Engineering fits between two mating parts can be divided into three types: 1 a clearance fit, in which the

shaft is always smaller than the hole into which it fits; 2 an interference fit, in which the shaft is always bigger than the hole into which it fits; 3 a transition fit, in which the shaft may be either bigger or smaller than the hole into which it fitsit will therefore be possible to get interference or clearance fits in one group of assemblies.

Bases of fits The two bases of a system of limits and fits are (a) the hole basis, (b) the shaft basis. The BSI data sheet 4500A gives a selection of ISO fits on the hole basis, and data sheet 4500B gives a selection of shaft-basis fits extracted from BS 45000, the current standard on limits and fits. The ISO system contained in BS 4500 gives an extensive selection of hole and shaft tolerances to cover a wide range of applications. It has been found, however, that in the manufacture of many standard engineering components a limited selection of tolerances is adequate. These are provided on the data sheets referred to above. Obviously, by using only a selected range of fits, economic advantages are obtained from the reduced tooling and gauging facilities involved. Selected ISO fitshole basis (extracted from BS 4500) The ISO system provides a great many hole and shaft tolerances so as to cater for a very wide range of conditions. However, experience shows that the majority of fit conditions required for normal engineering products can be provided by a quite limited selection of tolerances. The following selected hole and shaft tolerances have been found to be commonly applied:

selected hole tolerances: H7 H8 H9 H11; selected shaft tolerances: c11 d10 e9 f7 g6 h6 k6 n6 p6 s6 u6.

Preferred Fits ISO Symbol Hole Basis Shaft Basis Remarks H11/c11 H9/d9 Clearance Fits H8/f7 H7/g6 H7/h6 Transition Fits H7/k6 H7/n6 H7/p6 Interference Fits H7/s6 H7/u6 C11/h11 Loose fit. Wide tolerance. D9/h9 F8/h7 G7/h6 H7/h6 K7/h6 N7/h6 P7/h6 S7/h6 U7/h6 Free running. Not when accuracy is important. Close running fit. Sliding fit. Not meant for the two parts running against each other but suitable for sliding adjustments. Snug fit but easy assembly Accurate location with some interference Use when larger interference is permissible For rigidity and correct alignment but not for power transmission Medium drive fit for ordinary steel parts. The tightest fit for cast iron parts High interference. Shrink fit recommended. Force fit for heavy parts only

Method of dimensioning a holes:

Example Give tolerances for a shaft-hole pair with a 38-mm basic size. Use the hole basis system. Specify tolerances for a close running fit and loose fit. Use H8f7 Applying to a basic size of 38 mm dmin = 38 + 0 dmax = 38 + 0.039 Hole diameter range = [38.000 38.039] dmax = 38 - 0.025 dmin = 38 - 0.050 Shaft diameter range = [37.950 37.975] Example Give tolerances for a shaft-hole pair with a 96-mm basic size. Use the hole basis system. Specify tolerances for a medium drive fit and snug fit. Use H7s6 Applying to a basic size of 96 mm HOLE dmin = 96 + 0 dmax = 96 + 0.035 Hole diameter range = [96.000 96.035] SHAFT dmax = 96 + 0.079 dmin = 96 + 0.101 Shaft diameter range = [96.079 96.101] Minimum Interference = 96.079 - 96.035 = 0.044 mm Maximum Interference = 96.101 - 96.000 = 0.101 mm

Example A

Give tolerances for a shaft-hole pair with a 38-mm basic size. Use the hole basis system. Specify tolerances for a close running fit and loose fit. Example B Give tolerances for a shaft-hole pair with a 96-mm basic size. Use the hole basis system. Specify tolerances for a medium drive fit and snug fit.