— Straightness
Straightness · 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
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Example in plan
How to interpret it
The indicated line, generatrix or edge must not deviate more than 0.05 mm from a perfect straight line. With datum A, the reading is made with respect to the reference system that defines that datum.
What controls
Limits the deviation of a real line (a generatrix, an edge or the axis of a cylinder) from a theoretically perfect straight line. The tolerance zone is the space between two parallel straight lines separated by the stated value, evaluated point by point along that line. It's a pure form tolerance: by default it requires no datum, and it controls only the specific line indicated on the drawing (an edge, a generatrix seen in profile), not necessarily the whole axis of the part — that's what axis straightness is for.
How to verify
Rest the part on two V-blocks (or on a granite plate if it's a flat edge) and sweep a dial indicator along the marked line, recording the maximum and minimum readings: the difference between them is the straightness deviation, not each reading on its own. An optical device (autocollimator) or a CMM with a linear sweep gives higher precision on long or demanding parts. Avoid measuring over an area with tool marks, burrs or stuck chips: it falsifies the reading.
tolerance zone
Two parallel lines separated by the tolerance value; the real line must be between the two.
Datums and notes
It can be applied without datum (shape only) or referenced to a datum for combined orientation.
Workshop guideline values
- General
- 0.1–0.3 mm on edges or generatrices of conventional machining parts.
- Accuracy
- 0.02–0.05 mm on ground guides or fitted parts.
- High precision
- 0.005–0.01 mm in calipers, rulers or precision grinding.
As a guideline: the value of the plane always rules.
Common mistakes when interpreting it
- Confuse it with axis straightness: without ⌀ in front of the value, it does NOT control the complete axis of a cylinder, only the specific line indicated in the drawing (an edge or generatrix).
- Apply it as if it were parallelism: without datum, straightness does not compare anything with respect to another face, it only evaluates the line against itself.
How to get it in the workshop / if it comes out of tolerance
Checks that an axis, generator or edge does not curve more than allowed. Lathe is usually applied to the axis of a shank; in milling cutter, with a long edge or linear guide.
If it comes out beyond straightness: lower the feed on the finishing pass (the axis "drags" at high feeds), support the part with a steady rest if it's long and slender to reduce deflection, and check tool wear: a chipped edge pushes the part instead of cutting it cleanly. After aggressive roughing passes, leave a light finishing pass (0.1-0.2 mm) that releases surface stress before measuring.
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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