Surface texture

26
Graphical symbols to indicate surface texture
The quality and type of surface texture has a direct connection with the manufacturing
cost, function and wear of a component. Each of the symbols shown below has their
own special interpretation. Individual surface texture values and text may be added to
the symbols. The basic graphical symbol is shown in Fig. 26.1. The center line
between the lines of unequal length is positioned square to the considered surface.
The symbol should not be indicated alone, without complementary information. It
may, however be used for collective indication.

60°

Fig. 26.1 Basic graphical symbol.

Expanded graphical symbols

Fig. 26.2 shows the symbol indicating that removal of material is required. Fig. 26.3
shows the symbol indicating that removal of material is not permitted.

Fig. 26.2 Symbol indicating removal of material.

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376 Manual of Engineering Drawing

Fig. 26.3 Symbol indicating removal of material is not permitted.

Complete graphical symbols

Note: If complementary requirements for surface texture characteristics are required,
then a line is added to the longer arm of the symbols, as shown below. Any
manufacturing process permitted, see Fig. 26.4. Removal of material required, see
Fig. 26.5. Removal of material not permitted, see Fig. 26.6.

Fig. 26.4 Complimentary requirements - any manufacturing process permitted.

Fig. 26.5 Complimentary requirements - removal of material required.

Fig. 26.6 Complimentary requirements - removal of material not permitted.

Surface texture 377

‘All surfaces around a workpiece’ graphical symbol

When the same surface texture is required on every surface around a workpiece, then a
small circle is added to the symbol as shown in Fig. 26.7. The texture applies to all
eight sides. If ambiguity is considered likely, then each surface may have its own
independent symbol.

5
4

8
1 2 3

7
Fig. 26.7 Symbol indicating all surfaces.

Composition of complete graphical symbols for surface

texture
To avoid ambiguity, it may also be necessary to add additional requirements to the
surface texture symbol and its numerical value, i.e. machining allowances,
manufacturing process, sampling length and surface lay.

Mandatory positions for complementary requirements

Fig. 26.8 shows mandatory positions of associated surface texture requirements. Note
that in accordance with BS EN ISO 1302 the position ‘X’ is no longer used. Only
positions a, b, c, d, and e should be used. Position ‘a’ indicates one single surface
texture requirement. Positions ‘a’ and ‘b’ indicate two or more surface texture

a
x
b

e d

Fig. 26.8 Mandatory positions for requirements.

378 Manual of Engineering Drawing

requirements. Position ‘c’ indicates manufacturing method, treatment, coating or other

process. Position ‘d’ indicates surface lay. Position ‘e’ shows machining allowance.
Three principal groups of surface texture parameters have been standardized in
connection with the complete symbol and are defined as R, W, and P profiles. The
R profile series relates to roughness parameters. The W profile series relates to wavi-
ness parameters. The P profile series relates to structure parameters. The Ra value is the
most commonly specified value throughout the world and examples follow in this
chapter. Fig. 26.9 illustrates an application with a single Ra requirement. Fig. 26.10
shows an application with an upper and lower call out requirement. Fig. 26.11 shows
examples of position and orientation on various surfaces. Note that the general rule
when reading drawings is to read from the bottom or the right-hand side of the
drawing. Fig. 26.12 is a typical application in connection with features of size of
mating parts. Fig. 26.13 and 26.14 show examples of typical tolerance frames for
geometrical tolerance applications.

Ground
Ra 0,05

0,1 C

Fig. 26.9 Symbol with Ra requirements.

Ground
Ra 0,05
Ra 0.025

0.1 C

Fig. 26.10 Symbol with upper and lower Ra requirements.

Ra 0,05

Ra 1,6
Ra 6,3

Ra 6,3

Ra 0,05

Ra 1,6

Fig. 26.11 Recommended position and orientation of symbols in relation to surfaces.

Surface texture 379

Ra 0,2

φ 80h7

Ra 0,1

φ 80H7

Fig. 26.12 Symbols relating to mating parts.

Ra 0,2

Ø8 ± 0,5
φ 0,1 C D

Fig. 26.13 Symbol attached to geometrical tolerance.

Ra 0,1

0,05

Fig. 26.14 Symbol attached to geometrical tolerance.

Further information on this specialized area of Metrology is given in BS EN ISO

1302, Indication of Surface Texture in Product Documentation. The examples in
Fig. 26.15 show methods of indicating four typical examples of surface lay.
(a) The lay is parallel to the plane of projection of the view where the symbol is drawn. The
‘equals’ symbol is added to the graphical symbol in the position shown. An arrow is indi-
cated on the workpiece for clarification.
(b) The lay is perpendicular to the plane of projection and the symbol drawn is an inverted letter
‘T’.
(c) The lay crosses the workpiece in two oblique directions indicated by the letter ‘X’.
(d) The lay consists of concentric circles and the symbol used is the letter ‘C’.
The Standard also states that where a surface pattern is required which is not
covered by BS 8888, an explanatory note shall be added to the drawing.
380 Manual of Engineering Drawing

⊥ =

C X

Fig. 26.15 Symbols indicating surface lay.

Fig. 26.16 shows approximate Ra surface roughness ranges for components

manufactured by some common production methods. This information can only be
approximate, since finish depends on many factors, such as the skill of the machinist,
the accuracy and condition of the machine, the speeds and feeds selected for the oper-
ation, and the quality and condition of the cutting tools.
The approximate relationship between surface roughness and the cost of producing
such a finish is shown in Fig. 26.17. The cost of rough machining can be considered as
the zero datum on the y axis of the graph, and other processes can be compared with it.
For example, a finish of 6.3 mm produced by grinding may well cost four times as
much as rough machining. Many factors contribute toward production costs, and
this information again can be only approximate.
 Dia
tur mon Ro
nin d ug
g hg
rin
Surface texture

Fin Pr
e din
tur ish gri cisi g
nin nd on
Ro g ing fin
Co i sh
tur ugh gri mme
nin nd
g

production processes.
ing rcial
Co
sa ntou Fo
win r rgi
g ng
Sh Fla
ap cu me
ing ttin
g
Ho Ex
t ro tru
llin din
g g
Co Dr
ld aw
rol ing
lin
g
Re Dr
am illin
ing g
Pla D ie
nin
g -ca
Po sti
lish Pe ng
ing ca rman
sti
ng ent
Mi mo
l
(ch ng l i
Inv uld
ca estm
em sti
ica ng ent
Mi l) Sa
llin nd
g( -ca
HS sti
Mi S) Ro ng
(ca lling bu ller
rbi rni
de sh
s) Br ing
La oa
pp ch
ing ing
Ho Bo
nin rin
g g
Ge Ba
ar rre
sh
ap l fi
nis
ing
hin

50
25
g

6.3
3.2
1.6
0.8
0.4
0.2
0.1
50
25
6.3
3.2
1.6
0.8
0.4
0.2
0.1

12.5
0.05
12.5
0.05

Mi

0.025
0.025

cro

Fig. 26.16 Approximate Ra surface roughness ranges obtainable by various common

me
tre
s
381
382 Manual of Engineering Drawing

22

20

18

16

14
Relative cost

12

10

0,1 0,4 0,8 3,2 6,3 12,5 25

Surface roughness – micrometres
Fig. 26.17 Approximate relationship between surface roughness and cost.