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Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Differences In Thread Fit - 1A/2A/3A & 1B/2B/3B

Differences In Thread Fit - 1A/2A/3A & 1B/2B/3B

Thread fit measures the looseness of fit between male and female threads.  For external threads the three fit classes are 1A/2A/3A and for internal thread (for example in hex nuts) 1B/2B/3B.  The higher the class number the tighter the fit - 3A/3B fit therefore is the tightest and presents the greatest risk when the parts require any type of plating or additive finish.  In our experience parts that require 3A/3B thread fit are at greater risk of not passing the Go/No-Go gauge test after electroplating, especially at smaller diameters.  Typically this happens because more of the plating material is added to the part at it's extremities, making a consistent plating thickness difficult to achieve and thereby compromising the tight fit tolerance at the end of the screw where the gauges engage.