8

Position Tolerancing
Fundamentals
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Complete feature control frames for position
tolerances, properly using the diameter symbol,
material condition modifiers, and datum
references.
Sketch the proper location and shape for position
tolerance zones.
Describe the effect of an MMC, LMC, or RFS
modifier on a position tolerance.
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Provide examples that prove the validity of the
MMC concept as it applies to position tolerances.
Calculate position tolerances for simple fixed and
floating fastener conditions.
Calculate the allowable bonus tolerance for a
produced part on which a position tolerance is
specified at MMC.
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Position Tolerances
May be used on single or multiple features
Tolerance zone shape determined by functional
requirements for feature
Material condition modifiers are appropriate
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Feature Control Frame
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Material Condition
Modifier Application
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Basic Dimensions
Must be used to define location when position
tolerances are applied to features
Defines true position
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Effect of RFS
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Effect of MMC
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Proof of MMC Concept
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Floating Fastener Condition
Fastener passes through multiple clearance
holes
Common to use same size clearance holes for
all parts, but not required
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Hole = .328 .004
Fastener = .312 MMC
Tolerance = Hole (MMC) Fastener (MMC)
T = .324 .312
T = .012
Floating Fastener
Tolerance Calculation
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Tolerance = .012
Fastener = .312 MMC
Hole = Tolerance + Fastener (MMC)
H = .012 + .312
H = .324 (MMC)
Floating Fastener
Hole Calculation
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Fixed Fastener Condition
Fastener passes through multiple holes, one
fixes fastener location
Fastener fixed by threads, press fit, or taper
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Hole = .296 .003
Fastener = .250 MMC
Tolerance = [Hole (MMC) Fastener (MMC)]/2
T = (.293 .250)/2
T = .0215
Fixed Fastener
Tolerance Calculation
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Tolerance = .0215
Fastener = .250 MMC
Hole = 2 Tolerance + Fastener (MMC)
H = (2 .0215) + .250
H = .293 (MMC)
Fixed Fastener
Hole Calculation
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Advantages of Position Tolerances
over Coordinate Tolerances
Clearer definition of requirements
Is no standard defining coordinate location
tolerances
Increased tolerance zone area
Bonus tolerance is available
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Calculating Diameter
of Position Variation
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Paper Gaging Position Variation
Center of graph is true position
Plot delta coordinate values for feature locations
on graph
Create concentric circles representing tolerance
zones at same scale as the graph grid
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Paper Gaging Example
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Counterbored Holes
Application Options
One position tolerance to control hole and
counterbore
Separate position tolerances for the hole and
counterbore
Counterbore position tolerance referenced to the
hole location

GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
ThreadsApplication
Position tolerance applied to pitch axis
Position tolerance may be applied to minor or
major diameter in rare cases

GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Projected Tolerance Zone
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Bidirectional
Position Tolerance
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Noncylindrical
Features of Size
Slots, tabs, rails
No diameter symbol in the feature control frame
Do not place the feature control frame on an
extension line
Defines the total width of the tolerance zone
GD&T: Application and Interpretation Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Bounded Feature