An Interference fit (sometimes called a Press fit) is a fastening between two parts which is achieved by friction after the parts are pushed together, rather than by any other means of fastening. For metal parts in particular, the friction that holds the parts together is often greatly increased by compression of one part against the other, which relies on the tensile and compressive strengths of the material(s) the parts are made from. Typical examples of interference fits are the press fitting of shafts into bearings, or bearings into their housings, and the attachment of watertight connectors to cables. It has been suggested that Frictional force be merged into this article or section. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Strength of materials. ... Compressive strength is the capacity of a material to withstand axially directed pushing forces. ... A shaft can be Look up shaft in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... A bearing is a component used to reduce friction in a machine. ... A cable is two or more wires or optical fibers bound together, typically in a common protective jacket or sheath. ...

The fit specifically refers to the relative sizes of the object and the aperture into which the object should be placed.

Formulae exist to enable the specification of various strengths of fit, such as Loose Fit, Light Interference Fit and Interference Fit.

External links

• Diagram of an Interference fit
• Interference fitting - formulae for calculating clearance reductions when using interference fits for bearings on shafts and in housings
• Interference fit watertight cable connector