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SOCIETY OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS, INC.

Two Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, N.Y. 10001

The Effective Fit Concept as

Used in ANSI B92.1-1970,
Involute Splines and Inspection
(inch and metric)
Leon DeVos
Ford Motor Co.

ANSI B92.1 Committee

Involute Splines and Inspection 720671
May 1972
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720671

The Effective Fit Concept as

Used in ANSI B92.1-1970.
Involute Splines and Inspection
(inch and metric)
Leon DeVos
Ford Motor Co.

WITH THE INTRODUCTION of metric units of measure clearance as necessary for a specific design. The standard
(SI) into the existing standard on Involute Splines and In also includes a major diameter fit section for those users re
spection, ANSI B92.1-1970, it is more important than ever quiring it.
to describe the basic concepts behind the use of the effec The use of this spline and inspection standard is supported
tive concept as a means of spline fit control and to de by a complete list of definitions, all of the basic formulas
scribe the advantages that can accrue through the use of a used to prepare the tables, and a comprehensive engineering
single standard that works equally well in either system of discussion on the effective fit concept. An inspection sec
measurement. tion is included that provides finite gage design guidance as
The fact that the concept was conceived and implemented well as engineering analysis of analytical inspection. This
in the middle 1940s is one of its prime present advantages. provides a practical means to control the product in a
The intervening 25 year period has produced a refined and framework consistent with the design guidelines.
practical standard, necessary to accommodate the wide Other important aspects of the standard are that it is
variety of industrial applications, while preserving a great completely tool oriented and that it has a variety of
deal of interchangeability with parts made a decade ago when selections which will provide major diameters that will fit
the standard was revised under the designation ASA B5.15 under standard millemetre bearing bores, without being re
1960. stricted to achieve this possibility.
The extreme flexibility available to meet a wide variety of The effective fit concept for use as a control means for
industry applications is demonstrated by the four fit control splines was introduced by Albert S. Beam in the middle
size classifications which provide maximum manufacturing 1940s. The concept made it possible to provide component
advantage. For instance, a Class 4 internal spline mated with part spline specifications that would assure assembly to the
a Class 6 external spline results in a splined connection having design intent.
a Class 5 design range. The part print specifications that are based on this effec
This is further enhanced by the usable selection of sizes, tive fit concept dictate exact gage size and inspection
pitches, pressure angles, and tolerances that should satisfy methods which make reliable assembly controls possible.
most conditions of design intent. The standard, although Since the introduction of the effective fit concept, it
based on a no clearance minimum effective fit, does provide has been expanded upon, specifications have been improved,
means for setting up any amount of minimum effective and it has been the basis for the SAE, ASA, and now the

ABSTRACT
and examples in both English and metric (SI) units of mea
The effective fit concept for involute splines, as docu sure are given. The paper reflects the latest (1970) revision
mented in the American National Standard B92.1-1970, is to the B92.1 standard, which was developed in the '40s and
described. The flexibility of the concept is demonstrated, first published under the designation B5.15.
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ANSI Standard for Involute Splines and Inspection. It illustrate the maximum material concept, with Figs. 3 and
first appeared in these standards in 1950. It is also included 4, which illustrate the effective fit concept.
in all of the ISO, both inch and metric series, proposals for The spline version of the example is specified in both inch
"Involute Spline" Recommendations. and metric values in order to emphasize the ease of use and
Definitions and effective fit concept explanatory para complete interchangeability between ANSI B92.1-1970
graphs are taken verbatum from ANSI B92.1-1970 and are inch and metric standards.
included in the Appendix. In both cases it will be noted that the part specifications
The metric version of the ANSI B92. 1-1970 has been pre allow a "line to line" fit between the mating components;
pared with metric values that are interchangeable with the however, statistics will prove that this condition does not
inch version. The conversion has used the accepted 25.4 occur and the use of the composite gages shown in Figs.
mm/in (exact) factor. The 25.4 factor has been applied to 5-12 makes a "line to line" fit impossible. Also, in both
the inch table values rather than to the basic formula. cases the only way to assure proper assembly to the design
Rounding of numbers is in a direction that assures inter intent is to use the methods of specification illustrated here
changeability with components built to the inch standard. and to use properly designed gages such as shown to assure
The effective fit concept as used for splines is in reality a the parts being within part print limits.
form of the Maximum Material Concept (MMC) for fit con Examination of the gage sizes shows that if the gages pass
trol, as will be seen by comparing Figs. 1 and 2, which the parts, the parts will assemble freely.
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Another important quick check on the fit conditions

