GD&T-2009

• Key Points
• Flats and reversals are permitted on the surface of a radius.

• Flats and reversals are not permitted on the surface of a controlled radius.

• A diameter symbol may be used to denote a circular or cylindrical shape or to denote a cylindrical tolerance zone.

• A spherical diameter symbol may be used to denote a spherical-shaped dimension or to denote a spherical shaped
• tolerance zone.

• The square symbol is used to indicate that a dimension applies to both sides of a square shape.

• The counter-bore symbol indicates a flat-bottomed diameter.

• The spot-face symbol indicates the size of a flat area on a surface.

• The depth symbol indicates the depth of a counter-bore, spot-face, or hole.

• The countersink symbol indicates an angular lead in Of a hole.

• The number of places symbol indicates that a dimension or part geometry applies multiple places on a drawing.

• The "by" symbol indicates a relationship between coordinate dimensions.

• Where a "MAX" dimension is indicated, the opposite end of the specification is
usually zero.

• Where a "MIN" dimension is indicated, the opposite end of the specification is as large
as the dimension could be and still fit on the part.

• Where a reference dimension is indicated, the information is not to be used to

determine part acceptance.

• Where a dimension origin symbol is indicated on a dimension between two surfaces,

the measurements are to be taken from the origin plane and define a zone within which
the other surface must be located.

• A model coordinate system is a representation of a Cartesian coordinate system shown

on a CAD model or on an engineering drawing.
• Key Points
• Two surfaces or elements are opposed where any ray normal to and extending
from one of the surfaces or elements intersects the other surface or element.

• Two surfaces or elements are partially opposed where some rays normal to and
extending from one of the surfaces or elements intersects the other surface or
element.

• Two surfaces or elements are non-opposed where none of the rays normal to and
extending from one of the surfaces or elements intersects the other surface or
element.
• Key Points

• A size dimension is a dimension across two opposed parallel surfaces, line

elements, or points.

• An actual local size is the measured value of any individual distance at any cross
section of a feature of size.

• The MMC and LMC modifiers may only be used where a feature control frame is
applied to a feature of size.

• Rule #1 only applies to regular features of size.

• Certain geometric tolerances may only be applied to a feature of size.

• Certain geometric tolerances may only be applied to a feature.

• Key Points

• A feature is a physical portion of a part such as a surface or hole, or its

representation on drawings, models, or digital data files.

• A complex feature is a single surface of compound curvature or a collection of

other features that constrains up to six degrees of freedom.

• A feature of size is a general term that is used to refer to either a regular feature of
size or an irregular feature of size.

• A regular feature of size is one cylindrical or spherical surface, a circular element,

a set of two opposed parallel elements or opposed parallel surfaces, each of which
is associated with a size dimension.

• An irregular feature of size does not require opposed elements or surfaces, but it
must be able to establish an actual mating envelope and be associated with a
directly toleranced feature.
• An actual mating envelope is a similar perfect feature counterpart of smallest size that can be contracted
about an external feature of size or the largest size that can be expanded within an internal feature of size
so that it coincides with the surfaces at the highest points.

• There are two types of actual mating envelopes: related and unrelated.

• A feature of size may have several actual mating envelopes.

• Each geometric control with unique datum references can result in a different related actual mating envelope.

• Actual mating envelope is a variable value derived from the actual part.

• An actual mating envelope is always outside the material.

• It circumscribes or inscribes the applicable feature of size.

• An axis is a straight line about which a geometric object rotates or can be imagined to rotate.

• A center plane is the theoretical plane about which a geometric object is equally disposed.
• Maximum material condition (MMC) is the condition in which a feature of size contains that maximum amount
of material within the stated limits of size.

• Least material condition (LMC) is the condition in which a feature of size contains that least amount of material
within the stated limits of size.

• Regardless of feature size (RFS) indicates that a geometric tolerance applies at any increment of size of the actual
mating envelope of the feature of size within its size tolerance.

• A pattern is two or more features or features of size to which a locational geometric tolerance is applied and is
grouped by one of the following methods:
Fundamental dimensioning rules are a set of general rules that apply
to dimensioning and interpreting engineering drawings.
(a) Each dimension shall have a tolerance, except for those dimensions
specifically identified as reference, maximum, minimum, or stock
(commercial sizes). Tolerances may be applied directly to a dimension, or
indirectly through a general note, title block, or geometric tolerance.
(b) Dimensioning and tolerancing shall be complete so there is full definition
of each part feature. Values may be expressed on a drawing or in a CAD
product definition data set. Scaling or assumption of a distance is not
permitted.
(c) Each necessary dimension of an end product shall be shown. Use of
reference dimensions should be minimized.

(d) Dimensions shall be selected and arranged to define the function and
mating relationship of a part and shall not be subject to more than
one interpretation.

(e) The drawing should define a part without specifying manufacturing

methods. However, where manufacturing, processing, quality
assurance, or environmental information is essential to the definition
of engineering requirements, it shall be specified on the drawing or in
a document.
(f) Non-mandatory process dimensions shall be identified such as
“NONMANDATORY (MFG DATA)” or as reference information. (e.g.,
finish allowance, shrink allowance, etc.)

(g) Dimensions should be arranged for optimum readability.

Dimensions should be shown in true profile views and refer to
visible outlines.

(h) Wires, cables, sheets, rods, and other materials manufactured to

gage or code numbers shall be specified by linear dimensions
indicating the diameter or thickness. Gage or code numbers may
be shown in parentheses following the dimension.
(f) Non-mandatory process dimensions shall be
identified such as “NONMANDATORY (MFG
DATA)” or as reference information. (e.g., finish
(i) A 90° angle applies where center lines or lines depicting features are
shown at right angles and no angular dimension is specified on a 2D
orthographic drawing.

(j) A 90° basic angle applies where center lines of features in a pattern
or lines are shown at right angles on a 2D orthographic drawing, are
located and defined by basic dimensions, and no angular dimension
is specified.

(k) A zero basic dimension applies where axes, center planes, or

surfaces are shown coincident on a drawing, and geometric
tolerances establish the relationship among the features or features
of size.
(l) Unless otherwise specified, all dimensions and tolerances are applicable at 20°C (68°F).
Compensation may be made for measurements made at other temperatures.

(m) Unless otherwise specified, all tolerances apply in a free-state

condition, except for non-rigid parts defined with a restraint note.

(n) Unless otherwise specified, all tolerances apply for full length, width,
and depth of the feature or feature of size.

(o) Dimensions and tolerances only apply at the drawing level where
they are specified. A dimension specified on a detail drawing is not
required at the assembly level drawing.
(p) Unless otherwise specified, where a coordinate system is shown on a
drawing, it shall be right-handed. Each axis shall be labeled, and the
positive direction shall be shown.
Rule #1 - The form of an individual regular feature of size is controlled by its
limits of size.

The independency concept – size and form are independent; Rule #1 does
not apply

Rule #2 – RFS applies with respect to the individual tolerance, and RMB
applies, with respect to the individual datum feature reference, where no
modifying symbol is specified
GD&T concepts