Mechanical Engineer Mock Interview

Master 37 Mechanical Engineer interview questions covering thermodynamics, CAD proficiency, and design problem-solving.

Question 21 of 37

What is the difference between an interference fit and a clearance fit, and when might you use them?

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Jason Toby
Jason Toby

Jason is a freelance mechanical engineer specializing in 3D Printing and CNC Machining.

Your interviewer will likely ask you knowledge-based questions to understand how well you are able to explain concepts to others. Be prepared for questions like this one by practicing a few possibilities ahead of time. In this case, press fits and clearance fits are types of engineering fits that generally refer to the sizing of a hole and a shaft in General Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T). This is a system for defining and communicating tolerances with two main regulating bodies: International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Interference fits are in both systems, but clearance fits in the ANSI system are referred to as running or sliding fits (RC). An interference fit generally describes a shaft that is oversized relative to the hole, and therefore requires some considerable force to assemble. An RC or clearance fit is one where the shaft is smaller than the hole, enabling the two to slide or rotate when assembled.

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