between mating parts specified in either of these systems is
as follows.
The amount of interference between the gages for mating
parts will be the amount of minimum clearance between the
mating parts. The amount of clearance between the gages
for mating parts will be the amount of maximum press or
interference fit between the mating parts.
The term "effective spline" as now used in many part
print specifications should also be clarified.
The "effective spline" is that functional part of the spline
which comes into contact with the mating spline and, there
fore, determines the effective fit with the mating spline. This
same "effective spline" also has a center. This center is
established by that functional part of the spline that contacts
a mating spline.
The use of composite gages for the control of effective size
limits on splined mating parts will assure that the minimum
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effective clearance is never less than the design intent. When mounted on an axis established by effective spline
Measurement of the effective size of mating splined parts, by "A":
gages designed to perform this measurement, will determine Diameter "B" must be concentric within 0.007 TIR.
the minimum effective clearance between these parts. These Diameter "C" must be concentric within 0.002 TIR.
conditions hold true when the splines are mated without any Surface "X" at 2.60 Rad must be square within 0.005
location restrictions such as bearings, bushings, etc. The TIR.
effective clearance may be more than that calculated from "The effective surface "X" must be square to the effective
the measured effective size of the mating parts when the spline "A", when the spline is at MMC, within 0.005 TIR."
interference variations are positioned in a cancelling manner. "The effective spline "A" at RFS* and diameter "B" at
For splined assemblies that are restricted by bearings or RFS must be concentric within 0.006 TIR."
some similar restrictions, it becomes necessary to define the An analysis of the above also illustrates that when mating
center of the effective spline relative to some other datum splines are confined in position by bearings, bushings, or in
surface. The condition of concentricity or relationship con some similar manner, the design must provide a minimum
trol between an effective spline and some diameter is effective spline clearance that is larger than the combined
exactly the same as the condition of control between two misposition allowance for both splines.
diameters. It becomes necessary to establish the axis of a Careful study of the gages shown in Figs. 5-12 will reveal
component and relate that axis to the established axis of the advantages of the effective fit concept as used for
another component. The axis of an effective spline can be splines and its similarity to the MMC concept.
determined by use of special gages designed for this purpose. The gages shown in Figs. 5-8 are for the parts that illustrate
In order to be reliable, these gages must be of highly sophis the Maximum Material Condition concept shown in Figs.
ticated design and very accurate manufacture. 1 and 2.
To illustrate the similarity of concept between effective The gages in Figs. 9-12 are for the splined parts which are
spline relationship to a selected datum and a series of fastener designed to the effective fit concept as taken from the inch
holes relationship to a similar datum, specifications are added and metric version of ANSI B92.1-1970. The gages are also
to Fig. 1 for the 18 hole pattern relationship to diameter designed in exact accordance with the data provided in the
"A" and to Fig. 3 for the 18 tooth spline relationship to inspection section of ANSI B92.1-1970.
diameter "A". The ANSI B92.1-1970 Involute Spline and Inspection
For the purpose of analysis related to assembly, fits, etc., Standard in both the inch and metric version has a selection
the effective spline center can be treated the same as the of tolerances, sizes, and pressure angles that provides the de
established center of any other component. signer in any phase of industry a choice best suited to his
The following are examples of the kind of notes that can needs and available manufacturing equipment. The selection
be written to control the relationship of an effective spline as offered results from careful consideration to produce the
to some other datum surface. most useful standard to the greatest number of users.
"The effective spline "A" at MMC and diameter "B" at
MMC must be concentric within 0.005 TIR." *RFS - regardless of feature size.
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APPENDIX

