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4.0 Tolerance of Form and Position, Machining and Welding Symbols
4.1 Tolerance of Form and Position
Tolerances of size we considered in chapter 2 are not always adequate in providing the
required control of the form of a component in production. Figure 4.0 shows possible
errors during production. Figure 4.0a is a circularity error such that the shaft may have
the same diameter when measured in all possible directions but is not circular. In figure
4.0b the component has the same thickness throughout but is not flat. Also, the component
in figure 4.0c is circular in all cross-section but is not straight. To control the form
variation of these components requires geometric tolerance of form. The variation here
means difference between the actual condition of a form feature (i.e. surface, line, edge,
etc.) from the geometrically ideal form.
(a) (b) (c)
Figure 4.0: Errors of form in (a) circularity, (b) flatness, and (c) straightness
4.1.1 Uses and Importance of Geometric Tolerance
Geometric tolerances are used to specify the required accuracy in controlling the form of
a feature (i.e. surface, line, edge, etc.), ensure correct functional position of a feature as
well as interchangeability of components, and also to facilitate the assembly of mating
components.
4.1.2 How to indicate Geometric Tolerance on the Drawing
Geometric tolerances are indicated on the drawings using compartments of a rectangular
frame containing symbol of the characteristic to be toleranced as well as the tolerance
value, and the datum letter, as shown in figure 4.1b. In order to refer to a particular feature
to be toleranced may require a reference for clarity using a datum feature indicator as
shown in figure 4.2a. The datum feature indicator in figure 4.2b is the centre line, which
was omitted causing no ambiguity.
The datum feature in figure 4.1a, can be any feature of a part such as an edge, surface,
or centre line of a hole, which forms the basis for a reference (or a datum) or used to
Free Lecture Notes on GRE-222 (Engineering Drawing IV) prepared by C. O. Eleghasim – Chapter 4 (Tolerance of Form
& Position, Machining and Welding Symbols)
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establish the location of the datum feature of form to be controlled. The datum or reference
is indicated by a leader line terminating in a filled or an open triangle. A capital letter
enclosed in the frame is used to identify a datum for reference purposes. As seen in figure
4.2a, the capital letter A is used to identify the datum or reference relating to the
Perpendicularity characteristic of form of the component to be controlled or toleranced.
(a) (b)
Figure 4.1: (a) Datum Feature Indicator, (b) Geometric Tolerance Indicator
(a) (b)
Figure 4.2: Controlling of (a) Perpendicularity feature, (b) Cylindericity feature
As seen, in figure 4.1b, the feature controlled by geometric tolerance is indicated by an
arrowhead at the end of a leader line, from the tolerance frame. In general, the geometric
tolerances used in drawings eliminate the need for descriptive notes. All the datum features
used in drawings are the features to which tolerance of orientation, position, and run-out
are related, and are shown in table 4.0.
The leader line with an arrow used in connecting the tolerance frame to the toleranced
feature can be made in the following ways:
1. On the outline of the feature or extension of the outline (see figure 4.3a-b), but not on
a dimension line (see figure 4.3c), when the tolerance refers to the line or surface itself
2. On the projection line, and at the dimension line, when the tolerance refers to the axis
or median plane of the part so dimensioned (see figure 4.3d) or on the axis, when the
tolerance refers to the axis or median plane of all features common to that axis or
median plane (see figure 4.3e)
Free Lecture Notes on GRE-222 (Engineering Drawing IV) prepared by C. O. Eleghasim – Chapter 4 (Tolerance of Form
& Position, Machining and Welding Symbols)
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Table 4.0: Symbols representing form characteristics to be toleranced
Figure 4.3: Indication of feature controlled
Free Lecture Notes on GRE-222 (Engineering Drawing IV) prepared by C. O. Eleghasim – Chapter 4 (Tolerance of Form
& Position, Machining and Welding Symbols)
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4.2 Machining Symbols
In practice, a particular surface finish of a component may be desired. Therefore, in a
production drawing such components must contain information about the permissible
surface condition or finish desired. Machine components which have undergone
machining operation, when inspected under magnifying lens will have minute
irregularities on their actual surface. The irregularities of these machined surfaces will
depend on the finishing processes adopted. However, the properties and the performance
of machine components are affected by the degree of roughness of the various surfaces.
For instance, friction between mating parts for instance is reduced with better surface
finish.
(a) (b) (c) (d)
Figure 4.4: (a) Surface texture specification (b) must be obtained without material removal, (c) must be
obtained by material removal, (c) symbol with longer arm extension
The symbols and the indications of surface texture on production drawings are shown in
figure 4.4, with 3 basic types. The basic symbol consists of two legs of unequal length
inclined at approximately 60° placed on the line representing the surface considered as
shown in figure 4.4a. The symbol in figure 4.4a is used to indicate that the surface is to be
machined without indicating the process to be used, where the letter a indicates the
roughness value. Where material removal is not allowed on the indicated surface, a circle
is added to the symbol as shown in figure 4.4b. If the material removal from the surface is
to be achieved by machining, a bar is added to the basic symbol as shown in figure 4.4c.
when special surface characteristic is to be indicated, a line is added to the longer arm of
the basic symbol as shown in figure 4.4d.
