◎ Concentricidad

Concentricity · Ubicación · 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

167 símbolos
Filtros

Example in plan

0,03|A|

How to interpret it

The center of each section of the controlled element must coincide with the axis of datum A within a zone of 0.03 mm. It is a very strict requirement on the median axis, not just the surface.

What controls

Requires the midpoint of every cross-section of the controlled feature (not the whole surface, but the centers of each cut) to coincide with the datum axis. It's among the most demanding and hardest-to-verify tolerances in the whole GD&T system, because it forces evaluating the center of infinite sections instead of the surface as a block.

How to verify

The classic method is an indicator on a V-block: turning the part and measuring at two diametrically opposed points in each section, the half-difference of those readings approximates that section's center. A CMM computes the real mean centers of multiple sections and compares them with the datum axis. In shop practice almost nobody measures concentricity literally: it's replaced by circular runout (faster and more repeatable) or by axis position with MMC, which is what ASME Y14.5-2018 has recommended since 1994.

tolerance zone

The center of each cross section must fall within a circle of that diameter around the datum axis.

Datums and notes

The datum must be an axis derived from a cylindrical element.

Workshop guideline values

General
0.05–0.15 mm in general machining step diameters.
Accuracy
0.02–0.05 mm on shafts with various fitted diameters.
High precision
0.005–0.01 mm on precision rotors or shafts.

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

Common mistakes when interpreting it

  • Literally measure it with a point-to-point comparator in serial production: in practice almost no one measures it this way because of how slow it is; It is replaced by circular runout, much faster and repeatable.
  • Confuse it with coaxiality: concentricity compares centers of loose sections, not the complete axis — they are conceptually different although they share a symbol.

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

In ASME Y14.5-2018 it is not recommended against position with diameter. It continues to appear in old plans; In the workshop it is usually measured as runout or axis position.

If it fails, it's almost always a setup change between operations: the part was flipped or re-chucked between the first and second face. Machine both diameters in the same setup if the design allows, or check the chuck/collet TIR before turning the second reference.

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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