Basic

Geometric Dimensioning
and Tolerancing

Expressing the
Functional Requirements
of Part and Assemblies

Eric Carabalona

Guide Rev. C
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Preface Page 1
ASME Y14.5-2009
References
______________ Introduction

“Since many major industries are becoming more global, resulting in the
decentralization of design and manufacturing, it is even more important that the design
more precisely state the functional requirements. To accomplish this, it is becoming
increasingly important that the use of geometric and dimensioning (GD&T) replace the
former limit dimensioning for form, orientation, location, and profile of part features.”
Extract from ASME Y14.5-2009 / Forewords page vi

This booklet is intended to be a reference guide within our company, to promote a

common understanding of the Basics of “Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing”
(GD&T) and to encourage its utilisation.

It is primarily aimed at Design Engineers, and as such it contains a section on

methodology / best practices to maximise the benefits of GD&T by integrating it to the
design from the early concepts. *

It is assumed that the reader is already familiar with technical drawings in general.

Compared with the traditional “limit dimensioning” GD&T is a set of tools that enhance
the design engineer ability to express the functional requirements of a part or
assembly.

Within an Engineering Department, a lot of us would have had some kind of training on
GD&T . From my experience, these trainings are mainly focused on “how to read and
interpret” the different geometrical symbols and modifiers**.

This teaching is suitable for most of the technical professions that need to properly read
a drawing. However, for the design engineer, it is only half of the story. In addition of
being able to “decode” GD&T, he also have the responsibility of “encoding” it on his
drawings in the most efficient ways.

This guide is largely based on ASME Y14.5-2009 and it includes numerous referencing to
this standard allowing the reader to refine his understanding of a topic whenever he
feels it necessary.

Guide Rev. C *: Best practices for Design Engineering are mainly covered by “Reference Frame” and “Methodology” folders.
**: Example of a modifiers: È For “Maximum Material Condition”. See Folder “Modifiers”.
Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Preface Page 2
ASME Y14.5-2009
References
______________ Guide structure
Index Session

ASME References Additional comments

Guide Rev. C

Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Dimensions Page 3
ASME Y14.5-2009

Dimensions
References
______________

Section covers
In this section, we will not review the basic principles of dimensioning, but only few
areas that may be worth considering when completing a drawing.*

- Envelop Requirement.
- Dimension Origin Symbol.
- Dimensioning on Section.
- Diameters and CMM measurements.

Guide Rev. C *: For more extensive information on traditional dimensioning, see ASME Y14.5-2009 / Section 2 – General
Tolerancing and Related Principles. (Pages 24 to 37).
Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Dimensions Page 4
ASME Y14.5-2009
References
______________
Envelop Requirement.
Definition: Page 4
Text: P. 28, Consider the following dimension:
Ex: P. 28. Fig 2-6
A Size Ø12 with a tolerance of ±0.2 is
requested.
(Note that we did not add a form tolerance,
such as Cylindricity).

When checking a part we have the following results:

Required diameter is within tolerance However, the whole form of the
on cross sections all along the feature. feature fits within a cylinder Ø12.61

Is the part correct to drawing? Or shall we reject it?

As we follow ASME Y14.5 the answer is that we should reject the part :
In consideration of “fits between mating parts” ASME Y14.5-2009 states that a
dimension must not extend beyond its Envelop at Maximum Material Condition
(MMC*). (Exceptions are stocks, such as bars, sheets, etc...). Note that if we apply GD&T
according to Iso standard, then the answer is that the part is correct, as for this Standard,
the “Size Deviation” is independent to the “Form Deviation”.**
Therefore it is very important to clearly state on drawing:
“DIMENSIONING AS PER ASME Y14.5-2009”
Envelop requirement: Same applied to a hole:

For the shaft, it means :

- MMC is biggest diameter with
no “form deviation”.
The shaft must fit within a
cylinder of Ø 12.2 mm.
- The actual size shall also not
fall beyond the other limit of
size for any cross section. MMC is now the smallest diameter.
MMC MMC

Text: P. 28
(§2.7.3 Perfect
Independency Symbol :
Form at MMC
Not Required)
If needed to have the “Size
Deviation” independent of
the “Form Deviation”, use
the “Independency
Symbol :

Guide Rev. C *: For “Maximum Material Condition” see session “Modifiers”.

