A system exists for determining acceptable variations in the size of machined holes, adhering to international standards. This system facilitates the specification and calculation of the permissible upper and lower limits of hole dimensions during manufacturing. As an example, consider a situation where a drawing specifies a hole diameter of 10mm with a tolerance grade of H7; the system allows engineers to determine the precise allowable range for that hole diameter after machining, ensuring it functions correctly in the final assembly.
The use of such a system is crucial for ensuring interchangeability of parts, reducing manufacturing costs by minimizing rejection rates, and improving the overall reliability and performance of mechanical assemblies. Historically, these calculations were performed manually using tables and formulas, a time-consuming and error-prone process. The standardization offered allows companies world wide to be able to have tolerances and fits standardized globally.