⌒ One line profile
Profile of a line · Perfil · 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 profile of the indicated 2D line or contour must remain within a band of 0.1 mm around the theoretical geometry defined by basic dimensions, with respect to datum A.
What controls
Controls the form of a line (the contour seen in a specific cross-section) against the theoretical profile defined by basic dimensions or by the CAD model, without comparing the whole 3D surface (that's what profile of a surface is for). The tolerance zone is a band following the theoretical contour, of width equal to the stated value; it can be distributed symmetrically on both sides of the nominal profile or unequally (unequally disposed, with the ⊕/⊖ modifier) toward one side.
How to verify
A profile projector (optical comparator) overlays the magnified real silhouette on a template or reticle with the theoretical contour and its tolerance band. A 2D laser scanner or a CMM probing points along the section gives numerical results directly comparable with the CAD model. Always fix which specific section is being verified: line profile is only valid at that section — it doesn't guarantee the rest of the contour if the part's shape varies along its length.
tolerance zone
Strip of constant width around the theoretical contour of that section; It can be symmetrical or unequal (⊕/⊖).
Workshop guideline values
- General
- 0.1–0.3 mm in 2D contours of general machining.
- Accuracy
- 0.03–0.08 mm on cams or closely fitted functional profiles.
- High precision
- 0.01–0.03 mm on airfoils or precision cams.
As a guideline: the value of the plane always rules.
Common mistakes when interpreting it
- Check just a point or two of the contour and extrapolate the rest: line profile requires going through the entire section, since an irregular stepover can leave specific areas out even if the rest is fine.
- Do not check whether the tolerance is bilateral or unilateral (with ⊕/⊖): a profile displaced to only one side of the nominal may be misinterpreted as a failure if it is assumed by default that it is symmetrical.
How to get it in the workshop / if it comes out of tolerance
Appears on airfoils, cams, and 2D contours. It can be unilateral or bilateral depending on the value and modifiers.
If the contour comes out beyond profile, first check tool wear in curved zones (a ball mill loses effective diameter as its tip wears) and the CAM program's stepover: too open a stepover leaves facets that exceed the profile tolerance even if the CAM "says" it's fine. On thin profiles, vibration from tool overhang also shifts the real contour line.
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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