum plane or axis within which the surface, center plane or axis
must lie or it may be a cylindrical zone within which the axis of the considered feature must lie.
Of course if angularity tolerance is specified for a feature of size the material condition modifiers
m or l may be specified. If neither m or l is specified then as always the regardless of feature size
(RFS) is applicable. See Fig’s 5-21 thru 5-23 for examples of ∠, ⊥, and ⁄⁄.

Fig. 5-21 Angularity of a feature of size axis at MMC.
Fig. 5-22 Perpendicularity of a feature of size axis at MMC with datum feature of size at MMC.

Fig. 5-23 Parallelism – surface.
13 Form Tolerances: 5
There are four (4) form tolerances : straightness, flatness, circularity, and cylindricity. They apply
to individual features therefore the tolerances are not related to datums. Straightness can be used
to control the straightness of median line of a feature of size hence material condition modifiers
can be applied. The other form tolerances control surfaces hence material condition modifiers are
not applicable.
13.1 Straightness:
There is one symbol (⎯) for straightness but there are two (2) kinds of controls that are very
different from each other. One control is for line elements of surfaces (FCF attached to the
surface) and the other is control of an axis or median plane of feature of sizes (FCF attached to
the size tolerance). The axis or median plane control relaxes the form control provided by Rule #1
because a perfect form boundary at MMC can be violated if the m symbol is specified. Fig. 5-24
illustrates control of line straightness and Fig’s 5-25 & 5-26 illustrate control of axis and median
plane straightness respectively. The surface straightness tolerance is only for line elements in the
view that the FCF is attached .

Fig. 5-24 Straightness of a surface.
Fig. 5-25 Straightness of an axis RFS.

Fig. 5-26 Straightness of an axis at MMC.
13.2 Flatness:
5
Flatness controls the distance between the high and low points of a surface. The tolerance zone
is the distance between two parallel planes that have no particular orientation. All elements of
the entire surface must lie between these two planes. See Fig. 5-27 for an illustration of flatness
control. The symbol is . Flatness is the same as straightness of a surface except straightness
controls line elements only in the view that the control is applied whereas flatness controls the
entire surface, i.e., all views.
13.3 Circularity (Roundness):

Circularity controls each circular element of a cylinder independent of each other. The circular
elements of the surface in a plane perpendicular to an axis must lie between two concentric
circles whose radii differ by the tolerance value in the FCF. The symbol is {. See Fig. 5-28 for an
illustration.
13.4 Cylindricity:
Cylindricity controls the entire surface of a cylinder. The tolerance zone is two (2) concentric
cylinders parallel to the axis of the actual mating envelope. The radii of the concentric cylinders
differ by the tolerance value specified in the FCF. It is a composite tolerance that controls circular-
ity, straightness, and taper. The symbol is ⁄{⁄. See Fig. 5-29 for an illustration.

Fig. 5-27 Straightness of an axis at MMC.
Fig. 5-28 Circularity.

Notes:
Each circular element in a plane perpendicular to an axis must be between two concentric circles
with radii that differ by .002. Also each element must be within the size limits.

Fig. 5-29 Cylindricity.

Notes:
Cylindrical surface has to lie between two concentric cylinders with radii that differ by .01. Also the
surface must be within the specified size tolerance.
5

-A-
A2 A3
2.00 C1
1.50
-B-
0.50
6.00 2.00
-C-
Center Line
P/L
A1
A. Top View Eject
B. End View
-C-
B1 B2 0.75
Eject
-A-
X X
P/L Core Slide
5.00 2.00
C. Side View
D. Isometric View
(All Target Areas on Same Side of P/L)
Fig. 5-30 Example of a preferred datum reference framework for a die cast part design (all datums on same
side of p/l).

P/L
-A-
A2 A3
2.00 C1
1.50
-B-
0.50
6.00 2.00
-C-
Center Line
A1
A. Top View B. End View
-C-
6.00 2.00
Eject
-A-
3.00
P/L Core Slide
X X
B1 B2
C. Side View 5
D. Isometric View
(Target Areas A and C on Opposite Side of P/L From Target B)
Fig. 5-31 Example datum reference framework for a die cast part design (datums across p/l). May require
additional qualification of some datums.

