Tolerance
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Definition
The permissible range of variation in a measurement or manufactured dimension, defined as the difference between the upper and lower acceptable limits.
Explanation
An ISO h6 shaft with a 50 mm nominal diameter has a tolerance of 0–16 μm, meaning any shaft between 49.984 mm and 50.000 mm is acceptable. Tighter tolerances cost more to manufacture: machining to ±0.1 mm is routine, while ±0.001 mm requires precision grinding. Tolerances ensure interchangeable parts fit without individual fitting.
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