2.23FORM CIRCLE - The circle which defines the deepest 2.37PARALLELISM VARIATION - The variation of
points of involute form control of the tooth profile. This parallelism of a single spline tooth with respect to any other
circle along with the tooth tip circle (or start of chamfer single spline tooth. See Fig. 1.
circle) determines the limits of tooth profile requiring control. 2.38ALIGNMENT VARIATION - The variation of the
It is located near the major circle on the internal spline and effective spline axis with respect to the reference axis. See
near the minor circle on the external spline. Fig. 1.
2.24FORM DIAMETER, Dfo, Dfi - The diameter of the 2.39OUT OF ROUNDNESS - The variation of the spline
form circle. from a true circular configuration.
2.40EFFECTIVE VARIATION - The accumulated effect
2.26BASIC SPACE WIDTH - The basic space width for
30 deg pressure angle splines is half the circular pitch. The of the spline variations on the fit with the mating part.
2.41VARIATION ALLOWANCE, ? - The permissible ef
basic space width for 37.5 and 45 deg pressure angle splines, fective variation.
however, is greater than half the circular pitch. The teeth are 2.42MACHINING TOLERANCE, m - The permissible
proportioned so that the external tooth, at its base, has about variation in actual space width or actual tooth thickness.
the same thickness as the internal tooth at the form diameter.
2.43TOTAL TOLERANCE, m + - The total tolerance is
This results in greater minor diameters than those of compa the machining tolerance plus the variation allowance.
rable involute splines of 30 deg pressure angle.
2.27ACTUAL SPACE WIDTH, s - The circular width on 2.44LENGTH OF ENGAGEMENT, Lg - The axial length
the pitch circle of any single space considering an infinitely of contact between mating splines.
thin increment of axial spline length. 2.45ACTIVE SPLINE LENGTH, La - The length of spline
2.28EFFECTIVE SPACE WIDTH, sv - The effective space which contacts the mating spline. On sliding splines it exceeds
width of an internal spline is equal to the circular tooth thick the length of engagement.
ness on the pitch circle of an imaginary perfect external spline 2.46REFERENCE - As used in this standard, reference is
which would fit the internal spline without looseness or inter an added notation or modifier to a dimension, specification,
ference considering engagement of the entire axial length of or note when that dimension, specification, or note is:
the spline. The minimum effective space width of the internal 1. Repeated for drawing clarification.
spline is always basic, as shown in Table 1. Fit variations may 2.Needed to define a nonfeature datum or basis from which
be obtained by adjusting the tooth thickness of the external a form or feature is generated.
spline. 3.Needed to define a nonfeature dimension or basis from
2.29ACTUAL TOOTH THICKNESS, t - The circular thick which other specifications or dimensions are developed.
ness on the pitch circle of any single tooth considering an 4.Needed to define a nonfeature dimension at which tol
infinitely thin increment of axial spline length. eranced sizes of a feature are specified.
2.30EFFECTIVE TOOTH THICKNESS, tv - The effective 5.Needed to define a nonfeature dimension from which
tooth thickness of an external spline is equal to the circular control tolerances or sizes are developed or added as
useful information.
space width on the pitch circle of an imaginary perfect in
ternal spline which would fit the external spline without
looseness or interference, considering engagement of the en
tire axial length of the spline.
2.3 1 EFFECTIVE CLEARANCE, cv - The effective space
width of the internal spline minus the effective tooth thick
ness of the mating external spline.
2.32NOMINAL CLEARANCE - The actual space width of
an internal spline minus the actual tooth thickness of the
mating external spline. It does not define the fit between
mating members, because of the effect of variations.
2.34TOTAL INDEX VARIATION - The greatest difference
in any two teeth (adjacent or otherwise) between the actual
and the perfect spacing of the tooth profiles.
2.35PROFILE VARIATION - Any variation from the
specified tooth profile normal to the flank.
2.36LEAD VARIATION - The variation of the direction
of the spline tooth from its intended direction parallel to the
reference axis, also including parallelism and alignment varia
tions. See Fig. 1. Note: Straight (nonhelical) splines have an
infinite lead.
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Any dimension, specification, or note that is noted "REF" affect the fit by reducing effective clearance. Negative profile
shall not be used as a criterion for part acceptance or rejection. variations do not affect the fit but reduce the contact area.
8.SPLINE VARIATIONS - The maximum allowable varia 9.3LEAD VARIATIONS - These variations will cause
tions for involute splines are listed in Table 3. clearance variations and therefore reduce the effective clear
8.1PROFILE VARIATION - The reference profile, from ance.

