Force fit

A means for holding mating mechanical parts in fixed position relative to each other. In a force fit of cylindrical parts, the inner member has a greater diameter than the hole of the outer member; that is, the metals of the two parts interfere. In a true force fit, the parts are highly stressed, the interference amounting to 0.002 or 0.003 in. (0.05 or 0.07 mm) for parts with a basic diameter of 1 in. See also Allowance; Shrink fit.