Figure 4.5: Further surface texture specifications
Free Lecture Notes on GRE-222 (Engineering Drawing IV) prepared by C. O. Eleghasim – Chapter 4 (Tolerance of Form
& Position, Machining and Welding Symbols)
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When only one roughness value needs to be indicated, it represents the maximum
permissible value. But if it is necessary to impose a maximum and a minimum limits of
surface roughness, both values are indicated with the maximum limit, a1, placed above the
minimum limit, a2, as shown in figure 4.5a.
Table 4.1: Symbols specifying the directions of lay
In some cases, based on functional reasons, it may be necessary to specify additional
special requirements concerning surface roughness. If the surface finish is to be obtained
by a particular production method, this method should be placed on an extension of the
longer arm of the symbol as shown in figure 4.5b. Also, any surface treatment or coating
may be given on the extension of the longer arm of the symbol. Unless otherwise stated,
the roughness value applies to the surface roughness after treatment or coating. If it is
necessary to define surface texture both before and after treatment, this should be
explained by a suitable note as shown in figure 4.5c. If it is necessary to indicate sampling
Free Lecture Notes on GRE-222 (Engineering Drawing IV) prepared by C. O. Eleghasim – Chapter 4 (Tolerance of Form
& Position, Machining and Welding Symbols)
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length for the surface texture, it should be stated adjacent to the symbol as shown in figure
4.5d. If it is to control the direction of lay, it should be specified by a symbol added to the
surface roughness symbol as shown in figure 4.5e. Table 4.1 shows other lay specifications
and their symbols. sometimes, it may be necessary to specify the value of the machining
allowance, this should be indicated on the left of the symbol as shown in figure 4.6a.
4.2.1 Indication of Surface Roughness Symbols on Drawings
(a) (b) (c)
Figure 4.6: (a) Indication of machining allowance, (b) different orientation of machining symbols, (c)
positioning of symbols without special surface texture characteristic at any position.
The symbol and the inscriptions should be oriented such that they may be read from bottom
or from the right hand side of the drawing as shown in figure 4.6b. If it is not practicable
to adopt this general rule, the symbol may be drawn in any position as shown in figure
4.6c, provided it does not carry any indications of special surface texture characteristics.
4.3 Welds and Their Symbols
Welding is used in making permanent joints between two or more metal parts. Various
categories of welded joints are characterized by symbols which are similar to the shape
of welds to be made. Figure 4.7 shows some types of welded joints. Other types of
welding are explained in Tables 2a-c.
Figure 4.7: Types of welded joints
Free Lecture Notes on GRE-222 (Engineering Drawing IV) prepared by C. O. Eleghasim – Chapter 4 (Tolerance of Form
& Position, Machining and Welding Symbols)
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4.3.1 Representation of Weld Symbols on Drawings
Welds can be represented on drawings using the basic symbol shown in figure 4.8a.
The arrow line 3 points to welding symbol to be represented. Other welding symbols
are shown in tables 2a-c. The basic welding symbols include along with arrow line 1, a
dual reference line consisting of two parallel lines – one continuous (line 2a) and one
dashed (line 2b), and a certain number of dimensions (line 4).
(a) (b)
Figure 4.8: Welding symbols
Note: the dashed line may be drawn either above or below the continuous line. For
symmetrical welds, the dashed line is omitted as shown in figure 4.8b.
4.3.2 Position of Weld Symbols on Drawings
The location of a weld can be specified using the positions of an arrow, the reference
line, and the welding symbol. The arrow line joins the continuous reference line of the
welding symbol, such that it forms an angle with it and its arrow head points to the
weld, as shown in figure 4.9.
Figure 4.9: sides of a weld joint
The position of the arrow line with respect to the weld has no special significance but
in case of edge preparation, the arrow line points towards the plate prepared for
welding, as shown in figure 4.10a. The position of the welding symbol is placed either
above or below the reference line (the continuous line). When the weld or weld face is
on the arrow side of the joint, the welding symbol is placed on the side the continuous
or reference line as shown in figure 4.10b. Also, when the weld is on the other side of
Free Lecture Notes on GRE-222 (Engineering Drawing IV) prepared by C. O. Eleghasim – Chapter 4 (Tolerance of Form
& Position, Machining and Welding Symbols)
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the joint, the welding symbol is placed on the dashed line (since the weld is hidden from
the arrow side), as shown in figure 4.10c.
(a)
(b) (c)
Figure 4.10: (a) Indication of edge preparation, (b) to be welded on the arrow side, (c) to be
welded on the other side
4.3.3 Dimensioning of Welds
Each weld symbol may be accompanied by a certain number of dimensions as indicated
in figure 4.11a-b, with the cross-section dimensions of the weld written on the left hand
(a)
(b) (c)
Figure 4.11: (a) Dimensioning of welds, (b)indication of throat thickness, weld size, and weld length, (c)
descriptions of throat thickness a, and weld size z.
