FORM TOLERANCING - FLATNESS

Training By Kishor Bhatia

FLATNESS
FLATNESS SYMBOL

FLATNESS

FLATNESS OF A SURFACE

The condition of a surface having all elements in one plane.

INTERPRETATION The flatness tolerance specifies a tolerance zone defined by two parallel planes within which the surface must lie.
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CONTROLLING FLATNESS ON TWO OR MORE SURFACES

If the same control is desired on two or more surfaces a suitable note may be added instead of repeating the symbol

FLATNESS

MEASURING PRINCIPLE
The part of be measured is set up on a surface plate or measuring plane, using one fixed and two adjustable supports spaced as far apart as possible. An indicator gage is set to zero on the area above the fixed support.

The other supports are adjusted to give zero readings above each support.
Readings are then taken at a sufficient number of points on the surface to ensure that the tolerance is not exceeded.
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CONTROL OF DIRECTION OF ERRORS

It is sometimes desired to flatness errors, for which beneath the feature control CONCAVE or MUST NOT BE

further control the direction of purpose a note may be added symbol, such as MUST NOT BE CONVEX.

FLATNESS

SYMBOL & APPLICATION

The symbol is the same as for flatness of a surface, except that the modifier (M) is placed after the tolerance value, and the feature control symbol is directed to the thickness dimension

FLATNESS MMC BASIS

A flatness tolerance on an MMC basis means that the feature or part shall be contained within a tolerance zone consisting of the space between two parallel planes, which are separated by the specified tolerance plus the maximum material size

These planes must be large enough to completely encompass the feature Flatness on an MMC basis is a very useful tool as a control for relatively thin parts, which may be subjected to bending or dishing
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FLATNESS
FLATNESS MMC BASIS MEASURING PRINCIPLE

On an MMC basis, the measurement of flatness requires the use of a functional GO gage. The gage consists of two parallel plane surfaces, large enough to encompass the whole part, and between which the part must pass
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FLATNESS
FLATNESS FOR A SPECIFIED LENGTH

If flatness within a specified length is given the gage must be made of this length
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