The Engineering Notebook

Tag: Design Guide

  • Hole Size For Metric Bolts

    Standardising hole sizes across engineering designs offers several important advantages: Metric Fastener Hole Size(No Doweling Feature) Fastener Pin Diameter Hole Size Hole Tolerance Positional Tolerance M3 3.00 3.25 +/-0.05 0.2 M4 4.00 4.25 M5 5.00 5.25 M6 6.00 6.25 M8 8.00 8.25 M10 10.00 10.25 M12 12.00 12.25 Metric Fastener Hole Size(With Doweling Feature) Fastener…

  • Hole Size For Imperial Bolts

    Standardising hole sizes across engineering designs offers several important advantages: Imperial Fastener Hole Size(No Doweling Feature) Fastener Pin Diameter Hole Size Hole Tolerance Positional Tolerance #6 3.51 3.85 +/-0.05 0.2 #8 4.17 4.50 #10 4.83 5.15 1/4 6.35 6.65 5/16 7.94 8.25 3/8 9.53 9.85 1/2 12.70 13.00 Imperial Fastener Hole Size (with Doweling Feature)…

  • The Need to Know Gear Terminology

    A comprehensive guide to gear terminology, covering key concepts like modules, addendum, dedendum, backlash and clearance in mechanical gear systems.

  • The Fundamentals of Surface Finish

    Surface finish describes texture requirements for surfaces, including roughness (small defects), waviness (larger imperfections), and lay (pattern orientation). Symbols on technical drawings specify these textures and necessary manufacturing processes, helping to avoid extra costs and delays.

  • What are J Threads?

    J threads, are modified UN and metric threads where the external thread features a more rounded root profile, reducing stress points and enhancing durability under vibration, fatigue, and temperature changes.

  • Minimum Wall Thickness with CNC Machining

    Minimum wall thickness in CNC machining affects component performance. Understanding material-specific limits helps balance mass reduction with manufacturability.

  • Thread Rolling vs Thread Cutting

    This article explains the differences between cut and rolled threads. Cut threads are made by removing material, which can weaken the body. Rolled threads are pressed into the body without removing material, enhancing fatigue properties.

  • Undercuts and Thread Relief

    An undercut is a machined feature providing clearance for mating parts or tools. Common uses include seating shoulders and thread relief for cutting tools.

  • How to Calculate Cylindrical Stress

    Learn about cylindrical stress in pressurised components, including hoop and longitudinal stress calculations, with important safety considerations for real-world applications.

  • A Guide to Sizing Fasteners

    A guide to sizing and installing fasteners, covering tensile/shear stress calculations, pre-load requirements, installation torques, and bolt elongation measurements.