SFSA Supplement 3
DIMENSIONAL CAPABILITIES OF STEEL CASTINGS
1. Introduction
Dimensional tolerances are selected by the designer or purchaser to make sure that the part can
perform its function reliably and fit into its designed location. Assigning dimensions to a part
requires identifying the desired feature size. Tolerances communicate how much variation from
the desired size can be tolerated. Overly stringent tolerances are costly and do not add value.
They require added work to meet tolerances that may be beyond the process capability.
Inadequate tolerances are a problem because parts may be able to meet the tolerance but fail to
either fit or function in accordance with the design.
To assign dimensions and tolerances to a part that is produced as a casting involves
consideration of function and fit of the finished part, allowances for machining operations involved
in producing the finished part, and production requirements such as draft and taper. Allowances
for castings and the major tolerance considerations in the production of parts as steel castings
are presented below. Along with this information a set of tolerance grades is introduced to
facilitate communication on tolerances.
2. Allowances
The shapes of cast steel components reflect not only the functional requirements of the
component, but also manufacturability requirements dictated by the casting process. Castings
shapes must incorporate the proper use of draft allowances for successful mold making and
machining allowances for surfaces requiring more precision and better surface finishes than can
be achieved in the as-cast conditions. Draft and machine finish allowance guidelines and
practices are presented to assist in the specification of draft and machining allowances for
castings.
Similarly, size or pattern allowances must be incorporated into the production of patterns and
coreboxes from which steel castings are made. These pattern allowances (sometimes call shrink
rules) must also be correctly applied to ensure that final castings can meet customer dimensional
tolerance requirements without extra pattern dimension adjustment cycles. Other castability
guidelines that influence the recommended geometry of steel castings are discussed in “Steel
1
Casting Design”.
2.1 Draft (Taper) Allowances
Draft should be designated on the casting drawing in consultation with the casting producer—
typically in a drawing note. The draft angle selected should be no less than can be tolerated in
the design. Figure 2.1 illustrates the use of draft on a typical pattern and corebox.
1
Figure 2.1 - Schematic illustration of a full split pattern and core box to produce a wheeltype casting. Note that draft is required on the vertical surfaces to allow the pattern to be
drawn away from the mold. The core that will be made in the core box will form a
cylindrical cavity to reduce machining.
2.1.1 Draft (Taper) Allowance Recommendations
Table 2.1 presents general draft recommendations for steel castings. To ensure moldability, it is
helpful to meet or exceed these draft allowances indicated on all surfaces perpendicular to the
mold parting line.
Table 2.1: Typical Draft (Taper) Allowances
Molding Process
Green Sand - Manual
Green Sand - Automated
No-bake & shell molding
Typical Draft (Taper) Angles
Most Features
Deep Pockets
1.5 °
2.0 °
1.0 °
1.5 °
1.0 °
1.5 °
2.1.2 Factors Affecting Recommended Draft Allowances
Machine molding will require a minimum amount of draft. Interior surfaces in green sand molds
usually require more draft than exterior surfaces. Draft can be eliminated in some cases through
special molding techniques, such as investment casting or through the use of cores. These
situations and the specific amount of draft required should be discussed with personnel of the
foundry that will produce the casting.
2
A specific dimensional tolerance on a drafted surface is generally referenced from the drafted
surface rather than from the surface dimension before draft is applied. That is, draft is added to
casting surfaces first before dimensional tolerances or geometric tolerances applied, Figure 2.2.
Draft allowances can be incorporated into dimensional tolerances or geometric tolerances only
upon consultation with the foundry.
The dimensional changes needed to incorporate draft can be expressed as follows:
DA = L tan
Where:
DA = Draft allowance
L = Length
= Draft angle
3
Figure 2.3 Dimensional tolerance zones on drafted (tapered) features (CT is the casting
dimensional tolerance as defined in ISO- 8062)
2.2 Required Machining Allowance Guideline
Castings that are to be machined must have sufficient metal stock on all surfaces requiring
machining. The necessary allowance, commonly called the required machining allowance
(RMA), machine finish allowance, or machining allowance, depends upon the size and shape of
the casting, the surface to be machined, the hardness of the steel, roughness of the casting
surface, and the tendency to distort. The required machining allowance is superimposed upon
draft and pattern allowances. Required machining allowances are typically called out in drawings
with a general note.
4
2.2.1 Required Machining Allowance
Table 2.2 - Required machining allowances (RMA) in millimeters for steel castings based
on ISO 8062.
Required machining allowance
mm
Note: A minimum of 6 mm RMA required on all cope casting surfaces
Required machining allowance grade
Largest dimension
mm
over
up to and
including
40
E
F
G
H
J
K
40
63
100
160
250
400
63
100
160
250
400
630
0.4
0.4
0.7
1.1
1.4
1.8
2.2
0.5
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
0.5
0.7
1.4
2.2
2.8
3.5
4
0.7
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
1.4
2.8
4
5.5
7
9
1.4
2
4
6
8
10
12
630
1000
2.5
3.5
5
7
10
14
1000
1600
2.8
4
5.5
8
11
16
1600
2500
3.2
4.5
6
9
13
18
2500
4000
3.5
5
7
10
14
20
4000
6300
4
5.5
8
11
16
22
6300
10000
4.5
6
9
12
17
24
-
Sand casting, hand molded use grade G – K
Sand casting, machine molded (and shell) use grade F – H
Investment casting use grade E
5
Table 2.2 - Required Machining allowance (RMA) in inches for steel castings based on ISO
8062.
Largest dimension
in.
over
up to and
including
Required machining allowance
mm
Note: A minimum of 0.25 in. RMA
Required machining allowance grade
E
F
H
J
1.6
1.6
2.5
0.016
0.016
0.020
0.020
0.020
0.028
0.028
0.040
0.040
0.055
0.055
0.080
2.5
6
10
16
25
4
10
16
25
40
0.028
0.055
0.070
0.087
0.100
0.040
0.080
0.100
0.120
0.140
0.055
0.110
0.140
0.160
0.200
0.080
0.160
0.200
0.240
0.280
0.110
0.220
0.280
0.360
0.400
0.160
0.320
0.400
0.480
0.560
40
60
0.110
0.160
0.220
0.310
0.430
0.630
60
100
0.130
0.180
0.240
0.350
0.510
0.710
100
160
0.140
0.200
0.280
0.390
0.550
0.790
160
250
0.160
0.220
0.310
0.430
0.630
0.870
250
400
0.180
0.240
0.350
0.470
0.670
0.940
-
G
K
2.2.2 Factors Affecting Required Machining Allowances
The allowances expressed in Table 2.2 are conservative and should apply to short production run
castings. They may be reduced for high production run castings when adequate preliminary
consultation and machining trials have been carried out. Machine allowances for castings of very
large size, such as greater than 15 ft (5000mm), should be determined through consultation with
the foundry.
The required machining allowance, when considered along with the casting feature dimensional
tolerance, should be interpreted as shown in Figure 2.4.
