LIMITS AND FITS

Terms Used in a Limit System: Nominal Size: The size of a part specified in a drawing. Basic Size: The size of a part to which all the limits of variation are applied. The nominal or basic size of a part is often the same. Actual Size: The actual measured dimension of a part. Limits of Sizes: There are two extreme permissible sizes for the dimension of a part. The largest permissible size for the dimension is called upper or maximum limit. The smallest permissible size for the dimension of a part is called lower or minimum limit. Allowance: Allowance is the difference between the basic dimensions of mating parts. It may be positive or negative. Allowance is positive when the shaft size is less than the hole size, and negative when the shaft size is greater than the hole size. Tolerance: Tolerance is the difference between the upper limit and lower limit of a dimension. Tolerance may be unilateral or bilateral. The unilateral system is mostly used in industries as it permits varying the tolerance value while retaining the allowance between mating parts. Tolerance Zone: It is the zone between the maximum and minimum limit size.

FITS: The degree of tightness or looseness between two mating parts is called a fit.
Clearance: The amount by which the actual size of the shaft is less than the actual size of the mating hole in an assembly. Interference: The amount by which the actual size of a shaft is larger than the actual finished size of the mating hole in an assembly. TYPES OF FITS: a) Clearance fit: In this type of fit, the size limits of the mating parts are so selected that clearance always exists between them. Here, the tolerance zone of the hole is entirely above the tolerance zone of shaft. In a clearance fit: Minimum Clearance = Minimum size of hole Maximum size of shaft Maximum Clearance = Maximum size of hole Minimum size of shaft

A Clearance fit can be a slide fit, easy sliding fit, running fit, slack running fit or loose running fit.

b) Interference fit: In this type of fit, the size limits of the mating parts are so selected that interference always exists between them. Here, the tolerance zone of the hole is entirely below the tolerance zone of shaft. In an Interference fit: Minimum Interference = Maximum size of hole Minimum size of shaft Maximum Interference = Minimum size of hole Maximum size of shaft An Interference fit can be a force fit, heavy drive fit or light drive fit.

c) Transition fit: In this type of fit, the size limits for the mating parts are so selected that either a clearance or interference may occur, depending upon the actual size of mating parts. Here, the tolerance zones of the hole and shaft overlap. The transition fit may be force fit, tight fit or push fit.

Basis of Limit System: a) Hole Basis System: When the hole is kept as a constant member and different fits are obtained by varying the shaft size, then the limit system is said to be on a hole basis. b) Shaft Basis System: When the shaft is kept as a constant member and different fits are obtained by varying the hole size, then the limit system is said to be on a shaft basis. From manufacturing point of view, the hole basis system is followed as holes are produced by standard tooling like drills and reamers, etc. whose size is not adjustable easily.

REFERENCES:

MACHINE DESIGN by R.S.Khurmi and J.K.Gupta.

Equivalent fits on the hole basis and shaft basis systems clearance Hole basis H7-c8 H8-c9 H11-c11 H7-d8 H8-d9 H11-d11 H6-e7 H7-e8 H8-e8 H6-f6 H7-f7 H8-f8 transition Hole basis H6-j5 H7-j6 H8-j7 H6-k5 H7-k6 H8-k7 H6-m5 H7-m6 H8-m7 H7-n6 H8-n7 interference Hole basis H6-n5 H6-p5 H7-p6 H6-r5 H7-r6 H6-s5 H7-s6 H8-s7 H6-t5 H7-t6 H8-t7

Shaft basis C8-h7 C9-h8 C11-h11 D8-h7 D9-h8 D11-h11 E7-h6 E8-h7 E8-h8 F6-h6 F7-h7 F8-h8

Shaft basis J6-h5 J7-h6 J8-h7 K6-h5 K7-h6 K8-h7 M6-h5 M7-h6 M8-h7 N7-h6 N8-h7

Shaft basis N6-h5 P6-h5 P7-h6 R6-h5 R7-h6 S6-h5 S7-h6 S8-h7 T6-h5 T7-h6 T8-h7