Limits, Fits, and Tolerances

Capital letters refer to holes; lowercase letters are used for shafts
 Limits and Fits
 Basic Size- size to which limits or deviations
are assigned
 Deviation- algebraic difference between size
and corresponding basic size
 Upper deviation- indicates maximum difference
 Lower deviation- indicates minimum difference

 Fundamental deviation- which of the above is

closer to the basic size
 Limits and Fits
 Tolerance- difference between max. and min. size
limits
 International tolerance grade numbers (IT)-
designated groups of tolerances that vary
depending on basic size
 Hole basis- system of fits corresponding to hole
sizes (H is the fundamental deviation)
 Shaft basis- system of fits corresponding to shaft
size (h is the fundamental deviation)

See Table 2-8 for a Description of Preferred Fits Using the Basic Hole
System
 Conventions and Variable
Definitions
D- basic hole size
d- basic shaft size
-deviation
u-upper deviation
l-lower deviation
F-fundamental deviation
D- tolerance grade for hole
d- tolerance grade for shaft
 For holes
Dmax = D + D (Eq. 2-38)
Dmin = D
 For shafts with clearance fits c, d, f, g, and h
dmax = d + F (Eq. 2-39)
dmin = d + F – d
 For shafts with interference fits k, n, p, s, and u
dmin = d + F (Eq. 2-40)
dmax = d + F + d
 Dimensions and Tolerances
 Nominal size - size for speaking of an element (i.e., ½”
bolt or 3” pipe)
 Basic size – exact theoretical size
 Limits – stated maximum and minimum dimensions
 Tolerance – difference between two limits
 Bilateral – 1.005 ± 0.002 in
0.004
 Unilateral – 1.0050.000 in
 Natural tolerance – plus and minus three standard
deviations
 Dimensions and Tolerances
 Clearance – difference in dimensions
(diametral or radial)
 Used only when the internal member is smaller
than the external member
 Interference – difference in dimensions
 Used when the internal member is larger than the
external member
 Allowance – minimum clearance or maximum
interference
 TOLERANCE
 Tolerance is the total amount a dimension may vary.
 It is the difference between the maximum and
minimum limits.
 Ways to Express:
 1. Direct limits or as tolerance limits applied to a
dimension
 2. Geometric tolerances
 3. A general tolerance note in title block
 4. Notes referring to specific conditions
Direct Limits and Tolerance
Values