2. Objective
To learn how to effectively tolerance parts
such that parts function correctly and cost is
kept to a minimum
3. Tolerancing
Definition: Allowance for specific variation in the
size and geometry of a part
Why is tolerancing necessary?
It is impossible to manufacture a part to an exact size or
geometry
Since variation from the drawing is inevitable the
acceptable degree of variation must be specified
Large variation may affect the functionality of the part
Small variation will effect the cost of the part
requires precise manufacturing
requires inspection and the rejection of parts
4. Functionality
Assemblies: Parts will often not fit together if their
dimensions do not fall with in a certain range of
values
Interchangeability: If a replacement part is used it
must be a duplicate of of the original part within
certain limits of deviation
The relationship between functionality and size or
shape of an object varies from part to part
the usefulness of eyeglasses is extremely sensitive to
size and shape
the usefulness of glass marbles are not very sensitive to
size and shape
5. Cost
Cost generally increases with smaller tolerance
There is generally a lower limit to this relationship
where larger tolerances do not affect cost
(!0.020 Vs !0.010)
Small tolerances cause an exponential increase in cost
Parts with small tolerances often require special
methods of manufacturing
Parts with small tolerances often require greater
inspection and call for the rejection of parts
Do not specify a smaller tolerance than is
necessary!
6. How Is Tolerance Specified?
Size
Limits specifying the allowed variation in each
dimension (length, width, height, diameter, etc.)
are given on the drawing
Geometry
Geometric Tolerancing
Allows for specification of tolerance for the
geometry of a part separate from its size
GDT (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)
uses special symbols to control different geometric
features of a part
7. General Tolerances
A note may be placed on the drawing which
specifies the tolerance for all dimensions except
where individually specified
ALL DECIMAL DIMENSIONS TO BE HELD
TO !0.020
Several tolerances may be specified for
dimensions with a different number of decimal
places or for a different type of dimension such as
angles
Specific tolerances given to a dimension on a
drawing always supersede general tolerances
8. Specific Tolerances
The tolerance for a single dimension may be
specified with the dimension
The tolerance is total variation between the upper and
lower limits (tolerance = .020)
Limits
Unilateral tolerance
Bilateral tolerance
9. Tolerancing Holes and Shafts
Terms
Basic size: The size to which tolerances are applied
Nominal size: The general size (0.261 { 1/4)
Allowance
The minimum space between two mating parts
Based on the largest shaft and the smallest hole
A negative number indicates that the parts must be
forced together
Max. Clearance
The maximum space between mating parts
Based on the smallest shaft and the largest hole
10. Tolerancing Holes and Shafts
Types of Fit
Clearance fit
The parts are toleranced such that the largest shaft is
smaller than the smallest hole
The allowance is positive and greater than zero
Transition fit
The parts are toleranced such that the allowance is
negative and the max. clearance is positive
The parts may be loose or forced together
Interference fit
The max. clearance is always negative
The parts must always be forced together
11. Tolerancing Holes and Shafts
Preferred fits: A specified system of fits for
holes and shafts for SI units
Hole basis
The minimum hole size equals the basic hole size
Uses the symbol H in the tolerance specification
Shaft basis
The maximum shaft size equals the basic shaft size
Uses the symbol h in the tolerance specification
12. Tolerancing Holes and Shafts
Preferred precision fits: A specified system of fits
for holes and shafts for english units
Based on hole basis
Classes of fit specified
RC: Running and sliding
(Allowance >0, Max Clearance >0)
LC: Clearance and locational
(Allowance =0, Max Clearance >0)
LT: Transition locational
(Allowance <0, Max Clearance >0)
LN: Interference locational
(Allowance <0, Max Clearance =0)
FN: Force and shrink
(Allowance <0, Max Clearance <0)
13. Examples: Holes and Shafts
Metric
Fit 6 H7/n6
Metric: Preferred Hole Basis (H)
Allowance: -0.016
Max. Clearance: 0.004
Hole Limits: 6.012 / 6.000
Shaft Limits: 6.016 / 6.008
Hole Tolerance: 0.012
Shaft Tolerance: 0.008
Type of fit: Transition
14. Examples: Holes and Shafts
Metric
Fit 6 C11/h11
Metric: Preferred Shaft Basis (h)
Allowance: 0.070
Max. Clearance: 0.220
Hole Limits: 6.145 / 6.070
Shaft Limits: 6.000 / 5.925
Hole Tolerance: 0.075
Shaft Tolerance: 0.075
Type of fit: Clearance
15. Examples: Holes and Shafts
English
Fit 0.25 FN 1
English: Preferred Precision Fit, Hole Basis
Allowance: -0.00075
Max. Clearance: -0.00010
Hole Limits: 0.25040 / 0.25000
Shaft Limits: 0.25075 / 0.25050
Hole Tolerance: 0.00040
Shaft Tolerance: 0.00025
Type of fit: Force
16. Example
Part A fits into part B
All dimensions for part A are held !0.010
Specify the dimensions and tolerance for B
with an allowance of 0.010