-A-
A2 A3 1.30
2.00
1.50
-B-
6.00 2.00
-C-
C1 Center Line
P/L
A1
A. Top View Eject
B. End View
-C-
6.00 2.00
Eject
-A-
1.70
P/L Core Slide
X X
B1 B2
C. Side View
D. Isometric View
(Datum A is on Opposite Side of P/L from Datum B)

(Datum C is located on P/L)
Fig. 5-32 Example datum reference framework for a die cast part design (datums across p/l and datum on
moving component). Will require qualification of all datums.

14 Conversion Charts
Coordinate dimensioning defines parts by their location on a three-dimensional grid, utilizing

the X-Y-Z coordinate system as in Fig. 5-2. Since the Coordinate Dimensioning System may not
consider part function when defining dimensions and tolerances, GD&T is a preferred method
of defining and dimensioning parts based on functional relationships to other parts and part
features. Sometimes it is necessary for dimensions and tolerances to be converted from one
system to the other. Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing is steadily replacing coordinate
dimensioning as more emphasis is placed on “designing for manufacturing” early in the product
design stage. This section will demonstrate how to convert between coordinate dimensioning and
geometric dimensioning.
14.1 Conversion of Position (Cylindrical) Tolerance Zones

to/from Coordinate Tolerance Zones
When converting total position (cylindrical) tolerance zones to total coordinate tolerance zones, a
general rule of thumb is that total coordinate zone is approximately 70% of total position toler-
ance zone. This is only useful for non-critical applications. For example, for a non-critical part to
be converted from position (cylindrical) tolerance zone to coordinate tolerance zone, the position
(cylindrical) tolerance is multiplied by 0.7 (70%). The total coordinate tolerance zone is then
divided by 2 to obtain the bilateral tolerance zone.
.007.007
TOTALTPotal
OSITIONAL TOLERANCE
P os itional ZONE
T olerance 5
DIAMETER
Zone (C)
D iameter (C )
.0 025
45°
.005 (B)
.0025
9 0° 45°
TTOTAL
otalCCoordinate BILATERAL
OORDINATE OR or B ilateral
. 0025 . 0025 TTOLERANCE
oleranceZONE
Zone
.0 05 (A)
Fig. 5-33 Conversion of positional (cylindrical) tolerance zones to/from coordinate tolerance zones.

Fig. 5-34 Conversions chart for converting between position tolerance and coordinate tolerance.

Total Coordinate Tolerance Zone =

[Total Position (Cylindrical) Tolerance Zone] X [0.7]
Example: Bilateral Tolerance Zone = [Total Coordinate Tolerance Zone] / 2
Sometimes parts require a more precise conversion. When a critical application is required,
the conversion factor is 0.70711. The position tolerance will be multiplied by 0.70711 (70.711%) to
obtain the total coordinate tolerance.
Total Coordinate Tol. Zone = [Total Position (Cylindrical) Tol. Zone] X [0.70711]
Bilateral Tolerance Zone = [Total Coordinate Tolerance Zone] / 2
For example, to convert 0.007 total position (cylindrical) tolerance to total coordinate tolerance:
Total Pos. Tol. Zone X Conversion Factor = Total Coordinate Tolerance Zone
0.007 Tol. X 0.70711 = 0.00495 ~ 0.005 Tot. Coordinate Tol.
Or
Total Coordinate Tol. Zone / 2 = Bilateral Tol. Zone 0.005 / 2 = 0.0025 Bilateral Tolerance
The following example demonstrates a simple conversion from total position tolerance zone to
total coordinate tolerance zone and bilateral tolerance zone. Figure 5-36 visually demonstrates 5
the conversion from position (cylindrical) tolerance zone to the coordinate tolerance zone.
When converting from total coordinate tolerance zone to total position (cylindrical) tolerance
zone, the total coordinate tolerance zone is multiplied by 1.4142. A bilateral tolerance zone is
multiplied by 2 then multiplied by 1.4142 to obtain the total position (cylindrical) tolerance zone.
For non-critical applications, it is acceptable to multiply the total coordinate tolerance zone by
1.4 to obtain the total position tolerance zone. A bilateral tolerance may be multiplied by 2 to obtain
the total coordinate tolerance zone, then multiplied by 1.4 to get the total position tolerance zone.
Total Position Tol. Zone =[Total Coordinate Tol. Zone] X [1.4142]
Total Position Tol. Zone = [Bilateral Tol. Zone] X [2] X [1.4142]
For example, to convert .005 total coordinate tolerance to total position (cylindrical) tolerance:
[Total Coordinate Tolerance Zone] X [Conversion Factor] = Total Position Tol. Zone
[0.005 Total Coordinate Tol. Zone] X [1.4142] = 0.007 Total Tol. Zone
Or
[Bilateral Tolerance Zone] X [2] X [Conversion Factor] = Total Position Tol. Zone
[0.0025 Bilateral Tol.] X [2] X [1.4142] = 0.007 Total Tol. Zone
Figure 5-33 visually demonstrates the conversion from coordinate tolerance zone to position
(cylindrical) tolerance zone.

