⌖ 0 Zero geometric tolerance in MMC
Zero geometric tolerance at MMC · Ubicación · 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
With zero geometric tolerance at MMC, the feature must be exactly at its theoretical position when at maximum material condition; any size deviation toward less material releases geometric tolerance bonus.
What controls
At the feature's maximum material condition (MMC), the allowed geometric deviation is exactly zero: the feature must be perfectly at the theoretical position when at its most unfavorable size limit. The available geometric tolerance only appears (grows) as the feature's real size moves away from MMC toward LMC — hence the "0" next to the symbol in the frame, instead of a fixed value.
How to verify
Verified like a normal position with Ⓜ, but computing the virtual condition with the geometric tolerance value at zero: the virtual condition matches exactly the feature's MMC size. A functional gauge made to that exact MMC size (with no extra clearance) is the most direct production verification method; with a CMM, the real available bonus is computed as the difference between the measured real size and MMC, and that bonus must cover the whole position deviation found.
tolerance zone
In MMC the zone is a point (zero tolerance); it grows to a full circle as the size moves away towards LMC.
Workshop guideline values
- General
- The value in the frame is always 0; With typical H9 diameter tolerance, the actual bonus available is around 0.04–0.06 mm.
- Accuracy
- With H7 tolerance on the element, the available bonus is usually 0.01–0.025 mm.
- High precision
- With precision settings (H6 or tighter), the available bonus can go down to 0.01 mm — with almost no real margin.
As a guideline: the value of the plane always rules.
Common mistakes when interpreting it
- Reading the frame's "0" as if no geometric tolerance were allowed at all: there actually is one, but it grows with the feature's real size instead of being fixed — the "0" is only the value AT MMC condition.
- Making the feature aiming at the exact nominal of its size dimension: it's better to deliberately shift it toward the side that generates bonus (hole slightly bigger, shaft slightly thinner) within its tolerance, to gain position margin.
How to get it in the workshop / if it comes out of tolerance
Strict functional design: in the worst material the hole/axis must be perfectly in position. Very used with Ⓜ.
Since it demands perfect position at MMC, you have no bonus margin if the hole comes out right at its minimum size: machine it slightly toward the side that favors you within its size tolerance (bigger for a hole, smaller for a shaft) to gain position bonus in a controlled way, instead of aiming at the exact nominal. If failures repeat, check the spot drill and the drill before the program: here there's no size margin to forgive a bad start.
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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