6
A – Machining on one side of feature
B – External machining of boss
7
C – Internal machining
D – Machining of step dimension
Figure 2.4 Interpretation of required machining allowances along with casting feature
tolerances.
The dimensional allowance to be added to the casting section for machining purposes will
depend on the design of the casting. Certain faces of a casting may require larger allowances
than others as a result of their position in the mold. In particular, the cope surfaces of a large
casting will require larger machining allowances than the drag surfaces or side walls. For cope
surfaces in particular required machining allowances for cope surfaces of less than 0.25 inches
(6mm) are generally not recommended. For this reason, it is recommended that critical machined
surfaces be molded in the drag whenever possible.
Sufficient excess metal should be allowed to satisfactorily accomplish the necessary machining
operations. One very good rule is to allow enough “machining stock” so that the first cut remains
below the cast surface on the metal by at least 1/16 in. (1.5 mm). Required machining
allowances must be chosen with care. Critical surfaces that are fixtured using as-cast locators are
sometimes preferred to avoid excess machine stock on critical surfaces.
8
3. Dimensional Tolerances
Tolerances for dimensions of as-cast features are a matter for agreement between the producer
and purchaser (We do not know who the consumer is) of the castings. However, to minimize the
rejection of castings for dimensional reasons, the tolerances selected should be compatible with
the capability of the process selected.
Tolerances affect the cost and delivery of the castings. Most castings have only a few critical
dimensions which require tight tolerances. Placing tight tolerances on dimensions which are not
critical merely increases the final casting cost without benefit to the purchaser. However, where
tolerances tighter than the process can normally produce are required, dimensional upgrading
using one of the operations discussed later may be the least expensive method of satisfying the
requirements.
The best way to make this determination is through a joint effort in a value engineering or value
analysis project. Good communications of requirements on the one hand and the processes
needed to meet them on the other is the key.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has issued, ISO 8062, Castings –
System of Dimensional Tolerances. This standard provides a system of tolerances and machining
allowances for all castings, including steel castings. It assigns different dimensional tolerance
grades based on the metal cast, the molding process used, the length of the casting feature, and
the production quantity. The ISO 8062-1994 tolerancing scheme is the basis from which
improved dimensional tolerances for steel castings have been developed by the SFSA. These
SFSA 2000 steel casting dimensional tolerances should be used instead of the specific steel
casting tolerance recommendation contained within ISO-8062-1994 for steel castings.
These new dimensional tolerance also supersede the 1997 (SFSA developed) “T grades”
dimensional tolerances.
The production quantities, the casting design and the dimension type play an important role in
determining the tolerances which can be met with the process because the complex contraction
behavior of steel during solidification and cooling must be adequately compensated for in the
construction of the pattern. The production of castings in large numbers usually provides the
opportunities to make dimensional adjustments in pattern equipment or to compensate for
unpredictable casting contraction behavior with one or more reverse engineering steps. These
costly reverse engineering steps to adjust pattern dimensions are a function of the dimensional
tolerance requirements established by the customer as well as the foundry’s process variability.
The SFSA-2000 dimensional tolerances presented here are based on a statistical analysis of
more than 140,000 casting features on production steel castings weighing from 6.5 to 12,000 lbs.
for common steel molding processes. The dimensional capabilities from which these tolerances
have been developed account for both the expected casting process variability and dimension
centering errors that can be expected for typical short production series and long production
series casting production, Tables 3.1-3.4.
9
3.1 SFSA 2000 Dimensional Tolerances for Steel Castings
Table 3.1 Casting dimensional tolerance grades from ISO 8062-1994. These grade
designations also used for SFSA 2000 steel casting tolerances
Raw Casting
basic
dimensions,
mm
Total casting tolerance
mm
Over
Casting tolerance grade CT
Up to &
including
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
10
0.09
0.13
0.18
0.26
0.36
0.52
0.74
1
2
2
2.8
4.2
-
-
-
-
10
16
0.10
0.14
0.20
0.28
0.38
0.54
0.78
1.1
1.6
2.2
3
4.4
-
-
-
16
25
0.11
0.15
0.22
0.3
0.42
0.58
0.82
1.2
1.7
2.4
3.2
4.6
6
8
10
12
25
40
0.12
0.17
0.24
0.32
0.46
0.64
0.9
1.3
1.8
2.6
3.6
5
7
9
11
14
40
63
0.13
0.18
0.26
0.36
0.50
0.70
1
1.4
2
2.8
4
5.6
8
10
12
16
63
100
0.14
0.20
0.28
0.40
0.56
0.78
1.1
1.6
2.2
3.2
4.4
6
9
11
14
18
100
160
0.15
0.22
0.30
0.44
0.62
0.88
1.2
1.8
2.5
3.6
5
7
10
12
16
20
160
250
-
0.24
0.34
0.50
0.70
1
1.4
2
2.8
4
5.6
8
11
14
18
22
250
400
-
-
0.40
0.56
0.78
1.1
1.6
2.2
3.2
4.4
6.2
9
12
16
20
25
400
630
-
-
-
0.64
0.90
1.2
1.8
2.6
3.6
5
7
10
14
18
22
28
1
1.4
2
2.8
4
6
8
11
16
20
25
32
1.6
2.2
3.2
4.6
7
9
13
18
23
29
37
2.6
3.8
5.4
8
10
15
21
26
33
42
4
6.2
9
12
17
24
30
38
49
7
10
14
20
28
35
44
56
11
16
23
32
40
50
64
-
630
1000
-
-
-
-
1000
1600
-
-
-
-
-
1600
2500
-
-
-
-
-
2500
4000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4000
6300
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6300
10000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10
Table 3.2
Casting dimensional tolerances adapted from ISO 8062-1994, (inches), also
used for SFSA 2000 steel casting tolerances
Raw Casting
basic dimensions,
in.
Total casting tolerance
in.
Over
Casting tolerance grade CT
Up to &
including
2
1
-
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
0.4
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.11
0.17
-
-
-
-
0.4
0.6
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.06
0.09
0.12
0.17
-
-
-
-
0.6
1
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.02
0.03
0.05
0.07
0.09
0.13
0.18
0.24
0.32
0.39
0.47
1
1.6
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.05
0.07
0.1
0.14
0.2
0.28
0.35
0.43
0.55
1.6
2.5
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.11
0.16
0.22
0.32
0.39
0.47
0.63
2.5
4
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.06
0.09
0.13
0.17
0.24
0.35
0.43
0.55
0.7
4
6
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.02
0.04
0.05
0.07
0.1
0.14
0.2
0.27
0.39
0.47
0.63
0.79
6
10
-
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.11
0.16
0.22
0.32
0.43
0.55
0.7
0.87
10
16
-
-
0.02
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.06
0.09
0.13
0.17
0.24
0.35
0.47
0.63
0.79
0.98
16
25
-
-
-
0.03
0.04
0.05
0.07
0.1
0.14
0.2
0.28
0.39
0.55
0.7
0.87
1.1
25
40
-
-
-
-
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.11
0.16
0.24
0.32
0.43
0.63
0.79
0.98
1.26
40
60
-
-
-
-
-
0.06
0.09
0.13
0.18
0.28
0.35
0.57
0.7
0.91
1.14
1.46
0.1
60
100
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.15
0.21
0.32
0.39
0.59
0.83
1.02
1.3
1.65
100
160
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.17
0.24
0.35
0.47
0.67
0.95
1.18
1.5
1.93
160
250
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.28
0.39
0.55
0.79
1.1
1.38
1.73
2.21
250
400
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.43
0.63
0.91
1.26
1.58
1.97
2.52
Table 3.3 SFSA 2000 for steel casting tolerance long-production series.
