Iso 286 Pdf
The Ultimate Guide to ISO 286: How to Get the PDF, Understand Tolerances, and Apply Limits & Fits
Sample Tolerance Table for Shafts (h6) – Upper Deviation (es) and Lower Deviation (ei) in µm (micrometers)
| Nominal Size (mm) | h6 (Upper es) | h6 (Lower ei) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Over 3 up to 6 | 0 | -8 |
| Over 6 up to 10 | 0 | -9 |
| Over 10 up to 18 | 0 | -11 |
| Over 18 up to 30 | 0 | -13 |
| Over 30 up to 50 | 0 | -16 |
| Over 50 up to 80 | 0 | -19 |
| Over 80 up to 120 | 0 | -22 |
Key Concepts from ISO 286
The system is built around three core ideas:
- Basic Size – The theoretical nominal dimension from which deviations are calculated.
- Tolerance Grade – A number (IT01 through IT16) indicating the precision level. IT grades are defined by a standard formula involving a geometric progression, so higher grades (e.g., IT5–IT7) are used for precision fits, while lower grades (IT11–IT16) are for less critical applications like rough machining or casting.
- Fundamental Deviation – A letter (for holes: A–ZC; for shafts: a–zc) that positions the tolerance zone relative to the basic size. For example:
- H hole has a zero lower deviation (the most common hole base system).
- h shaft has a zero upper deviation (common shaft base system).
- F/f indicates a clearance fit.
- P/p generally indicates an interference fit.
Case Study 2: 3D Printing vs. CNC Machining
A designer creating plastic parts on an FDM printer might use IT13 (very loose tolerances). A CNC machinist creating a metal valve spool might use IT5 (very tight). The ISO 286 PDF helps you justify to management why one part costs $2 and the other costs $200. iso 286 pdf
Is the ISO 286 PDF Free?
Generally, no. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a non-governmental body that sells its standards to fund its operations. Downloading a full, legal, and un-watermarked copy of ISO 286-1:2010 or ISO 286-2:2010 for free is technically copyright infringement unless accessed through an institutional subscription.
However, there are legal ways to access the data: The Ultimate Guide to ISO 286: How to
- Institutional Access: Universities and large engineering firms often subscribe to global standards libraries (e.g., IHS Markit, Techstreet). You can download the PDF for free via your institution’s network.
- National Adoptions: Many countries adopt ISO 286 as a national standard (e.g., DIN ISO 286 in Germany, BS ISO 286 in the UK). If you are in the US, you might look at ASME B4.1 (which is similar but not identical). Your local library system may offer access.
- Reading Rooms: Some national standards bodies (like ANSI in the US) offer "read-only" access to PDFs in specific reading rooms.
1. What is ISO 286?
ISO 286 (often associated with the older DIN ISO 286 standard) provides a system for defining tolerances on linear sizes. It is divided into two main parts:
- ISO 286-1: Basis of tolerances, deviations, and fits. (This covers the definitions and the "code" system, like H7 or g6).
- ISO 286-2: Tables of standard tolerance grades and limit deviations for holes and shafts. (This is the data table you are likely looking for).
Alternatives to an Official ISO 286 PDF
If you absolutely need the official document for an audit or legal compliance, you have to purchase it. Here are the official vendors: Basic Size – The theoretical nominal dimension from
- ISO Store: direct.iso.org (Cost: Approximately CHF 158 per part)
- ANSI Webstore: webstore.ansi.org (Cost: Approximately $150)
- Techstreet: techstreet.com (Often includes a free subscription to future updates)
For quick reference: Consider engineering apps and calculators. Both Machinery’s Handbook (print or PDF) and mobile apps like "Tolerance Calculator" replicate the ISO 286 tables with permission. These are often better for the workshop floor than a scanned PDF.