** ISO allows for the same interpretation as ASME by adding a symbol for “Envelop” at the end of the dimension
in the same way as ASME allow for adding for “Independency” as shown above.
Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Dimensions Page 5
ASME Y14.5-2009
References
______________
Dimension Origin Symbol.

Text: Page 27 Symbol:

Ex: P. 27.

Usage: When it is necessary to indicate the origin of the dimension.

This on the drawing:

Tolerance Zone
Means this:

Indicated Origin Plane

Not this:

Dimension taken from longer surface

Not in ASME Other usage: Indicating specific points where the dimension needs to be
measured from. (Useful to check drafted parts):

Dimension Origins.
Basic Dimension*.

If necessary, clearly reference the

“Dimension Origin” from another feature
by the mean of a “Basic Dimension”*.

Guide Rev. C *: For “Basic Dimension” see page 17.

Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Dimensions Page 6
ASME Y14.5-2009
References
______________
Dimensioning on Sections.
Not in ASME

This is not mentioned in ASME Y14.5-2009, but nevertheless used and

understood in the following way within many companies.

When a feature is fully shown in a section, and provided that the position of
the section is clearly defined, then a dimension attached to this feature applies
only in the section, and not on the whole envelop of the feature.

Applies only to the section at 5mm

Applies to the whole length / from the perpendicular feature
envelop of the cylinder hole

Applies on the whole envelop

of the cylinder hole.
But: It is equivalent to:

Guide Rev. C

Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Dimensions Page 7
ASME Y14.5-2009
References
______________
Diameters and CMM.
Note that CMM have 3 different set ups for measuring diameters:

LSQ (Least Square) = Average Diameter.

MIE (Maximum Inscribed Element) = Largest diameter that will fit within 3 extreme
internal points.
MCE (Minimum Circumscribed Element) = Largest diameter that will fit over 3 extreme
external points.

These can be applied as diameter check (in a 2D plan) or as Cylinder check .

Each set up generates:

- Different Diameter Size.
- Different Center Position.

LSQ MIE MCE

Desired set up:

- All fitting shafts should be measured as MCE.
- All fitting holes should be measured as MIE.

The result is then representing the “mating” ability of the feature, with its diameter size
and center position.
However, the results does not account for the shape of the feature itself. So for parts that
may deform significantly from their nominal (i.e. Plastic Injection parts) you may want to
add a circularity or cylindricity requirement*.
Recommendations for design engineer:

It is good practice to always check with your CMM department that you both have a
common understanding of the different requirements.
Especially check that the diameters are controlled with the relevant set-up.

To dissipate any doubts, you could add the following note on drawings:
IF CMM USED:
ALL SHAFT DIAMETERS TO BE MEASURED AT MINIMUM CIRCUMSCRIBED ELEMENT (MCE).
ALL HOLE DIAMETER S TO BE MEASURED AT MAXIMUM INSCRIBED ELEMENT (MIE).

Guide Rev. C *: For “Circularity and Cylindricity “ requirements see page 12.

Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Geometric Symbols. Page 9
ASME Y14.5-2009
References
______________

Geometric Symbols.

Section covers
- Overview of Symbols for the different Geometric Tolerance Types.
- Understanding of their usage through simple examples.
- Usefulness of Geometric Tolerance Types through Color Coding:

Green: Very Useful

Orange: Much less used.

Guide Rev. C

Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Geometric Symbols. Page 10
ASME Y14.5-2009
References Limits of traditional dimensioning
______________
Consider the following part to be made:
a cylinder with a hole in its center.
A simple drawing to express our requirement
can be:

The part are made to drawing, and inspection shows that all
dimensions are within tolerance…
…But looking closely we
found that the 2 cylinders
are very slightly
misaligned…

Is the part correct? Shall we reject it?

What about if the 2 cylinders are

misaligned by 1mm?

“Is the part correct?” depends on its function. Is it a spacer? Is it

a Bronze Bearing?

“Shall we reject it?” we could reject it for production if we found

that the defect jeopardises function , but not to supplier as part
answers all requirements expressed on drawing.
Guide Rev. C

Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Geometric Symbols. Page 11
ASME Y14.5-2009
References Expressing Geometrical Tolerances
______________
After some analysis of the part function, we found that the
Internal Cylinder can be “misaligned” with the external
cylinder by a distance of 0.025 maximum.

