INTRODUCTION TO CONVENTIONAL

TOLERANCING

INCH FITS

Ing. Jorge Luis Pacheco Yepes M.Sc.

Clarence Fits
The parts can be assembled by hand because the hole is always
larger than the shaft.

Interferences Fits
The hole is always smaller than the shaft. Interference fits are for
permanent assemblies of parts that require rigidity and alignment

Transitions Fits
Transition fits are a compromise between clearance and interference
fits. They are used for applications where accurate location is
important, but either a small amount of clearance or interference is
permissible.
Clarences Fits
Interferences Fits
Transitions Fits
Descriptions of Fits
Running and Sliding Fits
Special type of clarences tolerances. These are
intented to provide a similar running performance,
with suitable lubrication allowance, throughout the
range of sizes.
Drive and Force Fits
Drive and force fits constitute a special type of
interference fit, normally characterized by
maintenance of constant bore pressures throughout the
range of sizes. The interference therefore varies
almost directly with diameter, and the difference
between its minimum and maximum values is small to
maintain the resulting pressures within reasonable
limits
Locational Fits
Locational fits are intended to determine only the
location of the mating parts; they may provide rigid or
accurate location,
Locational clearance fits are intended for parts that are
are normally stationary but which can be freely
assembled or disassembled.
Locational transition fits are a compromise between
clearance and interference fits, for application where
accuracy of location is important but a small amount
of either clearance or interference is permissible.
Locational interference fits are used where accuracy
of location is of prime importance and for parts
requiring rigidity and alignment.
Appendix pages 497
Descriptions of Fits Running and Sliding Fits
Precision Sliding
This fit is Fit
intended for the
accurate location of parts that
must assemble without
perceptible play for high
precision work such as gages
Loose Running RC Sliding Fit
Fits RC
These fits are intended for use where materials 1 This fit is intended for accurate location, but with greater
made to commercial tolerances are involved such 8- RC maximum clearance than class RC1. Parts made to this fit
move and turn easily but are not intended to run freely.
as cold-rolled shafting, tubing, etc.
RC 2
9 Precision Running
Free Running Fit RC RC RC Fit
This fit is about the closest fit that can be expected to run
This fit is intended for use where accuracy is not
essential, and/or where large temperature variations
7 3 freely, and is intended for precision work for oil-
lubricated bearings at slow speeds and light journal
are likely to be encountered RC pressures
5- RC
Medium Running RC 4
Fits 6 Close Running Fit
These fits are intended for higher running speeds This fit is intended chiefly as a running fit for greaseor
and/or where temperature variations are likely to oil-lubricated bearings on accurate machinery with
be encountered. moderate surface speeds and journal pressures, where
accurate location and minimum play are desired.

Appendix pages 497

Descriptions of Fits Locational Clearance Fits

These fits have a minimum zero clearance, but

in practice the probability is that the fit will
always have a clearance.
LC1 to
LC4
These fits have a small minimum clearance
LC5 and intended for close location fits for non-running
LC6 parts.

LC7 to
LC11 These fits have progressively larger clearances and
tolerances, and are useful for various loose
clearances for assembly of bolts and similar parts.
Descriptions of Fits Locational Transition Fits

These fits average a slight clearance, giving a

light push fit..
LT1 and
LT2
These fits average virtually no clearance, and are for
use where some interference can be tolerated. These
LT3 and are sometimes referred to as an easy keying fit, and
LT4 are used for shaft keys and ball race fits. Assembly
is generally by pressure or hammer blows..

LT5 and
LT6 These fits have progressively larger clearances and
tolerances, and are useful for various loose
clearances for assembly of bolts and similar parts.
Descriptions of Fits Locational Interference Fits

These are light press fits, with very small minimum interference, suitable
for parts such as dowel pins, which are assembled with an arbor press in
steel, cast iron, or brass. Parts can normally be dismantled and
LN1 reassembled.
and
LN2
This is suitable as a heavy press fit in steel and
LN3 brass, or a light press fit in more elastic materials
and light alloys

LN4 to
LN6 While LN4 can be used for permanent assembly of
steel parts, these fits are primarily intended as press
fits for soft materials.
Descriptions of Fits Force or Shrink Fits

Requires light assembly pressure and produces more or less

permanent assemblies. It is suitable for thin sections or long
fits, or in cast-iron external members.
FN1

Suitable for parts that can be

highly stressed. Suitable for heavier steel parts, or as a shrink fit on
FN4-FN5. FN 2 light sections.

FN3
Suitable for heavier steel parts, or as a shrink fit in
medium sections..
Exercises inch fits
Exercises inch fits