Conditions
Select Tolerance
Grades
All sand molding process fully capable,
most appropriate for large castings
CT 12-14
Appropriate for most casting types and
sand molding processes
CT 10-12
Within process capabilities, but not
appropriate for all casting types and sand
molding processes
CT 8-10
Investment Casting
CT 5-7
11
Table 3.4 SFSA 2000 steel casting tolerances for short-production series steel castings
Conditions
Select Tolerance
Grades
All sand molding process fully
capable, most appropriate for large
castings
CT 13-15
Appropriate for most casting types
and sand molding processes
CT 11-13
Within process capabilities, but not
appropriate for all casting types and
sand molding processes
CT 9-11
Additional comments on the use of the SFSA 2000 steel casting dimensional tolerances can be
found in the Appendix.
3.2 Variables Affecting Dimensional Tolerances
The aforementioned steel casting dimensional tolerance recommendations are general
recommendations that can be readily used by casting customers. Comprehensive SFSA steel
casting dimensional capability studies have developed more detailed information on the process
and geometric factors influencing the repeatability of steel casting dimensions. Overall industry
dimensional capabilities as well as the capabilities of individual foundries are fully described.
This information can be used by foundries to benchmark their dimensional capabilities, and to
better quantify the effects of key variables affecting dimensional capabilities. The dimensional
capability data presented here includes measurement uncertainty multiplying factors applied to
the dimensional variability data from which it is based. This accounts for small non-centering
errors expected during tooling validation sampling. The short production series dimensional
capability prediction equations include a larger multiplying factor that accounts for non-centering
errors from less rigorous sampling for tooling validation.
Casting dimensional tolerance capabilities are expressed in terms of 10%, 50%, and 90%
capabilities as follows:
10% Capability = 10% of the feature capabilities were less than this limit.
50% Capability = Average capability.
90% Capability = 90% of the feature capabilities were less than this limit.
Figures 3.6-3.8 show the 10%, 50%, and 90% dimensional capabilities of 15 steel foundries using
various sand molding processes compared to ISO casting tolerance (CT) grades. The foundry-tofoundry differences in dimensional capabilities reflect the broad range of casting sizes and
shapes produced and the different sand molding processes used, as well as differences in
process control. These keys factors influencing dimensional capabilities are presented here as a
guide to both the casting customer and the casting producer.
12
3.2.1 Production Quantity Issues
The production of castings in large numbers usually provides the opportunities to make
dimensional adjustments in pattern equipment or to compensate for unpredictable casting
contraction behavior with one or more reverse engineering steps. These costly reverse
engineering steps to achieve dimensions may only be appropriate for high production castings. It
requires the detailed dimensional characterization of many “first article” castings prior to making
accurate pattern adjustments. Figure 3.1 illustrates the influence of centering on overall
dimensional capabilities. The thoroughness of the casting dimensional inspection required to
make adequate pattern adjustments depends on the tolerances assigned to a feature as well as
to the foundries process variability.
Figure 3.1 Schematic representation of total dimensional capability including sampling
Uncertainty errors (e)
The number of replicate castings that must be inspected to minimize the “centering error”
component of dimensional capability depends on the ratio of the foundry’s process capability
compared to the casting dimensional tolerances required. This has been termed the “process
capability ratio” (PCR).
PCR = Total process variability
Total customer tolerance
Table 3.5 indicates minimum desired lot sizes to be used for sample casting inspection based on
the process capability ratio. The process capability ratio is the ratio of the foundries expected
feature dimensional variability (6) compared to the casting feature total dimensional tolerance. If
fewer sample castings than the desired number are used during pattern validation, a variability
multiplying factor shown in Table 3.6 must be used to reflect additional sampling errors that are a
part of the foundry’s dimensional capabilities.
13
Table 3.5 Statistically determined minimum number of sample castings to minimize
numbers of sample castings sampling errors for various process capability ratios
(for =0.05 and =0.05)
Process Capability Ratio
less than 0.1
0.1-0.2
0.2-0.3
0.3-0.4
0.4-0.5
0.5-0.6
> 0.6
Number of sample castings (N)
1
2
2
3
5
11
44
Table 3.6 Dimensional variability multiplying factors for determining dimensional
capabilities from dimensional variability estimates
Actual number of castings sampled (n)
1
2
3
5
11
44
Minimum desired sample size (from Table A1) (N)
1
2
3
5
11
44
Dimensional Variability (6) Multiplying Factors
1
1.32
1.32
1.32
1.32
1.32
1
1
1.23
1.23
1.23
1.23
1
1
1
1.18
1.18
1.18
1
1
1
1
1.14
1.14
1
1
1
1
1
1.09
1
1
1
1
1
1
These multiplying factors can be used to more correctly access dimensional capabilities from the
process variability estimates. As casting tolerances tighten, more sample castings must be
inspected to minimize sampling errors. The information from Table 3.6 has been used to
estimate the short production series multiplier of 1.32 and the long production series multiplier of
1.09 used as the basis for the SFSA 2000 steel casting dimensional capability’s guidelines
presented here.
3.2.2 Dimensional Capability Models
Major factors that influence the dimensional tolerance, which can be held, are casting geometry,
the molding process, and production techniques. In general the dimensional capabilities of green
sand process are similar to that of other sand molding processes for smaller castings below 50
lbs. Above 200 lbs. the no-bake process typically produces castings with tighter tolerances than
green sand. The shell molding process can produce castings with the tightest tolerances of all
sand molding techniques, but is limited in casting size. It is important that these statements are
not taken simply at face value. It is possible for foundries to have developed great expertise and
process control to produce castings to tighter tolerance standards than would be normally
anticipated. When requiring tolerance requirements tighter than these indicated in the guidelines
presented here, the purchaser should discuss these molding process selection issues with the
foundries concerned.
Table 3.7 and Table 3.8 present dimensional capability prediction models for the various molding
processes. Dimensional capabilities are expressed at 10%, 50% (average) and 90% total
tolerance capabilities. For example, 90% capabilities indicate that 90% of the features measured
had less variability than the total tolerance capability limit. These models have been developed
from comprehensive dimensional studies of steel castings in the heat treated condition (as
received by the customer) without any dimensional upgrading. The variables included in the
models are the most significant factors influencing the dimensional variability of steel casting
features.
