○ Circularidad

Circularity / Roundness · Forma · 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.

Symbol finder

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Example in plan

0,02

How to interpret it

At the indicated cross section, the circular contour should not deviate more than 0.02 mm from a perfect circle. It does not require datum: it only evaluates the shape of that section.

What controls

Limits the radial variation of a circular cross-section from a perfect circle, evaluated in a plane perpendicular to the axis at a specific point — not along the whole part (that's what cylindricity is for). The tolerance zone is two concentric circles radially separated by the stated value; the real section must stay between them. It needs no datum: it's roundness of that section relative to itself, not to an external reference axis.

How to verify

The reference method is a roundness tester (a precision rotary table with a probe): the part turns on an extremely high-quality rotation axis and the probe records the true radial variation, independent of how the part is centered. With a CMM, a full circular section is taken and least-squares fitted (or minimum zone, per the cited standard) to compute the error. An indicator on a V-block turning the part by hand gives a quick shop approximation, but it mixes roundness with clamping eccentricity if not done carefully.

tolerance zone

Two concentric circles separated radially by the tolerance value; the real section must be between them.

Workshop guideline values

General
0.02–0.05 mm in general purpose turned or milled diameters.
Accuracy
0.005–0.015 mm on sliding fits or bearing seats.
High precision
0.001–0.003 mm in precision bearing races.

As a guideline: the value of the plane always rules.

Common mistakes when interpreting it

  • Confuse it with circular oscillation: circularity does NOT need datum and evaluates the section against itself; If you measure with the piece rotating on an axis other than the real one, you are measuring runout, not circularity.
  • Evaluate only two crossed diameters with a micrometer: this detects 2-lobe ovalization but not 3- or 5-lobe (polygonal) shapes, typical of 3-claw clamping.

How to get it in the workshop / if it comes out of tolerance

Different from ovalization by runout: circularity does not require datum. An oval foramen can fulfill position but lack circularity.

Before starting, check the TIR (total indicator reading) of the collet or chuck: clamping with eccentricity transfers ovality straight to the part. On the lathe, use constant surface speed (G96) on variable-diameter parts so you don't lose roundness when Ø changes. A faceted or chipped edge leaves polygons instead of a circle: change the insert before the finishing pass, not after a bad measurement.

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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