Free Lecture Notes on GRE-222 (Engineering Drawing IV) prepared by C. O. Eleghasim – Chapter 4 (Tolerance of Form
& Position, Machining and Welding Symbols)
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Table 4.2a: Elementary Welding symbols
side or before the symbol (i.e. a5, and z7), and the longitudinal dimension written on the
right hand side or after the symbol (i.e. 300) as shown in figure 4.11b. The dimension
of the cross-section of the weld can be indicated by placing either the throat thicknesses
a or the weld side z before the dimension value in millimetres, as shown in figure 4.11b.
Free Lecture Notes on GRE-222 (Engineering Drawing IV) prepared by C. O. Eleghasim – Chapter 4 (Tolerance of Form
& Position, Machining and Welding Symbols)
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It should be noted that dimensions of welds are in millimetres without writing the unit
mm. If no longitudinal length is indicated for the weld, it implies that full length is to
be welded. Other descriptions must be indicted as explained in Table 2d. Finally, if a
weld is required to be made round a joint, a circle should be placed at the elbow (1)
connecting the arrow to the reference line as shown in figure 4.12, and by a filled-in
circled (2) when the weld is to be made on site.
Figure 4.12: welding convention
4.3.4 Surface Finish of Welds
When welds are to be finished other than cleaning, the final surface finish symbol
should be on the weld symbols, viz., chipping C, machining M, and grinding G (see
explanation in figure 4.13). Where a weld is required to have approximately flush
surface without any other method of finishing, a straight line should be added below
the symbol of the finishing method.
Figure 4.13: Indication of finishing of welds
Table 4.2b: Elementary Welding Symbols
Free Lecture Notes on GRE-222 (Engineering Drawing IV) prepared by C. O. Eleghasim – Chapter 4 (Tolerance of Form
& Position, Machining and Welding Symbols)
11
Table 4.2c: Elementary Welding symbols
Table 4.2d: Dimensioning of welds
Free Lecture Notes on GRE-222 (Engineering Drawing IV) prepared by C. O. Eleghasim – Chapter 4 (Tolerance of Form
& Position, Machining and Welding Symbols)
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Homework Assignment 2(Deadline: Next Monday)
Using neat free hand sketches with assumptions of dimensions, and explanatory
notes where appropriate,
1. Draw figure 4C and interpret the meaning of the geometrical tolerances shown.
2. Complete the tolerance symbol and its frame’s compartments in figure 4D, if the
axis of the whole component is required to be contained in a cylindrical zone of
0.04 mm. And in figure 4E, if the top surface has to be parallel to the hole’s axis,
within a tolerance of 0.08 mm.
3. Indicate with appropriate symbol the roughness of 5 microns on the component in
figure 4D, if the entire surface is produced with material removal after machining
on a lathe with circular lay direction relative to the centre of component.
Figure 4A Figure 4B
Figure 4D
Figure 4C
Figure 4E
Free Lecture Notes on GRE-222 (Engineering Drawing IV) prepared by C. O. Eleghasim – Chapter 4 (Tolerance of Form
& Position, Machining and Welding Symbols)
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Studio Work 3
1. A welded structure is displayed along with its isometric view in figure 4F, draw
the views in 1st angle projection and indicate using appropriate welded joint
symbols that may be used in fabricating it along the weld lines marked A, B,
and C. Also indicate with appropriate symbols, that geometric perpendicularity
tolerance of 0.25 is not to be exceeded for component 2 and 3.
4F – Elevation 4F – Side View
4F – Plan View Figure 4F
(Mechanical & Agric Engineering)
Free Lecture Notes on GRE-222 (Engineering Drawing IV) prepared by C. O. Eleghasim – Chapter 4 (Tolerance of Form
& Position, Machining and Welding Symbols)
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2. Draw the components shown in figure 4G in 1st angle projection and figure 4H
in 3rd, and explain the meaning of the weld shown in figure 4G. Also
recommend and indicate appropriate weld symbols for the structural joints in
figure 4H. Indicate with appropriate symbols, if geometric position tolerance of
0.01 for components with common centres is not to be exceeded, and geometric
symmetry tolerance of 0.02 is not to be exceeded for components with common
symmetry.
Figure 4G
(Civil & Elec/Elect Engineering)
Figure 4H (All the 5 components are welded together)
(Computer & Food Engineering)
Free Lecture Notes on GRE-222 (Engineering Drawing IV) prepared by C. O. Eleghasim – Chapter 4 (Tolerance of Form
& Position, Machining and Welding Symbols)
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Free Lecture Notes on GRE-222 (Engineering Drawing IV) prepared by C. O. Eleghasim – Chapter 4 (Tolerance of Form
& Position, Machining and Welding Symbols)
