SYMMETRY

Training By Kishor Bhatia

SYMMETRY
DEFINITION Symmetry is a condition in which a feature or features are symmetrically disposed about a centerline or center plane of another feature. The centerline or Plane of the second feature is usually specified as a datum. A symmetry tolerance specifies the width of a tolerance zone. This width is the area between two parallel lines or the space between two parallel planes equally disposed about the datum axis or median plane. Symmetry is therefore a special case of position. The advantage of using the symmetry symbol rather than the position symbol is that it indicates that the true position is symmetrical and often eliminates the need for basic dimensions to correlate the position of features.

SYMMETRY
SYMBOL
The geometric characteristic symbol for symmetry consists of three horizontal lines, as shown in Fig. The dimensions refer to percentages of the feature control symbol frame height.

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SYMMETRY APPLICATIONS RFS

Fig shows a simple example in which a slot is intended to be symmetrical with the overall width of the part, which in turn is specified as the datum. Note that it is not necessary to show a true position dimension for the slot or equal dimensions from the sides of the slot to the sides of the part, which might be deemed necessary if a positional tolerance, were used.

The interpretation, shown in Fig below, shows the tolerance zone equally disposed about the centerline or median plane of the datum feature. Theoretically this centerline or median plane of the datum feature is perfectly straight and true, being based only on the high spots of the feature resting on the datum surfaces.
The centerline of each controlled feature is influenced by any errors of form or orientation of the surfaces. However, the width of the tolerance zone remains the same for each part, regardless of the actual size of the feature or of the datum feature.

MEASURING PRINCIPLE Example 1

One surface of the datum feature is laid directly on a surface plate, as shown in Fig. Measurements are made from the datum surface to one side of the slot. The highest and lowest readings are noted. The part is then revolved 180, so that the other surface of the datum feature rests on the surface plate and measurements are made to the other surface of the slot. The difference between the highest and lowest of all of the measurements constitutes the symmetry error, which must not exceed the specified tolerance.

Example - 2

The Fig above shows with two slots, one of which is designated as a datum feature. For measuring purpose the part is supported on one side of the datum slot while the measurements are made to the other slot.
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MEASURING PRINCIPLE OF SYMMETRY

Example - 3 Fig.1 shows a part in which a hole is required to be symmetrical with the sides of the part as well as perpendicular to the face of the part.

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MEASURING PRINCIPLE OF SYMMETRY

Example 3 cont. Measurement can be made, by fitting the hole with a close fitting mandrel and supporting the part against an angle plate, representing datum A, as shown in Fig.1. The part must also touch the surface plate along its length. The height is then measured from the surface plate over the mandrel. Readings are taken at two points on the mandrel, separated by a distance W, equal to the width of the part, as shown in Fig.2. Height measurements for the hole are then calculated from the formulae shown below, paying particular attention to the mathematical signs in each case. For example, if E is larger than F, (F-E) becomes a negative quantity, and the second formula becomes D=C (E-F). The part is then revolved 180 and measurements repeated with surface resting on the surface plate. The maximum difference between any of the four measurements represents the symmetry error.

Example - 4

Symmetry can also be applied to parts with circular datums as shown in the Fig above. For measuring purpose the small hole is fitted with a suitable mandrel. Measurements are then made between the mandrel and the sides of the datum hole, such as by inserting gage pins as shown in Fig. The difference between the sizes B&C gives the symmetric error. This measurement shall be precise only if the datum hole has no roundness errors, which might increase and decrease the apparent symmetry error
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APPLICATION ON AN MMC BASIS

When ever possible symmetry should be specified on an MMC basis. Such specification solves most of the measurement problems by permitting use of suitable functional GO gages. Some examples of parts toleranced on this basis, with suitable gaging principles, are shown below.

6.0

Example 1
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5.95

6.0 0.05

6.0 0.05

Example 2

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6.0 0.05

Example 3

Example 4
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Example 5

Example 6

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