∥ Paralelismo

Parallelism · Orientación · 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
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Example in plan

0,04|A|

How to interpret it

The controlled face or element must be kept parallel to the datum A: the variation allowed between the actual surface and a plane parallel to the datum is a maximum of 0.04 mm.

What controls

Controls that a feature (face, axis or median plane) stays parallel to the datum, with no theoretical angle other than 0°. The tolerance zone is two planes (or a cylinder, if it carries ⌀) parallel to the datum, separated by the stated value. As with perpendicularity, it doesn't control the feature's own form: a face can be parallel on average to its datum and still not be flat.

How to verify

Rest the part on the datum (a plate or table representing it) and sweep an indicator across the whole surface to be controlled: the difference between the maximum and minimum readings is the parallelism error. Clamp the part without forcing it against the datum — excessive clamping falsifies the measurement. On a CMM the datum is built as the reference feature and the toleranced feature's parallelism is evaluated against that plane or axis, not against the machine's coordinate system.

tolerance zone

Two planes (or a cylinder, with ⌀) parallel to the datum, separated by the tolerance value.

Datums and notes

The datum defines the reference plane or axis.

Workshop guideline values

General
0.05–0.15 mm on opposite faces of general machining.
Accuracy
0.01–0.03 mm on parallel guides or fitted parts.
High precision
0.005–0.01 mm in columns, marbles or precision parts.

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

Common mistakes when interpreting it

  • Confuse it with flatness: parallelism compares the face against an external datum, not against itself; A piece can be parallel on average and still not be flat.
  • Measure by resting the piece on the face itself to be controlled instead of on the datum: the datum must be set as a physical reference before sweeping the opposite face.

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

It appears on opposite faces of a flange, parallel guides or two axes that must remain parallel with respect to a base A.

The typical cause is the same clamping deformation as in flatness: loosen the clamping, use calibrated shims or parallels under the part and avoid seating on chips. If the two faces are machined in different setups, the error accumulates from the reference change: whenever you can, machine both faces in the same setup or flip onto an already verified datum.

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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