GD&T Symbol Guide
Restrained Condition Note
A drawing note that requires inspection while the part is fixtured, fastened, or otherwise restrained.
Definition
A restrained condition note overrides the normal free-state inspection assumption for non-rigid parts.
The note should define the fixture, fasteners, forces, or assembly condition used to hold the part during inspection.
Application
Use it when a flexible part only has its functional shape after installation or clamping.
Pair it with free-state symbols for any features that still need to be inspected without restraint.
Restrained Condition Note Drawing Use
Restrained Condition Note is read with the adjacent dimension, note, or feature control frame so inspection uses the intended feature definition.
3D Tolerance Zone
This modifier changes how a related dimension, note, or feature control frame is interpreted.
Inspection Method
Read the symbol with the attached dimension, note, or feature control frame before evaluating the feature.
Verify the controlled feature using the drawing's stated limits, datum setup, and any special notes tied to the symbol.
Worked Read: Restrained Condition Note
A drawing includes the Restrained Condition Note symbol with a related feature requirement.
Identify
RC
Recognize the Restrained Condition Note symbol and the feature it modifies.
Read
Adjacent value
Use the attached dimension, note, or frame cells as the controlling requirement.
Inspect
Per drawing
Measure the named feature using the specified interpretation rather than assuming a generic size check.
Restrained Condition Note clarifies how the feature is defined so the drawing and inspection method stay aligned.
Comparison Table
| Item | Controls | Typical Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Restrained Condition Note | Requirement interpretation | Next to a dimension, note, or frame |
| GD&T control | Geometric variation | Feature control frame |
| Datum reference | Measurement setup | Datum feature or frame cell |
Notes
This page is part of the drawing-symbol reference set rather than a standalone geometric tolerance category.
When the symbol modifies a feature control frame, read it together with the tolerance value and datum references.