⏥ Planitud

Flatness · 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

167 símbolos
Filtros

Example in plan

0,08

How to interpret it

The entire indicated surface must be between two parallel planes separated by 0.08 mm, without requiring that it be oriented with respect to another face of the piece.

What controls

Limits the variation of a real surface between two theoretical parallel planes separated by the tolerance value: the whole surface must fit between both planes, regardless of its orientation to other faces of the part (that's why it carries no datum). Passing flatness doesn't guarantee the face is square or parallel to another — perpendicularity and parallelism control that separately.

How to verify

The simplest shop method is bluing (Prussian blue) on a granite plate: the high spots get marked and guide scraping or rework. With a dial indicator on a plate, sweep the whole surface in a grid and record the difference between the highest and lowest point (not the absolute reading at a single point). For fine tolerances, optical interferometry on optically flat plates is used, or a CMM with a dense point map least-squares fitted to the best plane.

tolerance zone

Two parallel planes separated by the tolerance value; the entire actual surface must fit between them.

Workshop guideline values

General
0.05–0.2 mm on conventionally machined support faces and flanges.
Accuracy
0.01–0.03 mm on sealing faces or closely fitted beds.
High precision
0.002–0.008 mm on check marbles or precision guides.

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

Common mistakes when interpreting it

  • Thinking that a flat surface is well oriented: flatness does not control the angle relative to other faces, only the shape itself — it can be perfectly flat and still be crooked.
  • Measuring only a couple of diagonals with an indicator instead of sweeping the whole surface: a localized high spot in a corner won't show up if you only measure through the center.

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

It does not need datum: it is tolerance in its pure form. Useful on mounting bases, flange faces and sealing surfaces. A concave/convex face may be within flatness but misoriented.

Suspect the clamping first: excessive tightening in a vise or magnetic chuck deforms the part, which "springs back" when released. Loosen the clamping to the minimum needed and rework with an unforced finishing pass. If the part is thin or still hot from roughing, let it cool before the final pass and before measuring: thermal warp disappears once stabilized. In milling, check the overlap between passes (stepover) so you don't leave a step between them.

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).

Related tools