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Understanding Material Conditions - MMC & LMC

Understanding Material Modifiers - Conditions

[All material referenced from DCS GD&T Training Manual]

Material modifiers help the designer to better describe what is dimensionally acceptable by providing insight into additional tolerances caused by the presence or absence of material on a part or feature. 

  • What are Material Modifiers?
  • Bonus Tolerance - As the actual size of a feature departs from MMC, the departure value can be added to the geometric tolerance
  • Rule #1 - Perfect form at MMC
  • Rule #2 - Unless otherwise specified, RFS applies to features of size
  • Virtual Condition - Collective effects of a feature at MMC and the applied geometrical tolerance
    –External Feature - Feature MMC + Geo Tol
    –Internal Feature - Feature MMC - Geo Tol

TIPS to Remember: 

  • When RFS is applied the geometrical tolerance is independent of the feature size
  • When LMC or MMC are applied the total tolerance is DEPENDENT on the feature size
  • LMC is primarily used when concerned with wall thickness

What are Material Modifiers?

Material Modifiers  provide one of three callouts that describe whether a feature contains the maximum or minimum amount of material when fabricated, thus affecting the overall tolerance of the feature.

MMC - Maximum Material Condition MMC - Maximum Material Condition

  LMC - Least Material Condition   LMC - Least Material Condition

  RFS - Regardless of Feature of Size   RFS - Regardless of Feature of Size

MMC and LMC Material Conditions - DCS Training

Definitions: 

MMC - Maximum Material Condition 

MMC Maximum Material Condition is defined as the condition of a feature which contains the maximum amount of material, that is, the smallest hole or largest pin, within the stated limits of size. 

-- Effect of MMC Maximum Material Condition

Where a geometric tolerance is applied on an MMC basis, the allowed tolerance is dependent on the actual mating size of the considered feature. The tolerance is limited to the specified value if the feature is produced at its MMC limit of size. Where the actual mating size of the feature has departed from MMC, an increase in the tolerance is allowed equal to the amount of such departure. The total permissible variation in the specific geometric characteristic is maximum when the feature is at LMC. Likewise, referencing a datum feature on an MMC basis means the datum is the axis or center plane of the feature at the MMC limit. Where the actual mating size envelope has departed from MMC, a deviation is allowed between its axis or center plane and the axis or center plane of the datum.

-- Effect of Zero Tolerance at MMC Maximum Material Condition

Where a tolerance of position or orientation is applied on a zero tolerance at MMC basis, the tolerance is totally dependant on the actual mating size of the considered feature. No tolerance of position or orientation is allowed if the feature is produced at its MMC limit of size; and in this case, it must be located at true position or be perfect in orientation, as applicable. Where the actual mating size of the considered feature has departed from MMC, a tolerance is allowed equal to the amount of such departure. The total permissible variation in position or orientation is maximum when its feature is at LMC, unless a maximum is specified.

LMC - Least Material Condition 

LMC Least Material Condition is defined as the condition in which there is the least amount of material, the largest hole or smallest pin, within the stated limits of size.

-- Effect of LMC Least Material Condition

Where a positional tolerance is applied on an LMC basis, the allowed tolerance is dependent on the actual mating size of the considered feature. The tolerance is limited to the specified value if the feature is produced at its LMC limit of size. Where the actual mating size of the feature has departed from LMC, an increase in the tolerance is allowed equal to the amount of such departure. The total permissible variation in position is maximum when the feature is at MMC. Likewise, referencing a datum feature on an LMC basis means the datum is the axis or center plane of the feature at the LMC limit. Where the actual mating size of the datum feature has departed from LMC, a deviation is allowed between its axis or center plane and the axis or center plane of the datum.

RFS - Regardless of Feature of Size (default)

RFS Regardless of Feature Size is the default condition of all geometric tolerances by rule #2 of GD&T and requires no callout. Regardless of feature size simply means that whatever GD&T callout you make, is controlled independently of the size dimension of the part.

-- Effect of RFS Regardless of Feature of Size

Where a geometric tolerance is applied on an RFS basis, the specified tolerance is independent of the actual size of the considered feature. The tolerance is limited to the specified value regardless of the actual size of the feature. Likewise, referencing a datum feature on an RFS basis means that a centering about its axis or center plane is necessary, regardless of the actual size of the feature.

Why Use Material Conditions Like MMC?

MMC defines the worst case condition of a part that will still guarantee, because it is still within the prescribed tolerances, the assembly between pin(s) and hole(s). When a hole is at its smallest (MMC) and a pin is at its largest condition (also MMC), we can be sure that we will still be able to assemble that part. Thus, MMC is widely used in cases where clearance fits are common.

Introduction - Applicability of Modifiers

All Applicable Geometric Tolerances (Rule #2). RFS applies, with respect to the individual tolerance, datum reference, or both, where no
modifying symbol is specified. MMC or LMC must be specified on the drawing where it is required.

MMC - LMC - Applicability of Material Modifiers

 

What is Bonus Tolerance?

As the size of the pin departs from MMC toward LMC, a bonus tolerance is added equal to the amount of change. Bonus tolerance equals the difference between the actual feature size and the MMC of the feature. 

Bonus Tolerance = MMC - LMC

Example RFS Drawing - DCS Training

MMC vs LMC Bonus Tolerance Calculation - DCS Training

 

The 2 Rules of Material Conditions 

Rule # 1 INDIVIDUAL FEATURES OF SIZE

Where only a tolerance of size is specified, the limits of size of an individual feature prescribe the extent to which variations in its geometric form, as well as size, are allowed.

Boundary of Perfect Form at MMC - External Feature of Size

Boundary of Perfect Form Ex - DCS Training

Boundary of Perfect Form at MMC - Internal Feature of Size

Boundary of Perfect Form Internal Ex - DCS Training

Rule #2 All Applicable Geometric Tolerances

RFS applies, with respect to the individual tolerance, datum reference, or both, where no modifying symbol is specified. MMC or LMC must be specified on the drawing where it is required.

Tolerances of Position - RFS is Implied 

Toelrances of Position - RFS Implied - DCS Training

 

 

Understanding Virtual Condition

Virtual Condition is defined as the boundary generated by the collective effects of the specified MMC limit of size of a feature and any applicable geometric tolerance. For example, the MMC size of a shaft plus its axial Straightness tolerance, or the MMC size of a hole minus its Position tolerance.

External Feature Example - Virtual Condition

External Feature Example - Virtual Condition - DCS Training

Internal Feature Example - Virtual Condition

Internal Feature Example - Virtual Condition - DCS Training

Virtual Condition - Possible Deviation

Virtual Condition - Possible Deviation - DCS Training

Using GD&T Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing 

GD&T is applied using symbols and Datums. Click below to see common symbols, and to better understand Datums and Material Conditions

Common GD&T Symbols
Common GD&T Symbols
Learn About Using Common GD&T Symbols
GD&T Callouts
What is GD&T?
Learn about GD&T
Dimensions versus GD&T Callout Tolerance Zone
Value of GD&T
Learn about the Value and ROI of GD&T

Where Do You Start with GD&T?

The best to place to start is to discuss implementation with an expert. DCS and its partners across the globe have ASME certified trainers who can discuss implementation, adoption, best practices, and provide training courses to get your people up to speed. 

Reach out now for a no cost consultation to learn more 

Click to Get Started with GD&T