Tolerance is the amount that a component's dimensions may vary or deviate from its nominal or

stated specifications. This standard is essential since it acts as a pivot, guaranteeing that the
component will continue to work and fit into the assigned assembly without fail even in the event
that the manufacturing process is not flawless.

Limits are the acceptable range of dimensions assigned to a certain part. They successfully indicate the
lower and upper bounds where the component's dimensions must fall in order for them to meet the
required specifications.

Fits" refers to how two components interact with one another when put together during
assembly. The choice of a certain fit type determines how tight or loose these components are,
which in turn affects whether clearance or interference is present.

Nominal size
This is the ideal design size of a part without any variation or tolerance considered. For example, a shaft
with a nominal diameter of 10 mm.

Basic size

This refers to the theoretically exact size from which permissible variations in tolerance are calculated.
Basic size will include necessary manufacturing allowances. For example, a shaft with a basic diameter of
10 mm +/- 0.1 mm.

Allowance

The allowance can be defined as the difference between the maximum material limit of the
mating components or holes and the shaft. A positive allowance represents the minimal
clearance, whereas a negative allowance represents the greatest interference.

Limit of size is the maximum and minimum allowable sizes within which the actual size should
fall. The higher value for each part represents the top limit, while the smaller value represents the
lower limit.

Clearance fits

Clearance fittings allow for loose mating in which open movement and some play are desired.
Clearance fits are used when elements need to flow in and out without being obstructed, and
when alignment can be gently guided but does not require strict precision.
Examples of clearance fit might include bolt/shaft holes where an element will slide freely through
another feature.
Interferance fit

An interference fit will be substantially more snug than a clearance fit. The interference fit, also
known as a press fit or friction fit, requires a certain amount of force to unite two components.
An interference fit can be used by pressing a bushing, bearing, dowel pin, or other object into its
matching component. Once linked, this forms a relatively robust union that would require
significant force or machine operations to decouple.

Transition fit

A transition fit falls somewhere between a clearance and an interference fit. Transition fittings
are required when exact alignment is needed and mating parts must be joined with greater
accuracy. These may also be referred to as slip or push fits. There will still be more space than in
a press/interference fit, but it will be much smaller and should eliminate excess play or
movement in the joint.

Visual Representation of the three types of fits