TECHNICAL TIP #47; THREADING: H LIMITS vs. D LIMITS
In a previous Tech Tip,(#22) “H Limits and Classes of Thread”, we discussed the H limit numbering system.  To review, H limits are a sequence of numbers in .0005” increments larger than the minimum limit of the part, starting with H1.  An H1 limit is one .0005” increment larger than the minimum limit or GO gage, an H2 is two .0005” increments (or .001) larger, an H3 is three .0005” increments (or .0015”) and so on.   The recommended H limit for a particular size should be approximately 40% of the thread tolerance larger than the minimum limit of the thread.

D limits are similar to H limits and follow the same numbering system.  However, H limits are used primarily for inch threads, while D limits are used exclusively for metric threads.  As is the case with H limits, D limits are a sequence of numbers in increments larger than the minimum limit or GO gage, but the increments are .013mm or .00051”.   Starting with D1, a D1 is one .013mm increment larger, a D2 is two .013mm (or .026mm) increments larger, and so forth.  As with inch threads, the “40%” rule is applied based upon the tolerance or class of thread.

There are two primary differences between H limits and D limits.  The first is very subtle.  As we have discussed, H limit numbers are in .0005” increments, while D limits are in .013mm increments, which are slightly larger than .0005”.  The second difference is much more dramatic.  An H or D limit number defines the maximum size of the tap.  A tap manufacturing tolerance is then applied to establish the minimum limit.  For H limit taps the tolerance is minus .0005” for all sizes through 1” diameter.  Tap tolerances for D limits are larger for all thread sizes.  The smallest tolerance is .015mm (.00059) and becomes larger with the diameter.  For example, an M3 has a .015mm (or .0006”) tolerance, an M6 has a .020mm (or .00079”) tolerance, and an M20 tap has a .041mm (or .00161) tolerance.  That is over 3 times the amount of tolerance of an equivalent Ύ” tap.  As you can see from these examples, the tolerance allowable becomes quite large.

Thanks and a gift to Sam Nielsen for suggesting we write about this topic!

If you suggest a topic for a future tip, and we use it, we will send you a souvenir from the Masters Golf Tournament.  To submit a topic, request all past tips (word attachment) or be removed from the list, e-mail mailto:don.dejarnette@gfii.com
To visit our corporate website, visit this link:  GREENFIELD WEB SITE
You can reach Kennametal-Greenfield Technical Support by phone at 1-888-GFI-TOOL, by fax at 1-888-GFI-FAXX or e-mail at mailto:tech.support@gfii.com