14
Table 3.7 Dimensional capability models for steel casting (inches)
Short Production Series
90% Capability
1.3
0.4
6 = 0.2050+0.0020*L +0.0098*W
50% Capability
1.3
0.4
6 = 0.0842+0.0020*L +0.0098*W
10% Capability
1.3
0.4
6 = -0.0363+0.0020*L +0.0098*W
Long Production Series
90% Capability
1.3
0.4
6 = 0.1710+0.0017*L +0.0081*W
50% Capability
1.3
0.4
6 = 0.0701+0.0017*L +0.0081*W
10% Capability
1.3
0.4
6 = -0.0303+0.0017*L +0.0081*W
No-Bake (castings up
to 2000 lbs.)
90% Capability
0.9
0.8
6=0.1410+0.010*L +0.0002*W +0.0483*PL
50% Capability
0.9
0.8
6=0.0616+0.0087*L +0.0003*W +0.0484*PL
10% Capability
0.9
0.8
6=-0.0181+0.0073L +0.0003*W +0.0485*PL
90% Capability
0.9
0.8
6 = 0.1180+0.0084*L +0.0002*W +0.0403*PL
50% Capability
0.9
0.8
6 = 0.0513+0.0073*L +0.0002*W +0.0403*PL
10% Capability
0.9
0.8
6 = -0.0151+0.0061*L +0.0002*W +0.0404*PL
Shell (castings less
than 100 lbs.)
90% Capability
1.4
6 = 0.0805+0.0039*L +0.0195*PL
1.4
-0.0018*PL*L
50% Capability
1.4
6 = 0.0430+0.0038*L +0.0196*PL
1.4
-0.0018*PL*L
10% Capability
1.4
6 = 0.0054+0.0037*L +0.0198*PL
1.4
-0.0018*PL*L
90% Capability
1.4
1.4
6 =0.0671+0.0032*L +0.162*PL-0.0015*PL*L
50% Capability
1.4
1.4
6 = 0.0358+0.0032*L +0.164*PL-0.0015*PL*L
10% Capability
1.4
1.4
6 = 0.0045+0.0031*L +0.165*PL-0.0015*PL*L
Green sand (castings
up to 500 lbs.)
6 = total tolerance capability, in.
PL = 1 if feature across the parting line, otherwise 0
L = feature length, in.
W = casting weight, lbs.
15
Table 3.8 Dimensional capability models for steel castings (mm)
Short Production Series
90% Capability
1.3
0.4
6=5.200+0.0007*L +0.340*W
50% Capability
1.3
0.4
6 = 2.140+0.0007*L +0.340*W
10% Capability
1.3
0.4
6 = -0.922+0.0007*L +0.340*W
Long Production Series
90% Capability
1.3
0.4
6 = 4.330+0.0006*L +0.284*W
50% Capability
1.3
0.4
6 = 1.780+0.0006*L +0.284*W
10% Capability
1.3
0.4
6 = -0.768+0.0006*L +0.284*W
No-Bake (castings up to 900 kg)
90% Capability
0.9
0.8
6=3.590+0.014*L +0.010*W +1.230*P
L
50% Capability
0.9
0.8
6=1.560+0.012*L +0.012*W +1.230*P
L
10% Capability
0.9
0.8
6=0.460+0.010*L +0.014*W +1.230*P
L
90% Capability
0.9
0.8
6 = 2.990+0.018*L +0.009*W +1.020*PL
50% Capability
0.9
0.8
6 = 1.300+0.010*L +0.010*W +1.020*PL
10% Capability
0.9
0.8
6 = -0.383+0.008*L +0.012*W +1.030*PL
Shell (castings less than 50 kg)
90% Capability
1.4
6=2.040+0.001*L +0.494*PL1.4
0.0005*PL*L
50% Capability
1.4
6=1.090+0.001*L +0.499*PL1.4
0.0005*PL*L
10% Capability
1.4
6=0.138+0.001*L +0.504*PL1.4
0.0005*PL*L
90% Capability
1.4
1.4
6 = 1.700+0.0009*L +0.412*PL-0.0004*PL*L
50% Capability
1.4
1.4
6 = 0.909+0.0009*L +0.416*PL-0.0004*PL*L
10% Capability
1.4
1.4
6 = 0.115+0.0008*L +0.420*PL-0.0004*PL*L
Green sand (castings less than 230
kg)
6 = total tolerance capability, mm
PL = 1 if feature across the parting line, otherwise 0
L= feature length, mm
W = casting weight, kg
These models, from which the steel casting dimensional tolerance guidelines have been based,
give a more complete picture of the expected influence of key factor influencing dimensional
2
variability. The correlation coefficients (r ) for these predictive equations ranged from 0.4-0.7,
indicating that foundry-to-foundry variations dimensional capabilities were also significant.
The ISO 8062-based dimensional tolerance guidelines indicated the feature length alone
influences the expected dimensional variability for a given molding process and production series.
However, as these models indicate, casting weight and whether or not a casting feature crosses
the mold parting line also influences feature dimensional variability. The use of these predictive
equations for assigning tolerances for steel casting features better reflects the expected process
capabilities for the steel casting industry than the simpler SFSA 2000 dimensional tolerance
guidelines.
16
3.2.3 Molding Process
The specific molding process used to produce a steel casting can be expected to affect the
dimensional capabilities. For a given size and shape sand casting shell molding can be expected
to be the most dimensionally capable molding process followed by no-bake molding and green
sand molding. However, the differences in dimensional capabilities for the various molding
processes are less than the within foundry and foundry-to-foundry variation in dimensional
capabilities for a given molding process. Therefore, although a given steel foundry may need to
use the more repeatable shell molding process to hold close dimensional tolerances, another
foundry may be readily able to achieve these close dimensional tolerances using green sand
molding.
Figures 3.6-3.8 illustrate the dimensional capabilities of steel foundries for the individual molding
processes. They are expressed as 10%, 50%, and 90% capability conformance to ISO 8062
tolerance grades for both short and long production series castings.
a) Short production series
b) Long production series
Figure 3.6 Dimensional capabilities of green sand casting producers
a) Short production series
b) Long production series
Figure 3.7 Dimensional capabilities of no-bake casting producers
17
a) Short production series
b) Long production series
Figure 3.8 Dimensional capabilities of shell casting producer
3.2.3 Casting Geometry Features Influencing Dimensional Variability
3.2.3.1 Casting Length and Weight
It is more difficult to maintain close feature tolerances in larger castings than on small castings.
Both the casting weight and the feature length influence the process capability relative to
dimensional tolerances in a nonlinear fashion as shown in the predictive equations shown
previously in Table 3.7 and 3.8.
As a general guideline, the expected influence of feature length and casting weight on
dimensional variability can be more simply estimated,Table 3.9.
