gen-explain-tolerance-and-fit-in-machining-as-you-would-to-a-cap-50d9

Explain tolerance and fit in machining as you would to a capable student, in 3-4 sentences.

# Tolerance and Fit in Machining **Tolerance** is the acceptable range of variation in a dimension—essentially how much larger or smaller a part can be from its ideal size while still functioning properly. For example, if a shaft is specified as 25mm ±0.05mm, it can measure anywhere from 24.95mm to 25.05mm and still be acceptable. **Fit** describes the relationship between two mating parts, like a shaft inside a hole. Depending on whether the shaft is smaller, equal to, or larger than the hole (within their respective tolerances), you get a *clearance fit* (loose, allows movement), *transition fit* (snug), or *interference fit* (tight, requires force or heat to assemble).