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Circular runout · Oscilación · ISO 1101 + ASME Y14.5
Search any geometric tolerance symbol by name, category or drawing example.
It covers form, orientation, location, runout and profile tolerances; datums and basic dimensions; MMC/LMC modifiers, projected zone, free state; dimensional indicators; roughness; welding; ISO 10135 casting; heat treatments; and inspection and testing (100%, sampling, FAI, NDT). Each entry explains what it controls, how to read it on the shop floor and how to verify it.
Reference guidance based on ISO 1101 and ASME Y14.5. For critical parts, always check the standard and the general note quoted on the customer's drawing.
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Example in plan
How to interpret it
When rotating the part about datum A, the radial variation in the measured section must not exceed 0.03 mm in one complete revolution. Mixes eccentricity, ovalization and misalignment in a single reading.
What controls
Controls, in a specific cross-section, the total variation (combining form and position) of a circular feature or a face when rotated 360° about the datum axis. Unlike roundness (which requires no datum), circular runout does depend on the clamping about the reference axis: eccentricity, ovality and misalignment blend into a single reading, without distinguishing which of the three causes the error.
How to verify
Mount the part between centers (or in a mandrel/chuck faithfully representing the datum) and place a fixed indicator, perpendicular to the surface, at the section to be controlled. Turn the part one full revolution: the difference between the maximum and minimum recorded readings is that section's circular runout. Repeat at several sections if the drawing requires it — each section is evaluated independently, not cumulatively.
tolerance zone
In each section, the dial reading during one complete revolution cannot exceed the indicated value.
Datums and notes
Requiere datum de eje (normalmente A).
Workshop guideline values
- General
- 0.03–0.08 mm on support surfaces or general machining flanks.
- Accuracy
- 0.01–0.03 mm on bearing seats or closely fitted shafts.
- High precision
- 0.003–0.008 mm on precision shafts or dynamic sealing surfaces.
As a guideline: the value of the plane always rules.
Common mistakes when interpreting it
- Attributing a high runout to machining error without first checking the TIR of the clamping: in most cases the problem is the eccentricity of the plate, collet or mandrel, not the part.
- Measure with the part mounted differently than how the datum is defined in the drawing: the runout depends directly on how the part is held during the measurement, not only on its geometry.
How to get it in the workshop / if it comes out of tolerance
Faster to measure than total runout: a single measurement plane per pass. Typical on gear flanks and cylindrical bearing surfaces.
Runout almost always betrays a clamping problem, not the part itself: check the chuck/collet/mandrel TIR before starting and mark the angular position if you'll dismount and remount the part between operations. If runout grows with rotation speed, suspect imbalance (off-center part or worn chuck), not machining error.
Related symbols
What is GD&T and what is it for in the workshop?
GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing), o tolerancias geométricas según ISO 1101, define cómo deben controlarse forma, orientación, ubicación y oscilación de features respecto a datums. Complementa las tolerancias dimensionales lineales y angulares: una pieza puede cumplir H7 y aun así fallar posición o perpendicularidad. En planos europeos suele citarse ISO 1101; en EE. UU., ASME Y14.5 comparte símbolos pero con matices en modificadores y reglas por defecto.
Main Categories of GD&T Symbols
Forma (⏥, ⌭, ⌒, ○)
Straightness, flatness, roundness and cylindricity control the feature's intrinsic geometry without reference to another element. They are the basis before demanding orientation or position relative to datums.
Orientation (⟂, ∥, ∠)
Perpendicularity, parallelism and angularity limit the tilt relative to a datum. Very common in assemblies with seating faces and fixing holes.
Location (⌖, ⊕, ⌯)
Position, concentricity and symmetry locate the feature in space relative to the datum system. Position with MMC and tolerance bonus is key in assemblies with pins and threads.
Oscillation and profile (↗, ⌰, ⌓)
Circular and total runout, plus line or surface profile tolerances. Runout is measured with the part between centers; 3D profile usually requires a CMM or scanning depending on complexity.
Datums y modificadores (A, Ⓜ, Ⓟ)
Datums build the reference system; the MMC, LMC or projected-zone modifiers change how conformity and tolerance bonus are computed in production and inspection.
Surface, welding and inspection
Roughness, ISO 2553 welding symbols, casting indications and NDT annotations complete the drawing's language. Each sheet states shop criteria and usual verification methods.
Frequently asked questions about GD&T
What is the difference between size tolerance and geometric tolerance?
Size tolerance (H7, ±0.1) limits the size of the feature. Geometric tolerance (⌖, ⟂, ⏥…) controls form, orientation, location or runout relative to datums. The two coexist: a hole can be within size and still fail position.
What is the tolerance bonus with MMC?
With Ⓜ in position, if a hole is larger than its MMC (minimum material), you gain extra geometric tolerance. On an axis, if it is thinner than its MMC, too. It is key for functional gauges and assembly.
Are ISO 1101 and ASME Y14.5 the same?
They share most of the base symbols, but differ in modifiers, default rules and some practices (concentricity/symmetry, all over, simultaneous requirement). Always look at the standard cited on the plan.
Do I need CMM to inspect GD&T?
It depends on the symbol: runout and some shapes are measured with comparator and centers; 3D position and profile usually require CMM or coordinate system. The tab for each symbol indicates common methods.
What is a datum and why does the A-B-C order matter?
A datum is a physical reference on the drawing (face, axis, centre) from which the tolerance is measured. The A-B-C order defines how the coordinate system is built: first the base is fixed, then the direction and finally the lateral position. Changing the order changes the interpretation.
What does the circle with M, L or P next to the tolerance mean?
They are tolerance-zone modifiers: MMC (Ⓜ) allows bonus tolerance, LMC (Ⓛ) is used for least-material conditions on the feature, and the projected tolerance zone (Ⓟ) extends the control in depth (typical for threads or dowel pins).
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