⟂ Perpendicularidad
Perpendicularity · 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.
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Example in plan
How to interpret it
The axis or element indicated must be perpendicular to datum A within a cylindrical tolerance zone of 0.05 mm in diameter: its entire real surface must fit in that ideal cylinder oriented at 90° with respect to the datum.
What controls
Controls that a feature (face, axis or median plane) forms 90° to the reference datum. It's an orientation tolerance: it says nothing about the form of the feature itself (a face can be perfectly perpendicular on average and still not be flat, which is why it's wise to also state flatness if applicable). With ⌀ before the value, the tolerance zone is cylindrical around the theoretically perpendicular axis; without it, it's two parallel planes oriented at 90° to the datum.
How to verify
Rest the part on the datum (a table or plate representing it) and use a certified precision square with feeler gauges to measure the gap at the top of the face being checked. With an indicator, mount a calibrated perpendicular stand on the datum and sweep the face: the reading variation is the perpendicularity error. On a CMM the datum is built first (plane or axis) and the feature is evaluated against that reference system, not against the machine table.
tolerance zone
Cylindrical zone around the axis theoretically perpendicular to the datum (with ⌀); without ⌀, two parallel planes at 90°.
Datums and notes
Requires at least one primary datum (plane or axis).
Workshop guideline values
- General
- 0.05–0.15 mm on general machining square support faces.
- Accuracy
- 0.01–0.03 mm in tight guides or columns.
- High precision
- 0.005–0.01 mm in heads, spindles or pattern squares.
As a guideline: the value of the plane always rules.
Common mistakes when interpreting it
- Applying perpendicularity without first verifying the datum's own flatness: if the reference face isn't flat, any 90° measurement on it is unreliable.
- Confuse the value with an angular tolerance in degrees: it is always a linear distance (mm) that defines the width of the zone, not a tolerance in minutes of arc.
How to get it in the workshop / if it comes out of tolerance
Very common on support faces against a datum A. With ⌀ in front of the value, the tolerance zone is cylindrical around the theoretical perpendicular axis.
Before doubting the machine, clean and deburr the datum face: a burr or chip under the seat is enough to skew a measurable amount off 90°. Verify the real squareness of the head/table with a known reference, especially after a crash or spindle change. On the lathe, if you face the reference surface with a worn insert it can come out concave/convex: redo it with a fresh insert before the critical pass.
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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