2012 Quality Tips RECTANGULAR +/- SYSTEM VS.

GDT

1 QBASE ENGINEERING SDN BHD | Advanced Quality Engineering Series

WEAKNESSES OF +/- DRAWINGS
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING DRAWING:

This type of drawing does not has completeness to Precisely communicate the part or
functional requirements to the users.
The major shortcomings of this type of drawings are:
Square or rectangular Tolerance Zone (TZ) irrespective of the feature shape/function
Fixed Tolerance Zone (TZ) irrespective of feature size
Ambiguity for inspection








2012 Quality Tips RECTANGULAR +/- SYSTEM VS. GDT

2 QBASE ENGINEERING SDN BHD | Advanced Quality Engineering Series



Results in:
Rejection of perfectly functional parts.
Smaller (tighter)tolerance zone ( Round tolerance zone has 57% more tolerances, compared to
square TZ)
Inconsistencies and ambiguity in acceptance the parts.







2012 Quality Tips RECTANGULAR +/- SYSTEM VS. GDT

3 QBASE ENGINEERING SDN BHD | Advanced Quality Engineering Series

Shortcoming #2: Fixed Tolerance Zone irrespective of feature Size.
The Tolerance for the center of the holes is FIXED irrespective whether the hole is at its
smallest or largest limit size.
If the important function of the hole is at ASSEMBLY, the location of the hole is critical
when it is at minimum limit of size. If the actual hole size is larger than its limit size, its
location tolerance can be correspondingly larger without affecting the part
function.(assembly)
Square and fixed-size tolerance can cause the FULLY FUNCTIONAL part to be scrapped
Since coordinate tolerance does not allow for cylindrical TZ or TZ that increases with the hole
size, a lengthy notes need to be added to the drawing to allow for this

Shortcoming #3: Ambiguity for inspection of the part


2012 Quality Tips RECTANGULAR +/- SYSTEM VS. GDT

4 QBASE ENGINEERING SDN BHD | Advanced Quality Engineering Series

DRAWING CONCEPT COORDINATE TOLERANCING GEOMETRIC TOLERANCING
TOLERANCE
ZONE SHAPE
CONDITION
Square or rectangular tolerance
zone for hole location
CONDITION
Can use diameter symbol to allow round
tolerance zone
RESULTS
Less tolerance available for hole
Higher manufacturing cost
RESULTS
57% More tolerance for hole location
Lower manufacturing cost
TOLERANCE ZONE
FLEXIBILITY
CONDITION
Tolerance zone is fixed in size
CONDITION
Use MMC modifier allows tolerance zones to
increase under certain condition
RESULTS
Functional parts scrapped
Higher operating cost
RESULTS
Functional parts used
Lower operational cost
EASE OF INSPECTION CONDITION
Implied datum allows choices for
set-up when inspecting the parts
CONDITION
Datum system communicates one set-up for
inspection
RESUTLS
Multiple inspector may get
different results
Good parts scrapped
Bad parts accepted
RESULTS
Clear nstructions for inspection
Eliminate disputes over part
acceptance