FITTING Notes
1. Introduction to Fitting
Fitting is a fundamental process in mechanical engineering involving shaping, assembling, and finishing metal or other materials to achieve precise dimensions and accuracy. It includes operations like cutting, filing, drilling, tapping, grinding, and measuring.
2. Types of Fitting Hand Tools & Their Uses
(A) Cutting Tools
- Hacksaw – Used for cutting metal rods, pipes, and sheets.
- Chisels – Used for cutting and shaping materials manually.
- Files – Used for smoothing and finishing surfaces.
(B) Holding & Gripping Tools
- Bench Vice – Holds the workpiece firmly during fitting operations.
- Pliers – Used for gripping, bending, and cutting wires.
- C-Clamps – Used for holding materials during drilling or welding.
(C) Striking Tools
- Ball Peen Hammer – Used for striking and shaping metals.
- Mallet – Used for assembling delicate parts without damage.
- Center Punch – Marks drilling points on metal surfaces.
(D) Fastening & Loosening Tools
- Spanners (Wrenches) – Used for tightening and loosening nuts & bolts.
- Screwdrivers – Used for driving screws into materials.
- Allen Keys – Used for tightening hexagonal socket screws.
3. Power Tools in Fitting
Power tools increase efficiency and reduce manual effort.
- Drilling Machine – Used to make holes in metal & wood.
- Grinding Machine – Used to remove excess material and smooth surfaces.
- Power Hacksaw – Used for cutting thick metal bars and pipes.
- Angle Grinder – Used for grinding, cutting, and polishing metals.
- Impact Wrench – Used for quick fastening & loosening of bolts.
4. Precision Measuring Instruments & Their Uses
(A) Vernier Caliper
- Measures internal, external diameters, and depth with accuracy up to 0.02 mm.
- Used in fitting, machining, and quality inspection.
(B) Micrometer
- Measures small dimensions (thickness, diameter) with accuracy up to 0.01 mm.
- Types: Outside micrometer, Inside micrometer, Depth micrometer.
(C) Dial Gauge (Dial Indicator)
- Used to measure flatness, alignment, and deflections.
(D) Feeler Gauge
- Measures small gaps and clearances between parts.
(E) Combination Square
- Used for checking angles (90° & 45°) and marking lines.
5. Equipment Used in Fitting
(A) Drilling Machine
- Used to drill holes in metal, wood, and plastic.
- Types: Hand Drill, Pillar Drill, Radial Drill.
- Care & Maintenance: Keep bits sharp, lubricate moving parts, clean chips.
(B) Grinding Machine
- Used for grinding, sharpening, and finishing workpieces.
- Types: Surface Grinder, Bench Grinder, Cylindrical Grinder.
- Care & Maintenance: Use correct grinding wheels, check balance, wear safety gear.
6. Specifications of Tools & Equipment
Tool/Equipment | Specification Factors |
---|---|
Vernier Caliper | Range: 0-150 mm, Accuracy: 0.02 mm |
Micrometer | Range: 0-25 mm, Accuracy: 0.01 mm |
Hacksaw Blade | 18, 24, or 32 Teeth Per Inch (TPI) |
Drill Bit | Diameter: 1-20 mm, Material: HSS/Carbide |
Grinding Wheel | Diameter: 150-300 mm, Grit size: Coarse to Fine |
7. Care & Maintenance of Fitting Tools & Equipment
✔ Clean tools after use to prevent rusting.
✔ Lubricate moving parts in machines to reduce wear.
✔ Check for proper alignment of measuring instruments.
✔ Sharpen cutting tools like chisels and drill bits regularly.
✔ Store tools properly in a dry place to prevent corrosion.