14.2 Conversion of Position Tolerance Zone to/from Coordinate Tolerance Zone

Figure 5-34 is a chart for converting position tolerance zones to coordinate tolerance zones, and
for converting coordinate tolerance zones to position tolerance zones.
When looking at the conversion chart in Fig. 5-34, coordinate tolerance zones are listed across
the top of the grid and increasing from left to right, and on the right side of the grid increasing
from bottom to top. The position tolerances are listed on the left side of the grid and increase
from bottom to top. The position tolerances, however, follow the arced line across the grid. The
diameter of a position tolerance is given on the drawings, however, the diameter of a coordinate
tolerance is given by the length of the diagonal line. A diagonal line is drawn from the lower left
corner of the grid at a 45° angle to the upper right corner of the chart. The diameter is calculated
by using A 2 + B2 = C2. In figure 5-33, A is the total length of the horizontal line at the bottom
and connected to the circle, squared, plus B, the square of the vertical line at the left or right
edge and connected to the circle. Take the square root of the sum of the two sides will equal the
diameter C.
For example, suppose one wanted to convert a 0.010 diameter position tolerance to a coordinate
tolerance. While looking at the chart in Fig. 5-34, begin at the 0.01 position tolerance on the left
side of the chart. Follow the corresponding arced line until it crosses the diagonal line on the
chart. Where the arced line and the diagonal line intersect, follow the horizontal line across to
the right side of the chart. The number on the right side of the chart that corresponds with the
horizontal line will give the appropriate bilateral coordinate tolerance. In this example, the cor-
responding bilateral tolerance is ± 0.0035. To quickly verify this conversion, use the multipliers
identified in on page 5-31. Multiplying the coordinate tolerance by 0.7 will yield the total coordi-
nate tolerance. This number is then divided by 2 to obtain the bilateral coordinate tolerance.
Position Tolerance = 0.010

Total Coordinate tolerance = Position Tol. X Conversion Factor = [0.010] X [0.7] = 0.007
Bilateral Tolerance Zone = Total Coordinate Tolerance / 2 = [0.007] / [ 2] = ±0.0035
Bilateral Position Tol. = ± 0.0035

Total Position Tol = Bilateral Position Tol. X 2 = [0.0035] X [2] = 0.007
Position Tol. X Conv. Factor = [0.007] X [1.4] ~ 0.01
The number obtained from the conversion chart and the number obtained by using the multiplier
should be approximately the same.
Suppose it was desired to convert a coordinate tolerance such as 0.007 to a position tolerance.
In order to use the conversion chart in Fig. 5-34, the coordinate tolerance must be in bilateral
coordinates, so 0.007 is divided by 2. This yields a bilateral coordinate tolerance of ± 0.0035. Next,
the number .0035 is located on the left side of the conversion chart. Follow the corresponding
horizontal line across to the left until it intersects the diagonal line. At this intersection, follow
the intersecting arced line all the way across and to the left. The number corresponding to that
arced line on the left of the chart gives the associated position tolerance. If done correctly, the
position tolerance identified on the chart should be 0.010. This can be double-checked by using
the multipliers on page 5-31.
The number obtained from the conversion chart and the number obtained by using the multi-
plier should be approximately the same.
To convert between position tolerancing and coordinate tolerance, either the conversion table
identified in Fig. 5-34, or the multiplication factor identified on page 5-31 may be used.

Fig. 5-35 Conversions chart for converting between coordinate measurement and position measurement.
Fig. 5-36 Schematic of conversion of coordinate measurements to position location.
14.3 Conversion of Coordinate Measurements to

Position Location Measurements
In addition to sometimes having to convert between position tolerance zones and coordinate
tolerance zones, it is also necessary to convert coordinate measurements to position location
measurements. When converting from coordinate measurements to position measurements, the
chart identified in Fig. 5-35 is used.
For example, if it was necessary to convert the position measurement 0.0311 to coordinate
measurements the following steps need to be accomplished. First, locate the number 0.0311
on the chart in Fig. 5-35. Once the number is located, follow the vertical column down to the
X-axis of the chart. The number identified at the very bottom of the column is the X-coordinate
measurement. In this example, the X-coordinate is 0.011. Now, relocate the number 0.0311 on the
chart and follow the horizontal row to the right until it crosses the Y-axis. The number on the
very left end of that row is the Y-coordinate measurement. In this example, the Y-coordinate is
0.011. Since position measurements are three-dimensional, a Z-coordinate must also be identi-

fied. To fi nd the corresponding Z-coordinate measurement, a simple equation must be performed.

