Engineering Fits – Clearance, Transition, Interference Fit
Introduction To Engineering Fit:
In a specific type of fit, the difference between hole size and shaft size is called allowance. Allowance is used to explain the difference between clearance fit and interference fit. Positive allowance specifies the clearance fit whereas negative allowance in a fit specifies the interference or force fit. The relationship existing between two parts, shaft, and hole, which are to be assembled, concerning the difference in their sizes before assembly, is called a fit. When the parts are assembled into sub-assembly units and sub-assembly units are assembled into the full assembly, the mating surfaces of different components are joined together for the proper functional requirement. One of them may fit into the other in the form of joint or fit. The fit may be with a suitable degree of tightness and freedom for required relative movement between mating parts for specific functional requirements of the fit.
The classification of fits is given in Fig.
Clearance Fit-Loose Fit, Running Fit, Slide Fit
Components are assembled to perform a specific function. The characteristic of the assembly is determined by the fit. Fit is the general term used to signify the relative degree of tightness or looseness of assembled parts, which decides the relative movement between mating parts. Particular type of fit results from the difference in the sizes of mating parts. Fig. shows the various types of fits. Two parts can fit each other in three ways, viz.
Example Of Engineering Fits
Clearance Fit
Clearance fit is one in which two assembled parts are always free to move relative to each other in the assembly. In the clearance fit, the largest permitted shaft diameter is smaller than the diameter of the smallest hole. The difference between the size of the hole and the size of the shaft is defined as clearance. Clearance fits have limits of the size prescribed so that a clearance always results in a positive allowance, or air space is left between mating parts. The parts can be assembled by hand. Clearance fit is of two kinds namely sliding and running fits. Examples of clearance fit are door hinges, wheel, and axle, shaft and bearing, etc. used in the assembly of parts.
Clearance fit can be sub-classified as follows :
Loose Fit
It is used between those mating parts where no precision is required. It provides minimum allowance and is used on loose pulleys, agricultural machineries, etc.
Running Fit
For a running fit, the dimension of the shaft should be smaller enough to maintain a film of oil for lubrication. It is used in bearing pair etc. An allowance 0.025 mm per 25 mm of diameter of bearing may be used.
Slide Fit or Medium Fit
It is used on those mating parts where great precision is required. It provides medium allowance and is used in tool slides, slide valves, automobile parts, etc.
Interference Fit
In the interference fit, mating parts in sub-assembly or main assembly are joined tightly together and no relative motion is possible. The minimum permitted diameter of the shaft is larger than the maximum allowable diameter of the hole. In this case, the shaft and the hole member in any sub-assembly or main assembly are to be attached permanently and used as a solid component but according to the application of this combination, this type of fit can be varied. Interference fit is used for permanent or semi-permanent assembly of parts, which require rigidity and alignment and no relative motion, such as dowel pins and bearings in casting. The difference between the size of the shaft and the size of the hole in any sub-assembly or main assembly is called interference or negative clearance or negative allowance. Interference fit has limits of size so prescribed that interference always results when mating parts are assembled. Transition fits are of two kinds namely driving or press-fit and shrink or force fit. To assemble, parts are usually pressed together using an arbor press
The interference fit can be sub-classified as follows :
Shrink Fit or Heavy Force Fit
It refers to the maximum negative allowance. In the assembly of the hole and the shaft, the hole is expanded by heating and then rapidly cooled in its position. It is used in the fitting of rims etc.
Medium Force Fit
These fits have medium negative allowance. Considerable pressure is required to assemble the hole and the shaft. It is used in car wheels, armature of dynamos, etc.
Tight Fit or Press Fit
One part can be assembled into the other with a hand hammer or by light pressure. A slight negative allowance exists between two mating parts (more than wringing fit). It gives a semi-permanent fit and is used on a keyed pulley and shaft, rocker arm, etc.
Transition Fit
In this type of fit, the diameter of the largest allowable hole is greater than that of the smallest shaft, but the smallest hole is smaller than the largest shaft so that small positive or negative clearance between the shaft and hole member is employable. Thus, transition fit has limits of the size of the hole and shaft such that either a clearance or an interference fit may result when two specific parts from the lot are assembled. Here the tolerance zones of the hole and shaft overlap. Transition fits are a compromise between clearance and interference fit where a small amount of either clearance or interference is permissible. Transition fit is of two kinds namely push-fit and light keying fits. That is, sometimes the shaft is slightly larger than the hole and sometimes slightly smaller than the hole. Spigot in mating holes, coupling rings and recesses are the examples of transition fit.
Transition fit can be sub-classified as follows :
Push Fit
It refers to zero allowance and a light pressure (pins, etc.) is required in assembling the hole and the shaft. The moving parts show the least vibration with this type of fit. It is also known as a snug fit.
Force Fit or Shrink Fit
A force fit is used when the two mating parts are to be rigidly fixed so that one cannot move without the other. It either requires high pressure to force the shaft into the hole or the hole to be expanded by heating. It is used in railway wheels, etc.
Wringing Fit
A slight negative allowance exists between two mating parts in wringing fit. It requires pressure to force the shaft into the hole and gives a light assembly. It is used in fixing keys, pins, etc.
Sachin is a B-TECH graduate in Mechanical Engineering from a reputed Engineering college. Currently, he is working in the sheet metal industry as a designer. Additionally, he has interested in Product Design, Animation, and Project design. He also likes to write articles related to the mechanical engineering field and tries to motivate other mechanical engineering students by his innovative project ideas, design, models and videos.
Mechanical Engineering is an essential discipline of engineering encompassing many specializations, with each contributing its unique aspect to the dynamic and inventive nature of this field. With...
The Ram Lalla idol, which is installed at Ayodhya's Ram temple has many significant religious symbols from Hinduism. All 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu are engraved on the idol. Notably, Lord Ram is...
Detailed Classification Of Fits with Applications Used In Engineering Metrology 
Limit Fit and Tolerance By S K Mondal for IES, GATE and PSUs Download 
Design and Analysis of Snap Fit Joints -Mechanical Projects 
Metrology Interview Questions and Answers For Mechanical Student 
Measurement Science Online notes , Objective and Interview Questions 
Automobile Engineering MCQ | Objective Question and Answers Part 2 
What is Mechanical Pins | Types Of Pins 
Basic Interview Questions 2017 For Mechanical Engineering
Good one! Help a lot.
Is there a way I can talk to you? E-mail or social media?
Thank you sir