Submitted by: Zion S.

Bugna
BSME-4
ME 4101
8:30-10:00, TTh
Tolerance and Allowances Definition of Terms
NOMINAL SIZE: Nominal Size is the size used for general description.
BASIC SIZE: Basic Size is the size used when the nominal size is converted to the
decimal and from which deviation are made to produce limit dimension.
LIMIT DIMENSION: Limit dimension is the Lower and Upper permitted sizes for a
single feature dimension.
TOLERANCE: Tolerance is the allowable variation for any given size in order to
achieve a proper function. Tolerance equals the difference between lower and upper
limit dimensions.
BILATERAL TOLERANCE: It is a way to express tolerance by using both minus and
plus variations from a given size.
UNILATERAL TOLERANCE: It is a way to express tolerance by using only minus or
plus variation from a given size.
FIT: The general term of fit to describe the range of tightness designed into parts
which assemble one into another.
A-CLEARANCE FIT: It is a type of fit in which one part fits easily into another with a
resulting clearance gap.
B-FORCE (INTERFERENCE) FIT: It is a type of fit in which one part must be
forcibly fitted into another.
C-TRANSITION FIT: C-Transition Fit is a type of fit in which loosest case provides a
clearance fit and the tightest case gives an interference fit.
ALLOWANCE: An allowance is an alternative expression for tightest possible fit,
which is minimum clearance or maximum interference.
BASIC-SHAFT SYSTEM: This is a system in which the basic size is included as one
of the limit dimensions of the shaft. But it is not for the hole.
BASIC-HOLE SYSTEM: This is a system in which the basic size appears as one of
the limit dimensions of the hole. But it is not for the shaft.
MINIMUM MATERIAL CONDITION: In this condition a hole is at its largest limit
dimension. A shaft is at its smallest limit dimension. This condition exists at
maximum clearance or minimum interference.
MAXIMUM MATERIAL CONDITION: In this condition a hole is at its smallest limit
dimension. The shaft is at its largest limit dimension. This condition exists at
minimum clearance or maximum interference.
Free Running: Free running is a type of tolerance can be usable where any special
requirements for accuracy in not essential, but good for wide temperature variation,
heavy journal pressures and high running speeds.
Loose Running: Loose running fits are fits for wide
tolerances/clearances or allowances with parts on external members.
Easy Running: This is tuning
requirements for fit accuracy.

fits

with

smaller

clearances

commercial
with

general

Sliding/Running Fit: This is running/sliding tolerance fits with very small

clearances for accurate guiding of shafts. This kind of tolerance helps the parts to
move and turn freely and locate accurately.
Close Clearance (Spigots and Locations): This fit is for accurate location at
moderate speeds and journal pressures, and running on accurate machine parts.

Locational Clearance: This fit helps for precise guiding and centering of parts and
mounting by sliding on without use of any great force, after lubrication the parts can
be turned and slid by hand.
Location- slight interference: This type of fit compromise between interference
and clearance for accurate location. With this fit, the parts can be assembled or
disassembled without great force using a rubber mallet.
Location/Transition: This fit is for accurate location where greater interference
permissible. It is fixed fits with small interferences or negligible clearances.
Location/Interference: This is a type of fit where the assembled parts require
rigidity and great alignment with prime accuracy of location.
Force Fit: This fit is suitable for parts which can be highly stressed.
Deviation: It is the difference between the size and the corresponding basic size.
The basic size is assigned as limits of deviation.
Lower Deviation: It is the difference between the min limit of part's size and
corresponding basic size. It is designated "EI" for Hole, "ei" for shaft
Upper Deviation: It is the difference between the max limit of part's size and the
corresponding basic size. It is designated "ES" for hole," es" for shaft
Fundamental Deviation: It is one of the deviations closest to the basic size.
Tolerance Zone: It is a zone representing the tolerance and its position in relating
to the basis size. The tolerance zone is also defined as a spherical zone limited by
the upper and lower limit dimensions of the part.

References:
http://www.cobanengineering.com/Tolerances/ToleranceSystem.asp