Ø Internal cylinder is the Feature to be controlled

Ø External cylinder is “Reference Feature”
How can we specify this new requirement on the drawing?
GD&T provides a set of tools that allow us to express this requirement. In
this instance 2 different tools could apply: ⌾ Concentricity and ⌖ Position.

Expressing a geometrical tolerance on a drawing is done through a

Feature Control Frame. Geometric Characteristic Symbol
Indicates the Feature to be controlled.__ Tolerance Zone Datum Features

Ø 0.05 A
Pointing directly to a Surface or Line without passing through a dimension :
=> Feature to be controlled is the Surface or Line itself.
Passing through a dimension, or “pointing arrow” aligned with a dimension:
=> Feature to be controlled is the Center of the dimension (center line/axis
or center surface/plane).

Applied to our example:

Indicator going through dimension.
Geometric Characteristic Symbol
Feature to be controlled. Tolerance

Ø 0.05 A

Datum Feature_

Deciphering:
The Center-Line of the Cylindrical Feature Ø6 must be concentric within a
cylindrical tolerance of Ø0.05, to the Datum |A| which is identified as being
the Datum Axis of Feature Ø14.
Note that Deciphering (reading)is left to right!
Guide Rev. C

Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Geometric Symbols. Page 12
ASME Y14.5-2009
References
______________

Guide Rev. C

Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Geometric Symbols. Page 13
ASME Y14.5-2009
References
______________

Guide Rev. C

Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Geometric Symbols. Page 14
ASME Y14.5-2009
References
______________

Guide Rev. C

Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Datums. Page 15
ASME Y14.5-2009
References

Datums.
______________

Section covers

- Understanding of what is a Datum.

- Understanding of Datum Symbology.

Section does not Cover:

The “usage” of Datum is covered by the next section: “Datum
Reference Frames”

Guide Rev. C

Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Datums. Page 16
ASME Y14.5-2009
References A theoretical exact Point, Axis, Line, Plane or combination that
______________
Datum :
is derived from a theoretical exact Feature.
Definition: Page 3
Text: P. 38; 57 Datum Feature: An actual feature of a part that is identified with either a
Ex: P. 39. “Datum Feature Symbol”, or a “Datum Target Symbol”*.

Datum Feature Symbol: Datum feature Symbol triangle

may be filled or not filled.

Not in ASME Usage ** : Use Filled Triangle on the feature where the datum
is clearly defined by its “generating” feature.

Use Not-Filled Triangle in all the other views when

datum is repeated for reference.

Example: Lower surface

is the generating
Triangles filled feature for
Datum |A|
Cylinder Ø6
is generating
feature for
Datum |B|
Cylinder Ø6
is the generating
feature for
Triangles not filled Datum |C|

Datum |B| and |C| not

positioned on their
“generating” features, but
shown in other view for
reference.

Text: Page 38 Possible Datum representation on views:

Ex: P. 39;40.
If datum symbol is aligned with dimension,
it means:
Datum feature |D|
is the top surface Datum feature |E|
is the Center Line

Taken between both sides of

the dimension, on a length
equal to its smaller side.

Guide Rev. C *: For “Datum Target Symbol” see page 13.

**: ASME uses filled and not-filled triangles indifferently.
Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Datums. Page 17
ASME Y14.5-2009
References Basic Dimension: Basic Dimensions are theoretically exact dimensions.
______________
They are often referred as “box dimensions”
Text: Page 24
Ex: P. 41.
Symbol:

Geometric Characteristic Symbol

Text: Page 45 Feature Control Frame:
Ex: P. 45.
Tolerance
Symbol:

Feature Control Frame with Individual Datum Feature Reference:

Using single Datum on drawing:
Symbol:
Using Datum or Direct Indication*
Datum Feature Reference Letter

Feature Control Frame with Datum Feature Reference System:

Symbol:
Primary Datum Tertiary Datum
Secondary Datum

Text: Page 58 Hierarchy: VERSUS

(§4.10 Specifying
datum features
in an order of
precedence).

Means: Means:

X1 ≠ X2
Y1 ≠ Y2

Guide Rev. C *: “Direct Indication” is not recognised by ASME Y14.5, but accepted by ISO.

Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Datums. Page 18
ASME Y14.5-2009
References
______________ Axis as a Datum:
Text: Page 38
Ex: P. 40.

But

Never define a Datum Possible provided that |A| is clearly

Feature on an axis.* defined in another view.**

Correct*** Incorrect***
Possible Axis Datum representation on views:

Text: Page 67 Common Axis: Very useful !

Ex: P.68,182,183
Examples:

Guide Rev. C *: It is not clear which Feature is the datum. Biggest or smallest diameter?
**: See “Datum Feature Symbol Usage” page 16.
Eric Carabalona ***: Datum Feature Symbol needs to be aligned with Dimension of a Feature to indicate its center (see page 16).
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Datums. Page 19
ASME Y14.5-2009
References
______________
Datum Target:

Definition: Page 83
Datum Features such as surfaces may vary significantly from their Ideal / Cad Nominal forms. To
Text: P. 38,41,83, insure repeatability , and consistency between measurements made by different sites, it can be
84,85 necessary to indicate precisely some specific points/areas where the Datum is to be taken from*.
Ex: P. 40,41,85 to
90. A Datum Target can be a Point, a Line or an Area.

Symbol: Letter
identifying the If target is area: Size of Area
associated Datum.

Arrow Target Number**

indicating the
specific target

Text: P. 85 Datum Target Point:

Ex: P. 40,86
Symbol: Indicated as a Cross
This on the drawing. Means
Contact Points at Basic Locations

Physical Datum
Feature Simulator

Always precise the exact position of

Datum Targets in relation to the other
Datums.

Text: P. 85 Datum Target Area:

Ex: P. 40,86
Examples:

Guide Rev. C *:Datum Targets are very useful. They can represent the position of mechanical gauges,. When CMM is used, they can
“call” for cylindrical probes (Datum Target Lines) or spherical ones (Datum Target Points).
Eric Carabalona **: Target Numbers are assigned sequentially, starting with “1” for each Datum.
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Datums. Page 20
ASME Y14.5-2009
References
______________
Datum Target Line:
Text: P. 85
Ex: P. 40,86 Symbol: Indicated as a line

This on the drawing. Means

Contact Pins

Contact Points

Contact Line

Text: Page 87 Datum Features on different planes: Very useful !

(§ 4.24.9. Stepped Method:
Surfaces)
Ex: P.85
1) Relate different
steps by
Basics Dimension

2) Clearly state
which side is the
Datum

Guide Rev. C

Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Datum Reference Frames Page 21
ASME Y14.5-2009

Datum Reference
References
______________

Frames

“When applying GD&T the first consideration is to establish a datum reference

frame based on the function of the part in the assembly with its mating parts...”*

Section covers

-Degrees of Freedom and Locating Features.

- Understanding Datum Reference Frame.
- Relationship between Datum Reference Frame and part / assembly
functions.
- Selecting relevant Datum Features to define Datum Reference
Frames.

Guide Rev. C *: Extract from ASME Y14.5-2009 / Forewords page vi

Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Datum Reference Frames Page 22
ASME Y14.5-2009
References
______________
Degrees of Freedom:
Definition: Page 48
Text: P. 48 Taken in isolation, each part has 6 Degrees of Freedom:
Ex: P. 49
- 3 translations: X , Y , Z.
- 3 rotations: u , v , w.

They are often represented by a “Trihedron” with orthogonal vectors

Most of the time, a mechanical function between 2 parts, or assemblies, is done through
constraining some, or all, of these Degrees of Freedom.

In Relation to the Fix Leave,

the Movable Leave:
-Can rotate in w
- Is constrained on all other
Degrees of Freedom.

The geometrical shapes of the part that control its Degrees of Freedom can be referred as
the “Locating Features” of the part.

Each part, or assembly, can be in relation with more than 1 other part. In which case the “6
Degrees of Freedom” rule may be applied for each of these relationships.

The movable leave is involved with

2 different sets of Degrees of
Freedom:
1) Same as example above.
2) In relation to the Slider with:
- Translation along Y1.
- Constrained on all other
Degrees of Freedom.

= 2 different sets of “Locating Features”.