This equation is as follows:
Z = 2√ X2 + Y2
For this example, Z = 2 times the square root of X squared plus Y squared.
Z = 2√ (0.011)2 + (0.011)2
Z = 2√ (0.000121) + (0.000121)
Z = 2√ 0.000242
Z = 2√ 2(0.015556)
Z= 0.031112
The coordinate measurements that are associated with the 0.0311 position are
X = 0.011, Y = 0.011, and Z + 0.031112.

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NADCA Product Speciﬁcation Standards for Die Castings / 2006 5-1

3 Why should GD&T be used?

5-2 NADCA Product Speciﬁcation Standards for Die Castings / 2006

Fig. 5-1 “OLD” Drawing without GD&T.

Fig. 5-2 “NEW” Drawing with GD&T.

Questions asked in Fig. 5-1 answered:

NADCA Product Speciﬁcation Standards for Die Castings / 2006 5-3

4 Datum Reference Frame (DRF):

4.1 Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Features & Datums:

Fig. 5-3 Primary, secondary, tertiary features & datum planes.

5-4 NADCA Product Speciﬁcation Standards for Die Castings / 2006

4.2 Datum Feature vs Datum Plane:

Fig. 5-4 Datum feature vs. datum plane.

4.3 Datum Plane vs Datum Axis:

Fig. 5-5 Datum feature vs. datum axis.

NADCA Product Speciﬁcation Standards for Die Castings / 2006 5-5

4.4 Datum Target Sizes & Locations:

Component conﬁguration shown as phantom lines on seperate drawing

5 Feature Control Frame:

Fig. 5-7 Feature control frame.

5-6 NADCA Product Speciﬁcation Standards for Die Castings / 2006

6 Rule # 1 – Taylor Principle (Envelope Principle):

Fig. 5-8 Rule #1.

NADCA Product Speciﬁcation Standards for Die Castings / 2006 5-7

7 GD&T Symbols / Meanings

Tolerance Geometric Charac- Symbol Applied To Datum Use L or Gages Used

8.1 Maximum Material Condition (MMC):

5-8 NADCA Product Speciﬁcation Standards for Die Castings / 2006

THIS ON THE DRAWING

DATUM AXIS A (AXIS OF

Fig. 5-9 Position control with MMC.

8.2 Least Material Condition (LMC):

NADCA Product Speciﬁcation Standards for Die Castings / 2006 5-9

THIS ON THE DRAWING

DATUM AXIS A (AXIS OF

Fig. 5-10 Position control with LHC.

8.3 Regardless Of Feature Size (RFS):

5-10 NADCA Product Speciﬁcation Standards for Die Castings / 2006

THIS ON THE DRAWING

DATUM AXIS A (AXIS OF

Fig. 5-11 Position control with RFS.

9.1 Position Tolerance:

NADCA Product Speciﬁcation Standards for Die Castings / 2006 5-11

Fig. 5-12 Positional tolerancing of holes.

Fig. 5-13 Positional tolerance for keyway.

5-12 NADCA Product Speciﬁcation Standards for Die Castings / 2006

9.2 Concentricity & Symmetry Tolerances:

Fig. 5-14 Concentricity tolerancing.

NADCA Product Speciﬁcation Standards for Die Castings / 2006 5-13

Fig. 5-15 Symmetry tolerancing.

5-14 NADCA Product Speciﬁcation Standards for Die Castings / 2006

Fig. 5-16 Proﬁle control – unidirectional and between points.

NADCA Product Speciﬁcation Standards for Die Castings / 2006 5-15

2) Datum A B and C to be within .01 of datum planes A, B, and C.

5-16 NADCA Product Speciﬁcation Standards for Die Castings / 2006

NADCA Product Speciﬁcation Standards for Die Castings / 2006 5-17

11 Run Out Tolerances:

Fig. 5-19 Circular runout with targets.