Table 3.9 Estimate of the effect of feature length and casting weight on dimensional
variability
Factor
Dimensional Variability and Influence
(in.)
(mm.)
Feature length
0.006 in. additional
6 variability per inch of
feature length
0.06 mm. additional
6 per mm of feature length
Casting Weight
0.00004 in. additional
6 variability per lb. of casting
weight
0.002 mm. additional
6 variability per kg of
casting weight
3.2.3.2 Mold Parting Line
Many casting features cross the mold parting line. The expected dimensional variability of these
features perpendicular to the parting line includes a component of parting line variability. The
expected magnitude of this parting line variability component depends on the molding process,
Table 3.10.
18
Table 3.10 Magnitude of parting line variability
Parting Line Dimensional Variability Component
Green Sand Molding
No significant additional variability expected
No-bake Molding
0.040 in. (1 mm) additional 6 variability across the
parting line
Shell Molding
0.008 in. (0.2 mm) additional 6 variability across the
parting line
The additional variability for no-bake casting features that cross the parting line is particularly
significant. This parting line variability can be expected to vary significantly from foundry to
foundry depending on the molding and tooling systems in use. The parting line component of
dimensional variability for no-bake castings must be considered when selecting feature
orientation for close-tolerance features.
3.2.3.3 Dimension Type
From a manufacturability standpoint various casting feature types can be described depending on
whether they are controlled by the mold alone, by a core only, or by combinations of these, with
and without the effect of the mold parting line, Figure 3.9. In particular, features created between
the mold and a core are affected by core placement during mold closing and the relative
tolerances of the core and it’s mating core print. These additional “degrees of freedom” created
by multiple mold pieces create additional feature dimensional variables.
Similarly, close tolerance casting features exhibiting less dimensional variability can be expected
when these features are created from a single component of mold or core tooling.
H
D
G
C
MOLD
CASTING
B
A
MOLD
CASTING
MOLD
A mold to mold across casting
B mold to mold across mold
C mold to mold across mold and casting
D mold to mold across casting/mold/casting
MOLD
CASTING
F
E
Core
CASTING
MOLD
E mold to core across casting
F core to core across core
G mold to core across casting and core
H mold to mold across casting/core/casting
Figure 3.9 Schematics representation of different mold relationships for dimension types
19
3.2.4 Foundry Process Factors Influencing Dimensional Variability
The ability of a foundry to control casting feature variability is impacted by their ability to control
critical aspects of process variability. The role of individual foundry process factors on
dimensional variability have been evaluated independent of casting geometry and molding
process. Table 3.11 summarizes the influence of foundry process factors on dimensional
variability. Major trends from this Table indicated factors that were statistically significant at
confidence levels> 90%. Minor trends were also identified even though no strict statistical
significance of these variables was established. Also listed are variables that appeared to have
no effect on resultant casting dimensional variability independent of casting size, shape and
molding process.
Table 3.11 Foundry process factor correlations influencing dimensional variability
Factor
Increase 6 dimensional varaibility
Significant Correlations
Daily, instead of monthly, pin and
flask alignment monitoring
Very poor pattern condition instead
of good pattern condition
Use of separate cope and drag
instead of match plate patterns
Use of weighted instead of
clamped molds
0.08 in. (2 mm)
0.04 in. (1 mm)
0.03 in. (0.8 mm)
0.02 in. (0.5 mm)
Lesser Correlations
Largest casting dimension
Cope or drag height
Green sand compactibility
Use of chills
Use of reclaimed sand for molding
0.0004 in. (mm) additional 6
variability per in. (mm) of largest
casting dimension
0.003 in. (mm) additional 6 variability
per in. (mm) of cope or drag height
0.02 in. (0.5 mm) additional 6
variability per unit increase in green
sand compactibility number
0.02 in. (0.5 mm) additional 6
variability for features impacted by hills
0.01 in. (0.25 mm) additional 6
Variability for no-bake molding
compared to new sand
No Correlation
Alloy being cast
Pour weight
Mold area
Casting bounding box
Projected area of the casting
Use of facing sand
Use of mold wash
20
3.3 DIMENSIONAL CAPABILITIES – INVESTMENT CASTING
Most, if not all, investment castings are produced in long production series, where more thorough
sample casting inspection and comprehensive tooling adjustments are performed prior to casting
production. Therefore, only long production series capabilities are indicated in the SFSA 2000
guidelines for investment casting. The SFSA 2000 dimensional tolerance guidelines for steel
castings include recommended tolerance guidelines for steel investment castings.
These recommendations better reflect the dimensional capabilities of steel investment casting
than the recommendations contained in ISO 8062, or in alternative dimensional tolerance
guidelines promulgated by the Investment Casting Institute.
The capability of investment casters to produce castings to the ISO 8062 casting tolerance
grades is shown in Figure 3.10, expressed in terms of their 90%, 50% and 10% conformance.
Considerable producer-to-producer variation is observed. This overall dimensional behavior is
modeled in Table 3.12.
10
90%
90%
50%
90%
ISO CT GRADES
8
90%
90%
6
4
50%
50%
2
90%
50%
10%
10%
90%
50%
50%
50%
10%
10%
10%
10%
10%
0
A
B
C
D
E
F
Overall
Figure 3.10 Long production series dimensional capabilities of investment castings
Table 3.12a Long Production Series Dimensional Capability – Investment Castings (in.)
90% Capability
50% Capability
10% Capability
6 = 0.285 + 0.005L + 0.0002W - 0.005PL
6 = 0.083 + 0.0005L + 0.0002W - 0.005PL
6 = 0.0011 + 0.005L + 0.002W - 0.005PL
Where
6 = total tolerance, in.
PL = 1 if feature across the parting line, otherwise 0
L = feature length, in.
W = casting weight, lbs.
21
Table 3.12b Long Production Series Dimensional Capabilities – Investment Castings (mm)
90% Capability
50% Capability
10% Capability
6 = 0.724 + 0.005L + 0.012W – 0.013PL
6 = 0.212 + 0.005L + 0.012W – 0.013PL
6 = 0.029 + 0.005L + 0.012W – 0.013PL
Where
6 = total tolerance, mm
PL = 1 if feature across the parting line
L = feature length, mm
W = casting weight, kg
3.4 GAGING AND DIMENSIONAL UPGRADING
The appropriate dimensional tolerances of as-cast surfaces are a matter for agreement between
the producer and purchaser of the castings. However, to minimize the rejection of castings for
dimensional reasons the tolerances selected should be comparable to the process capability for
the particular set of operating conditions under consideration. Tolerances tighter than the
process capability will necessitate that the casting be subject to special processing to upgrade the
dimensional characteristics. Table 3.13 lists some of the additional operations or special
manufacturing processes that may be performed to provide castings within tighter tolerance limits
than can be expected from standard process capabilities.