To optimise the dimensioning control of a part or assembly, tolerance stack-ups have to

follow the “shortest route”, meaning the least number of dimensions per part.
As parts relate to each other through their Locating Features, the “shortest route” often
consist of using these Features as the starting points for dimensioning the parts.*

Guide Rev. C *: Similarly, “FORD Pocket Guide for GD&T” states:

“The purpose of an engineering drawing is to clearly convey the product design intent of function.”...”GD&T is an
Engineering Product Definition Standard which describes the geometric features of a product and their operational
Eric Carabalona relationships (expressed as tolerances) to each other and their functional interfaces with mating parts, assemblies, etc. “
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Datum Reference Frames Page 23
ASME Y14.5-2009
References
______________
Datum Reference Frame:
Definition: Page 48 Datums can be Points, Axis, Lines and Planes.*
Text: P. 48, 53,57
Ex: P. 49
A Datum Reference Frame are 3 mutually perpendicular intersecting Datum Planes.

Basically: A Datum Reference Frame is used to constrain the Degrees of Freedom of a part or
assembly, and establish the origin of dimensions.

Advantages for using 3 orthogonal planes:

- They represent the 3 dimensions of Space.

- They are easily represented on drawings where most views are orthogonal to each other.
- They are readily usable as reference for CMM measurements.

Usage intent for GD&T:

Ideally: A Datum Reference Frame is used to control the Degrees of Freedom of a part or
assembly by the mean of their Locating Features**
It then become the origin for the location and/or geometric characteristics of the other
features of the part that are “functionally related”*** to these Locating Features.

Guide Rev. C *: As seen in previous Section.

**: See previous page.
Eric Carabalona ***: “Functionally related” can be direct fit, or part of a stack up involving different parts.
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Datum Reference Frames Page 24
ASME Y14.5-2009
References Development of Datum Reference Frames
______________

“When applying GD&T the first consideration is to establish a datum reference

frame based on the function of the part in the assembly with its mating parts.
After the datum reference frame is established, the form of the primary datum
feature is controlled, followed by the orientation and/or location of the secondary
and tertiary datum features.
After the datum features are related relative to each other, the remaining
features are controlled for orientation and location relative to the datum
reference framework. ”
Extract from ASME Y14.5-2009 / Forewords page vi .

Text page 58 1) Locating Features are 3 orthogonal Surfaces:

§4.10.1
Ex: P. 49 Fig.4.2 Functional assembly Datums on drawing mean this:

Datum Plane |A|

Constrains 3 DOF:
- Translation Z
- Rotation u
- Rotation v

Drawing:

Datum Plane |B|

Constrains 2 DOF:
- Translation Y
- Rotation w

Datum Plane |C|

Constrains 1 DOF:
- Translation X

Note that ASME Y14.5-2009 allow for indicating

XYZ directions on drawing

Guide Rev. C The illustrations and drawings shown in these

examples are intended to help the reader in
understanding the principles explained. As such
Eric Carabalona they may be incomplete by intent, and especially
October 2016 drawings may not fully define the part.
 Basics GD&T Datum Reference Frames Page 25
ASME Y14.5-2009
References Development of Datum Reference Frames
______________

Text page 58 2) Part with inclined Datum Feature:

§4.10.2
Ex: P. 52 Fig.4.7
Functional assembly Mating Part : Tertiary Plane Part drawn:
Secondary Plane Datum |B|
Primary Plane Datum |A|
Datum |C|

Drawing:

Basic Dimension is necessary to

indicate theoretical exact angle.

Datum Plane |C| passes through the

vertex of the Basic Angle and is mutually
orthogonal to the other two planes.

Datum |C| with “Filled Triangle” is

positioned on its “generating” feature.*

Datum |C| with “Un-filled Triangle” is

shown for reference. *

Datums on drawing mean this:

Datum Feature|B| (Surface)

Datum Feature|C| (Surface)

Datum Reference Frame

Datum Plane |C|

Datum Feature|A| (Surface)

Datum Plane|B|

Datum Plane |A|

Guide Rev. C *: See “Datum Feature Symbol Usage” page 16. The illustrations and drawings shown in these
examples are intended to help the reader in
understanding the principles explained. As such
Eric Carabalona they may be incomplete by intent, and especially
October 2016 drawings may not fully define the part.
 Basics GD&T Datum Reference Frames Page 26
ASME Y14.5-2009
References Development of Datum Reference Frames
______________

Text page 59 3) Locating Features are a Pin and a Slot on a Plane:

§4.10.4
Ex: P.51 Fig 4.5
and P. 52 Fig.4.6 Functional assembly Mating Part : Part drawn:
Pin
Datum |A| Datum |B|
Plane Slot

Datum |C|

Drawing:
On needs to have
Datum Features Dimension of Datum
controlled, see Feature is controlled
§4.9 page 58.

