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2D Virtual Condition
The Virtual Condition of a feature is a concept used to describe the worst-case envelope which either of two features must lie within in order to mate acceptably. For a shaft that fits into a hole, the shaft virtual condition must be smaller than the hole virtual condition.
 
For an external feature of size, such as a shaft, the virtual condition is equal to the size at MMC plus the size of the tolerance zone. For the shaft in Figure VC1.1, the diameter of the virtual condition is the diameter of the MMC shaft plus the diameter of the position tolerance zone.

Figure VC1.1

For an internal feature of size, such as a hole, the virtual condition is equal to the size at MMC minus the size of the tolerance zone. For the hole in Figure VC1.2, the diameter of the virtual condition is the diameter of the MMC hole minus the diameter of the position tolerance zone.

Figure VC1.2

Figure VC1.3 shows the shaft and hole virtual conditions superimposed. Since the shaft virtual condition is smaller than the hole virtual condition, the two parts will always mate.

Figure VC1.3

In summary, the way to calculate virtual condition (VC) for a shaft and hole is:
SHAFT VC = MMC diameter + Position Tolerance Zone Diameter
HOLE VC = MMC diameter - Position Tolerance Zone Diameter

 
Virtual condition is extremely useful in the design of functional gauges. A functional gauge made to virtual condition will ensure that a part will always mate with its counterpart. For a description of how a real-world functional gauge works, please see 3D Functional Gauge. To start from scratch in 3D, go to 3D Datums.

CNC Machining Design Guide

Optimize your designs, reduce machining time, and lower your costs.

Injection Molding Design Guide

Guide for high quality and cost-effective plastic injection molding.

STEM Career Outlook

Wages, employment opportunities, and growth projections for STEM jobs.

Negotiate Your Salary

Learn the best principles to negotiate the salary you deserve!