Table 3.13 – Additional operations employed to provide tighter tolerances
Pattern Upgrading
Changes in Construction, mounting and/or material
Alteration of patterns after production of sample castings (i.e. movement toward long
production series tolerances)
Molding and core making
Changes in mold making equipment or molding process
Upgrading of coreboxes or adjustments in core processes
Finishing
Gage grinding
Straighten or press to gage
Coining to gage
Machine locating points
Rough machine to gage
Target machine casting
Finish machine part
22
3.5 Weight Tolerances
When weight considerations are important to the customer, and weight tolerances are necessary,
a weight allowance is necessary to account for variations from average casting weight. Steel
casting weight allowances, based on ISO 4990-1986 are summarized in Table 3.14.
Table 3.14 Casting Weight (Mass) Tolerances
1
Machine Molded Castings
Hand Molded Castings
±5% of average casting mass
2
±7% of average casting mass
All other castings
< + 15% of calculated casting mass
2
1
Average casting weight based on the average weight of the first five true dimension castings
manufactured.
2
Calculated casting weight based on the casting drawing which includes all casting allowances
such as machining allowances.
4 Geometric Tolerances
Geometric tolerances are tolerances that apply to the shape features of a casting. This category
of tolerances is used to control form, profile orientation and location. To completely describe the
shape of a component and assign tolerances on all aspects of its shape, geometric tolerances
are needed for such features as parallelism, concentricity, flatness, etc. Tables 4.1-4.4 show the
geometric tolerances that can be expected for steel castings, these values are based on work
involved in the development of ISO 8062-2. The reader is referred to the specification for further
details regarding the use of ISO 8062-2. The nominal lengths indicated in Table 4.1-4.4 shall be
the largest dimension of the considered feature or features. Table 4.5, indicates which CTG from
the previous tables should be used depending on the steel casting molding process used.
Table 4.1a - Tolerances on straightness, mm
1
Over
Total geometrical tolerance mm
Casting geometrical tolerance grade (CTG)
4
5
6
7
Up to and
including
10
0.18
0.27
0.4
0.6
10
30
0.27
0.4
0.6
0.9
30
100
0.4
0.6
0.9
1.4
100
300
0.6
0.9
1.4
2.0
300
1000
0.9
1.4
2.0
3.0
1000
3000
2.0
3.0
4.6
3000
10000
3.0
4.6
6.8
1) When a value is outside the table, individual tolerances shall be indicated.
23
Table 4.1b - Tolerances on straightness, in.
1
Over
Total geometrical tolerance in .
Casting geometrical tolerance grade (CTG)
5
6
7
8
Up to and
4
including
0.4
0.007
0.011 0.016
0.024
0.035
0.4
1.2
0.011
0.016 0.024
0.035
0.055
1.2
4
0.016
0.024 0.035
0.055
0.079
4
12
0.024
0.035 0.055
0.079
0.118
12
40
0.035
0.055 0.079
0.118
0.181
40
120
0.079 0.118
0.181
0.268
120
400
0.118 0.181
0.268
0.343
1) When a value is outside the table, individual tolerances shall be indicated.
Table 4.2a - Tolerances on flatness, mm
1
Raw casting nominal length of the feature, mm
Up to and
Over
including
10
10
30
30
100
100
300
300
1000
1000
3000
3000
10000
10000
Total geometrical tolerance mm
*for reference
Casting geometrical tolerance grade (CTG)
4
0.27
0.4
0.6
0.9
1.4
5
0.4
0.6
0.9
1.4
2.0
3.0
4.6
6
0.6
0.9
1.4
2.0
3.0
4.6
6.8
7
0.9
1.4
2.0
3.0
4.6
6.8
10
8
1.4
2.0
3.0
4.6
6.8
10
15
1) When a value is outside the table, individual tolerances shall be indicated.
Table 4.2b - Tolerances on flatness, in.
Raw casting nominal length of the feature, in.
Up to and
including
Over
0.4
0.4
1.2
1.2
4
4
12
12
40
40
120
120
400
1
Total geometrical tolerance, in .
Casting geometrical tolerance grade (CTG)
4
0.011
0.016
0.024
0.035
0.055
5
0.016
0.024
0.035
0.055
0.079
0.118
0.181
6
0.024
0.035
0.055
0.079
0.118
0.181
7
0.035
0.055
0.079
0.118
0.181
0.268
8
0.055
0.079
0.118
0.181
0.268
0.394
0.591
1) When a value is outside the table, individual tolerances shall be indicated.
24
Table 4.3a - Tolerances on circularity, perpendicularity and symmetry.
Raw casting; nominal length of the
feature, mm
1
Total geometrical tolerance, mm
Casting geometrical tolerance grade (CTG)
Up to and
4
5
6
7
8
including
10
0.4
0.6
0.9
1.4
2.0
10
30
0.6
0.9
1.4
2.0
3.0
30
100
0.9
1.4
2.0
3.0
4.6
100
300
1.4
2.0
3
4.6
6.8
300
1000
2.0
3.0
4.6
6.8
10
1000
3000
4.6
6.8
10
15
3000
10000
6.8
10
15
23
1) When a value is outside the table, individual tolerances shall be indicated.
Over
Table 4.3b - Tolerances on circularity, perpendicularity and symmetry.
Raw casting; nominal length of the
feature, in.
1
Total geometrical tolerance,in.
Casting geometrical tolerance grade (CTG)
Up to and
4
5
6
7
including
0.4
0.16
0.024
0.055
0.079
0.4
1.2
0.024
0.035
0.079
0.118
1.2
4
0.035
0.055
0.118
0.181
4
12
0.055
0.079
0.181
0.268
12
40
0.079
0.118
0.268
0.343
40
120
0.181
0.343
0.591
120
400
0.268
0.591
0.906
1) When a value is outside the table, individual tolerances shall be indicated.
Over
Table 4.4a - Tolerances on coaxiality
Raw casting; nominal length of the
feature mm
1
Total geometrical tolerance mm
Casting geometrical tolerance grade (CTG)
Up to and
4
5
6
7
8
including
10
0.6
0.9
1.4
2.0
3.0
10
30
0.9
1.4
2.0
3.0
4.6
30
100
0.4
2.0
3.0
4.6
6.8
100
300
2.0
3.0
4.6
6.8
10
300
1000
3.0
4.6
6.8
10
15
1000
3000
6.8
10
15
23
3000
10000
10
15
23
35
1) When a value is outside the table, individual tolerances shall be indicated.
Over
25
Table 4.4b - Tolerances on coaxiality
Raw casting; nominal length of the
feature, in.
1
Total geometrical tolerance in .
Casting geometrical tolerance grade (CTG)
Up to and
4
5
6
7
8
including
0.4
0.024
0.035
0.055
0.079
0.118
0.4
1.2
0.035
0.055
0.079
0.118
0.181
1.2
4
0.055
0.079
0.118
0.181
0.268
4
12
0.079
0.118
0.181
0.268
0.343
12
40
0.118
0.181
0.268
0.343
0.591
40
120
0.268
0.343
0.591
0.906
120
400
0.343
0.591
0.906
1.378
1) When a value is outside the table, individual tolerances shall be indicated.