Position / orientation of
Datum Feature relative
Datum |C| is the center to preceding Datum is
of dimension 10±0.1. controlled

Datums on drawing mean this:

Datum Feature|A| (Surface) Datum Feature|B| (Cylinder)
Datum Feature |C| (Slot)

Datum Axis|B|

Datum Plane |A| Datum Reference Frame

Datum Plane|B|**
Datum Plane|C|*

Datum Plane |A|

Datum Plane |C|*

Guide Rev. C *: Datum Plane |C| is the Center Plane of Slot |C| passing/aligned The illustrations and drawings shown in these
with Datum Axis |B|. examples are intended to help the reader in
**: Datum Plane |B| is Perpendicular to |C| passing through Datum understanding the principles explained. As such
Eric Carabalona Axis |B| they may be incomplete by intent, and especially
October 2016 drawings may not fully define the part.
 Basics GD&T Datum Reference Frames Page 27
ASME Y14.5-2009
References Development of Datum Reference Frames
______________

Text page 59 4) Locating Features are 2 Pins on a Plane:

§4.10.4
Ex: P. 54 Fig.4.9
Functional assembly Mating Part : Part drawn:
2 Pins
Datum |A| Datum |B|
Plane
Datum |C|

Drawing:
On needs to have
Datum Features Datum “Repeated” for
controlled, see reference, with an
§4.9 page 58. “Un-filled Triangle”.*

Position / orientation of
Datum Feature relative
to preceding Datum is
controlled
Dimension of Datum
Feature is controlled

Datums on drawing mean this:

Datum Feature|A| (Surface) Datum Feature|B| (Cylinder)

Datum Feature |C| (Cylinder)

Datum Axis|B|

Datum Plane |A| Datum Reference Frame

Datum Plane|B|***
Datum Axis|C|

Datum Plane |A|

Datum Plane |C|**

Guide Rev. C *: See “Datum Feature Symbol Usage” page 16. The illustrations and drawings shown in these
**: Datum Plane |C| is the one passing through the Datum Axis |B|&|C|. examples are intended to help the reader in
understanding the principles explained. As such
Eric Carabalona ***: Datum Plane |B| is Perpendicular to |C| passing through Datum they may be incomplete by intent, and especially
October 2016 Axis |B| drawings may not fully define the part.
 Basics GD&T Datum Reference Frames Page 28
ASME Y14.5-2009
References Development of Datum Reference Frames
______________

Similar Example 5) Locating Features Common Axis (Rotating Cover Type):

Page 76 Fig.4.34
Functional assembly Mating Part : Lid is:
Stopped by
Lid Located on 2 Pins 1 Surface

Box Centered between 2 Surfaces

Part drawn:
Drawing: Datum |A|
Datum |B|
Basic Dimension |4|
Necessary to “step”
datum |D|.*

Datum |D|
Plane defined by Datum |C|
Common Axis |A-B|. **

Datum Target |D1|

aligned with “Stop”
on mating part

Datum Feature |A| (Cylinder) Datums on drawing mean this:

Datum Feature |B|
(Cylinder)

Common Datum
Axis|A-B|

Datum Reference Frame

Datum Feature |C| Datum Plane |A-B|
(2 Surfaces)
Datum Feature |D|
(1 Target on surface) Datum Plane|C|***

Datum Plane|C|***
Datum Plane |D| 4

Guide Rev. C *: Similar to “Datum Features on Different Planes” page 20. The illustrations and drawings shown in these
**: See “Common Axis” page 18. examples are intended to help the reader in
understanding the principles explained. As such
Eric Carabalona ***: Datum Plane |C| is Perpendicular to Axis |A-B|, then centered as they may be incomplete by intent, and especially
October 2016 “best fit” between the 2 side surfaces. drawings may not fully define the part.
 Basics GD&T Methodology Page 29
ASME Y14.5-2009

Methodology
References
______________

“Dimensions shall be selected and arranged to suit the function

and mating relationship of a part”...
Extract from ASME Y14.5-2009 – 1.4 Fundamental Rules (d) page 8.