Over
Table 4.5 – Casting geometrical tolerances grades
Method
Sand cast, hand molding
Sand cast machine molding and
shell molding
Investment casting
Steel
6 to 8
5 to 7
4 to 6
5. Patterns and Pattern Allowances
Patterns are manufactured so that the castings produced from the pattern are typically at the
nominal (aim) dimensions of the casting drawing. The pattern and its associated coreboxes must
be produced with dimensions that compensate for feature-specific contraction and distortion that
takes place during casting, solidification, heat treatment and subsequent processing. This is
known as the pattern allowance (or shrink rule). If can be expressed as:
Pattern Allowance (PA) = Pattern feature size – Casting feature size x 100%
Casting feature size
Foundry-to-foundry differences during processing also must be taken into account when selecting
the proper pattern allowance. Castings produced from the same pattern by different foundries, or
by different sand molding methods such as green sand or no-bake sand will typically not be
dimensionally identical. The type of molding method can be expected to influence the effective
overall casting contraction of green sand castings. Harder green sand molds produced with high
pressure molding machines may require different pattern allowances that are used for similar
castings using manual jolt-squeeze molding methods.
Pattern wear, as well as the shrinking and swelling of wood pattern materials due to humidity
changes, can also be a source of casting dimensional variability. Dimensional variations will be
greater from some pattern materials than for others. Table 5.1 contains a listing of common types
of pattern materials for steel castings in order of decreasing pattern dependent dimensional
variability.
26
Table 5.1 Degree of Variability in Dimensions for Different Pattern Materials
Loose wood pattern
Pine pattern, mounted on cope and drag boards
Hard wood pattern, mounted on cope and drag boards
Plastic pattern, mounted on cope and drag boards
Metal pattern, mounted on cope and drag boards
Metal matchplate
Greatest variation
Lowest Cost
Least variation
Highest Cost
Table 5.2 summarizes commonly used pattern allowances used for the production of steel
castings. These overly simplified pattern allowances “shrink rules” are only a general “rule-ofthumb” that do not consider these important influences of feature type and mold type on the
pattern allowance. Even though these standard, uniform pattern allowance “rules-of-thumb” are
widely used, the shrinkage of individual casting features can be expected to deviate significantly
from these pattern allowance nominal values.
Table 5.2 General pattern allowance values for common steel casting alloys
Alloy
Carbon and low alloy steel
High alloy steels
Pattern Allowance
2.08%
1/4 in/ft
2.60%
5/16 in/ft
The pattern allowance value must account for more than just the shrinkage of the metal during
solidification and cooling. The mold itself can be expected to undergo dimensional changes
during filling, solidification and cooling. Certain casting features are restrained from contraction
during solidification by the presence of the mold, others are not. Also oxide scale removed from
the casting surface after cooling and subsequent heat treatment result in casting dimensional
changes. The heat produced during the cooling of large castings can cause the sand mold to
expand before even solidification begins. All of these factors contribute to casting dimensional
changes requiring the use of not a single pattern allowance by different feature-dependent pattern
allowance values to assure the conformance of all casting feature dimensions to customer
dimensional specifications.
Table 5.3 gives more detailed information on pattern allowance selection for casting features not
crossing the mold parting line. These pattern allowance estimates for high and low alloy steels
are based on comprehensive studies of pattern allowances measured in production foundries for
green sand, no-bake and shell molding.
27
Table 5.3 Pattern Allowance Summary (for features not crossing the mold parting line)
Average Pattern
Allowance
80% Confidence Interval
for Pattern Allowances
1.96%
1.85 to 2.07%
Green sand molding, overall
Un-restrained features
Partially restrained features
Fully restrained features
1.60%
1.56%
1.74%
1.61%
1.43 to 1.77%
1.15 to 1.97%
1.56 to 1.92%
1.48 to 1.74%
No bake molding, overall
Un-restrained features
Partially restrained features
Fully restrained features
2.39%
2.33%
2.32%
2.03%
2.20 to 2.58%
1.94 to 2.74%
2.06 to 2.59%
1.75 to 2.30%
Shell molding, overall
Un-restrained features
Partially restrained features
Fully restrained features
2.31%
2.87%
2.31%
1.27%
2.10 to 2.51%
2.58 to 3.16%
2.13 to 2.48%
0.91 to 1.63%
2.92%
2.72 to 3.11%
Green sand molding, overall
Un-restrained features
Partially restrained features
Fully restrained features
4.21%
3.62%
-5.37%
3.82 to 4.59%
3.34 to 3.83%
-4.98 to 5.76%
No bake molding, overall
Un-restrained features
Partially restrained features*
Fully restrained features*
3.50%
4.04%
---
3.08 to 3.92%
3.46 to 4.63%
---
Shell molding, overall
Un-restrained features
Partially restrained features
Fully restrained features
2.58%
2.90%
2.42%
1.57%
2.35 to 2.81%
2.57 to 3.24%
2.29 to 2.54%
1.28 to 1.85%
Condition
Low Alloy Steel
Overall
High Alloy Steel
Overall
28
6. Summary
Table 6.1 summarizes the general dimensional and cost considerations for common steel casting
methods. It reflects the general capabilities common to the steel foundries. Individual foundries
may have even greater dimensional capabilities and lower cost and lead time performance.
Table 6.1 General Comparison of Steel Casting Methods*
Casting
Green sand
Chemically
Shell
Investment
requirements
bonded
Surface
Fair
Good
Good
Excellent
smoothness
Minimum metal
6 (0.25)
5 (0.19)
4 (0.16)
2 (0.06)
section-mm (in).
3.4 (0.13)
2.5 (0.10)
1.7 (0.07)
0.8 (0.03)
Total (6)
tolerance for a
100 mm (4in.)
features – mm
(in.)
3 (0.12)
4 (0.16)
2 (0.06)
No parting
Added total
tolerance-mm
(in.) across a
parting face
Intricacy
Fair
Good
Very good
Excellent
Most
2 (0.06)
Least
General Machine 6 (0.25)
5 (0.19)
0.5 (0.02)
Finish
allowances **mm
(in.)
Normalized
100%
80%
250%
175%
Pattern costs
Lead time
18 weeks
12 weeks
20 weeks
22 weeks
(pattern)
Lead time
6 weeks
6 weeks
6 weeks
8 weeks
(existing pattern)
* Values are presented for comparison only and should not be used directly as design tolerances
on drawings, or for pattern procurement.
References
(1)
(2)
th
Steel Casting Handbook, 5 Edition, SFSA (1980).
Karve, A., J. Chandra, and R. Voigt, "Determining Dimensional Capabilities from Short
Run Sample Casting Inspection", AFS Transactions (1998).