“A datum feature is selected on the basis of its functional relationship

to the toleranced feature and the requirements of the design”...
Extract from ASME Y14.5-2009 /
4.8 Datum Features page 57

“The purpose of an engineering drawing is to clearly convey the product

design intent of function.”...”GD&T is an Engineering Product Definition
Standard which describes the geometric features of a product and their
operational relationships (expressed as tolerances) to each other and
their functional interfaces with mating parts, assemblies, etc. “...
Extract from “FORD Pocket Guide for GD&T”

“When applying GD&T the first consideration is to establish a datum reference

frame based on the function of the part in the assembly with its mating parts...”
Extract from ASME Y14.5-2009 /
Forewords page vi

Section covers

- Optimising Datum Feature Design.

- 3D Design of Datum Features.
- Datum Features on drawings.

Guide Rev. C

Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Methodology Page 30
ASME Y14.5-2009
References
______________ Optimising Datum Features Design
Within an assembly, the parts are in relation with each other through their Locating and/or
Fixing Features”. Each part can be in relation with more than one other part, and in case of
a sub-assembly at least one of its parts will be in relation with an interface, also through
Locating and/or Fixing Features.
All these features establish the datums from which the functional dimensions of parts and
assemblies are related to.*

One of the best ways to exert a dimensional control on a part or assembly is to:

- Define carefully on the 3D representation of the parts, the features that will best fulfil
the required functions. Or in another word, will best constrain the degrees of freedom for
each of the functions.

- Express on the drawing the constraining of these degrees of freedom by the mean of
Datums, and whenever appropriate: Datum Reference Frames. All functional dimensions
can then be related to them.
These 2 activities are best considered conjointly (in parallel) during the development.
Meaning that, even if you start the drawings of your parts and assemblies at a much later
stage, you need to define, while working on your early concept, the different features
that will become your Datums on the drawing.

Strategy:

At assembly level:
For each of the customer interfaces in relation to the assembly:
- Define the Locating Points between the assembly and the customer interface.
- Define the Fixing Points (which may be the same as the Locating Points).
If properly defined, this combination of Locating and Fixing points can be used to
generate the “Datum Reference Frame” ** that will be shown on the trade drawing. Most
of the dimensions that are important for the functions of the assembly will then be
referenced against it.

At component level:
For each of the surrounding parts in “functional relation” to the component:
- Define the Locating Points between the component and the related part.
- Define the Fixing Points (which may be the same as the Locating Points).
The features of these Locating and Fixing points will be used to generate the “Datums”,
and possibly a “Datum Reference Frame” ** from which most of the relevant functional
dimensions will be referenced against.

Guide Rev. B *: As mentioned in the section on “Degrees of Freedom” page 16:: To optimise the dimensioning control of a part or
assembly, tolerance stack-ups have to follow the “shortest route”, meaning the least number of dimensions per part.
As parts relate to each other through their Locating Features, the “shortest route” often consist of using these Features
Eric Carabalona as the starting points for dimensioning the parts.*
February 2016 **: See “Datum Reference Frame” page 23.
 Basics GD&T Methodology Page 31
ASME Y14.5-2009
References
______________ 3D Design of Datum Features:
Rules and guidances:
- Generalities:

1) As a general rule: Datum Features are defined by the function(s) of the part or assembly. Not
by the manufacturability of the part, or any other constraint unrelated to functions.

2) Components should be designed with tight controls / tolerances on their datum features and
on their functional features / dimensions.

3) Within an assembly, components should be designed with large gaps / tolerances between
them for all the features that do not participate in a function. Thus avoiding potential
interference without need of tight control.

- Within each Datum / Common Datum:

4) Datum Targets and Datum Features to be as far as possible from each other. This insure
stability.

5) Datum Features to be as small as possible, within constraint of strength. This insure precision.

- Between Datums

6) Preferably, define the Datum Features in such a way that they easily “square” the Datum
Reference Frame.
7) When possible, and especially on symmetric parts, Secondary and Tertiary Datum Planes to be
centered. This balance the dispersions and reduce the longest dimensions (thus reducing the
tolerance).