29
Appendix: Guidelines for the use of SFSA 2000 Dimensional Tolerances
General
The tolerance guidelines are provided for information to be used by foundries and customers to address
dimensional deviations. A customer can express the dimensional accuracy desired. A foundry can, with
reference to the tolerance grade, give information on which tolerance grade or grades it normally attains with
different molding methods and for different casting types.
It is recommended that the customer ask the foundry about the dimensional accuracy obtained with different
molding methods and resources at its disposal. With this knowledge, the designer can decide if closer
tolerances are needed for selected dimensions.
Scope
This appendix describes the tolerances, which may be achieved on steel castings produced in sand molds
and for steel investment castings. Steel sand castings may be produced by molding processes such as
green sand, chemically bonded sands, shell and other processes.
Purchasing information
The customer should indicate on the drawing the dimensions which are to be subject to the tolerance tables
and the tolerance grades to be achieved. The required machining allowance should also be indicated when
a machined part drawing is used.
Where the purchaser has supplied a drawing which indicates the machined surfaces and the machining
allowance, but has not indicated the tolerance grade required for these surfaces, the foundry is free to
supply the casting to their normal performance capability.
Tolerance grades
Typically, the lowest sand molding tolerance values may be expected in castings produced by the shell
process. However, manufacturers may be able to achieve similar tolerances with other molding processes.
The lower number tolerance grades are more applicable to shell and no-bake molding methods. Higher
number tolerance grades are applicable for many green sand-molding processes where few pattern
changes and/or process adjustments can be made.
The tolerance grade specified should also reflect the extent of pattern dimensional re-engineering to center
casting feature dimensions within the specified tolerances. The extent of inspection required to achieve the
specified tolerance values is indicated by the selection of short production series or long production series
tolerance values.
Where tighter tolerances than those found in the tables are required, these shall be agreed between the
purchaser and supplier.
Inspection
The foundry will determine the compliance of the part with the purchasers’ requirements.
The SFSA-2000 tolerance grades (Tables A1 to A4) are to be applied to heat treated and shot blasted
production steel castings which have not been upgraded by gaging, grinding, coining, pressing or other
dimensional upgrading procedures. They express the 90% conformance of foundries in terms of ISO-8062
dimensional tolerance grades.
30
Table A.1 Casting dimensional tolerance grades from ISO 8062-1994. These grade
designations also used for SFSA 2000 steel casting tolerances
Raw Casting
basic
dimensions,
mm
Total casting tolerance, mm
Over
Casting tolerance grade CT
Up to &
including
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
10
0.09
0.13
0.18
0.26
0.36
0.52
0.74
1
2
2
2.8
4.2
-
-
-
-
10
16
0.10
0.14
0.20
0.28
0.38
0.54
0.78
1.1
1.6
2.2
3
4.4
-
-
-
-
16
25
0.11
0.15
0.22
0.3
0.42
0.58
0.82
1.2
1.7
2.4
3.2
4.6
6
25
40
0.12
0.17
0.24
0.32
0.46
0.64
0.9
1.3
1.8
2.6
3.6
5
40
63
0.13
0.18
0.26
0.36
0.50
0.70
1
1.4
2
2.8
4
5.6
63
100
0.14
0.20
0.28
0.40
0.56
0.78
1.1
1.6
2.2
3.2
4.4
100
160
0.15
0.22
0.30
0.44
0.62
0.88
1.2
1.8
2.5
3.6
160
250
-
0.24
0.34
0.50
0.70
1
1.4
2
2.8
4
250
400
-
-
0.40
0.56
0.78
1.1
1.6
2.2
3.2
4.4
400
630
-
-
-
0.64
0.90
1.2
1.8
2.6
3.6
630
1000
-
-
-
-
1
1.4
2
2.8
4
1000
1600
-
-
-
-
-
1.6
2.2
3.2
1600
2500
-
-
-
-
-
-
2.6
2500
4000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4000
6300
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6300
10000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8
10
12
7
9
11
14
8
10
12
16
6
9
11
14
18
5
7
10
12
16
20
5.6
8
11
14
18
22
6.2
9
12
16
20
25
5
7
10
14
18
22
28
6
8
11
16
20
25
32
4.6
7
9
13
18
23
29
37
3.8
5.4
8
10
15
21
26
33
42
4
6.2
9
12
17
24
30
38
49
7
10
14
20
28
35
44
56
11
16
23
32
40
50
64
-
31
Table A.2
Casting dimensional tolerances adapted from ISO 8062-1994
(inches) also used for SFSA 2000 steel casting tolerances
Raw Casting
basic dimensions,
in.
Total casting tolerance, in.
Over
Casting tolerance grade CT
Up to &
including
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
0.4
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.11
0.17
-
-
-
-
0.4
0.6
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.06
0.09
0.12
0.17
-
-
-
-
0.6
1
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.02
0.03
0.05
0.07
0.09
0.13
0.18
0.24
0.32
0.39
0.47
1
1.6
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.05
0.07
0.1
0.14
0.2
0.28
0.35
0.43
0.55
1.6
2.5
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.11
0.16
0.22
0.32
0.39
0.47
0.63
2.5
4
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.06
0.09
0.13
0.17
0.24
0.35
0.43
0.55
0.7
4
6
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.02
0.04
0.05
0.07
0.1
0.14
0.2
0.27
0.39
0.47
0.63
0.79
-
6
10
-
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.11
0.16
0.22
0.32
0.43
0.55
0.7
0.87
10
16
-
-
0.02
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.06
0.09
0.13
0.17
0.24
0.35
0.47
0.63
0.79
0.98
16
25
-
-
-
0.03
0.04
0.05
0.07
0.1
0.14
0.2
0.28
0.39
0.55
0.7
0.87
1.1
25
40
-
-
-
-
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.11
0.16
0.24
0.32
0.43
0.63
0.79
0.98
1.26
40
60
-
-
-
-
-
0.06
0.09
0.13
0.18
0.28
0.35
0.57
0.7
0.91
1.14
1.46
60
100
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.1
0.15
0.21
0.32
0.39
0.59
0.83
1.02
1.3
1.65
100
160
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.17
0.24
0.35
0.47
0.67
0.95
1.18
1.5
1.93
160
250
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.28
0.39
0.55
0.79
1.1
1.38
1.73
2.21
250
400
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.43
0.63
0.91
1.26
1.58
1.97
2.52
Table A.3 SFSA 2000 for steel casting tolerance long-production series.
Conditions
All sand molding process fully capable,
most appropriate for large castings
Appropriate for most casting types and
sand molding processes
Within process capabilities, but not
appropriate for all casting types and sand
molding processes
Investment Casting
Select Tolerance
Grades
CT 12-14
CT 10-12
CT 8-10
CT 5-7
32
Table A.4 SFSA 2000 steel casting tolerances for short-production series steel castings
Conditions
All sand molding process fully
capable, most appropriate for large
castings
Appropriate for most casting types
and sand molding processes
Within process capabilities, but not
appropriate for all casting types and
sand molding processes
Select Tolerance
Grades
CT 13-15
CT 11-13
CT 9-11
33