Datum Features on Drawings

- Datum Reference Frame:

8) Each part or assembly can have more than one Datum Reference Frame.
When a part is in a functional relation with more than one other part, it could call for a new
Datum Reference Frame. Use your judgement to decide whether creating a new Datum
Reference Frame or relating the functional dimensions to an existing one.

9) If you have more than 1 Datum Reference Frame, insure that the Datum Features of the new
Datum Reference Frame are located and toleranced to the primary Datum Reference Frame.

Guide Rev. C

Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Modifiers Page 33
ASME Y14.5-2009
References

Modifiers.
______________

Section covers
- Understanding of Maximum Material Condition.
- Understanding of Maximum Material Boundary.
- Unequally Disposed Profile

Section does not Cover:

Least Material Condition* (LMM).
Most of the other modifiers except as a list at the end.

Guide Rev. C *”Least Material Condition , as well as Least Material Boundaries are very similar in principles as Maximum Material
Condition and Maximum Material Boundaries, but with much less usefulness. If necessary consult ASME Y14.5-2009.
Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Modifiers Page 34
ASME Y14.5-2009
References
______________
Maximum Material Condition (MMC).
Text page 6 §1.3.39 ASME definition:
Maximum Material Condition (MMC) is the condition in which a feature of size contains
the maximum amount of material within the stated limits of size (e.g. maximum shaft
diameter; minimum hole diameter.)

Symbol:

Text page 29 §2.8 Usage: May be applied to geometric tolerance values on Features of Size.
& 2.8.2 There it is used in the Tolerance Zone of a feature control Frame where it indicates that
the Stated Geometrical Tolerance applies when the size of the measured feature is at
its MMC. It implies that any size deviation from this MMC can be added to the
geometrical tolerance.
Geometric Characteristic Symbol
Tolerance Zone

Must indicate a Dimension

Example:

MMC is often referred as a “Bonus Tolerance”.

Guide Rev. C

Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Modifiers Page 35
ASME Y14.5-2009
References
______________
Maximum Material Boundary (MMB).
Maximum Material Boundary (MMB) is very similar to Maximum Material Condition
MMB Definition
page 2 §1.3.4 (MMC) to such an extent that they use the same symbol: Ⓜ.

The name “Maximum Material Boundary” (MMB) is specifically used when applied on
a Datum Feature (s) that is referenced in a Feature Control Frame as:
Geometric Characteristic Symbol
Tolerance Zone Datum Features

Must indicate a Dimension_ MMC_ MMB

Text page 60 This different naming* for the same symbol reflects that, when applied on a Datum,
§ 4.11.5 Feature MMB it is not only the Maximum Material Condition of the Datum Feature but
also its collective effect of any applicable geometrics tolerances for any preceding
Datum in the Feature Control Frame (see examples below).

MMB = MMC + Datum Feature’s Geometrical Tolerances of any

preceding Datum in Feature Control Frame.

Examples:
Similar example
page 61 Fig. 4-16

Maximum Material Boundary Maximum Material Boundary Maximum Material Boundary

of Datum Feature |A|: 19.9 of Datum Feature |B|: 19.9 of Datum Feature |B|: 19.8

Usage: MMB is mainly used for checking through gauges.

Guide Rev. C *”Maximum Material Boundary” name has been introduced with ASME Y14.5-2009. Previous version was using the
same concept with Ⓜ applied to datum Features, but was calling it Maximum Material Condition, even thought its
interpretation was slightly different from MMC applied in tolerance zone.
Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Modifiers Page 36
ASME Y14.5-2009
References Unequally disposed profile.
______________

Definition § 8.3.1.2
Applies for both: Profile of a line & profile of a surface.
page 159. example
8-1 to 8-4 pages Reminder: Without specific indication, profile tolerance is bilateral :
159 to 161.

Indicating Unilateral and Unequally disposed Profiles on drawings :

X.X
Total tolerance width _ X.X = Amount of material added to Nominal
Guide Rev. C

Eric Carabalona
October 2016
 Basics GD&T Modifiers Page 37
ASME Y14.5-2009
References List of modifiers .
______________

Extract from ASME Y14.5-2009 page 42

Guide Rev. C

Eric Carabalona
October 2016