which variations occur, passes through the point which is 9.4VARIATION ALLOWANCE - The effect of individual
used to determine the actual space width or tooth thickness. spline variations on the fit (effective variation) is less than
This is either the pitch point or the contact point of the their total, because of more than minimum clearance can be
standard measuring pins. altered without changing the fit. The variation allowance is
Profile variation is positive in the direction of the space and 60% of the sum of twice the positive profile variation, the
negative in the direction of the tooth, as shown in Fig. 2. total index variation and the lead variation for the length of
Profile variations which may occur at any point on the profile engagement. The variation allowances in Table 3 are based on
for establishing effective fits are shown in Table 3. a lead variation for an assumed length of engagement equal to
8.2LEAD VARIATIONS - The lead tolerance for the total one-half the pitch diameter. Adjustment may be required for
spline length applies also to any portion thereof unless other a greater length of engagement.
wise specified. 10. EFFECTIVE AND ACTUAL DIMENSIONS
8.3OUT OF ROUNDNESS - This condition may appear 10.1 EFFECTIVE AND ACTUAL SPACE WIDTH - Fig. 3A
merely as a result of index and profile variations given in illustrates an internal spline with variations of index and
Table 3 and requires no further allowance. However, heat profile. Fig. 3B shows that a perfect external spline contour
treatment and deflection of thin sections may cause out of (without variations) does not fit, even though each tooth has
roundness, which increases index and profile variations. the same width as the mating space. To allow the perfect
Tolerances for such conditions depend on many variables external spline to fit in any position, all spaces of the internal
and are therefore not tabulated. Additional tooth and/or spline must be widened by the amount of interference. This
space width tolerance must allow for such conditions. width as shown in Fig. 3C is the actual space width of the
8.4ECCENTRICITY
8.4.1Eccentricity of major and minor diameters, in rela
tion to the effective diameter of side fit splines, should not
cause contact beyond the form diameters of the mating
splines, even under conditions of maximum effective clear
ance. This standard does not establish specific tolerances.
8.4.2Eccentricity of major diameters in relation to the
effective diameters of major diameter fit splines should be
absorbed within the maximum material limits established by
the tolerances on major diameter and effective space width or
effective tooth thickness.
8.4.3If the alignment of mating splines is affected by
eccentricity of locating surfaces relative to each other and/or
the splines, it may be necessary to decrease the effective and
actual tooth thickness of the external splines in order to
maintain the desired fit condition. This standard does not
include allowances for eccentric location.
9.EFFECT OF SPLINE VARIATIONS
9.1INDEX VARIATIONS - These variations cause the
clearance to vary from one set of mating tooth sides to
another. Since the fit depends on the areas with minimum
clearance, index variations reduce the effective clearance.
9.2PROFILE VARIATIONS - Positive profile variations
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internal spline. The effective space width is the tooth TOOTH THICKNESS - These dimensio control machining
thickness of the perfect mating spline. tolerance and also limit the effective varia tion. The
10.2EFFECTIVE AND ACTUAL TOOTH THICKNESS The spread between these dimensions, reduced by the ef ective variation
same reasoning applied to the external spline leads to the concept of the interna and external spline, is the maximum effective
of ef ective tooth thickness which exceeds the actual tooth clearance. Where the effective variation obtained in
thickness by the effective variation. See Fig. 4. 10.3 machining is appreciably less than the variation al owance, these
EFFECTIVECLEARANCE - The effective space width dimensions must be adjusted in order to maintain the
of the internal spline minus the effective tooth thickness of desired fit. 11.4 MAXIMUM
the external spline is the effective clearance, which defines the EF ENew
CTIVE SPACEText WIDTH AND MINIMUM EFFECTIVE
fit of mating parts. (This is strictly true only if high points of TOOTH THICKNESS - These dimensio define
mating parts come into contact.) Positive effective clear ance the maximum effect i v e clearance, but they do not
represents looseness or backlash, negative effective clearance limit the effective vari a t i o n. 11.4.1 They
represents tightness or interfer nce. 10.4 New
may Text be used, in addition to the limits of paragraph 11.3,
SPACEWIDTH AND TOOTH THICKNESS LIMITS The variton in order to prevent the increase of maximum ef ective clearance,
of actual space width and actual tooth thick ness within due to reduction of effective variations. See Table
the machining tolerance causes corresponding variations of 4, Alternate Method A. The notation "inspection optional" may
effective dimensions, so that there are four limit dimensions for be added where maximum effective clearance is an
each component part, as illustrated in Table 4. 10.4.1 The as embly requirement, but does not need absolute con trol. It
minimum effective space width is always basic. The maximum will indicate, without necessarily adding inspection time and
effective tooth thickness is the same as the minimum effective equipment, that the actual space width of the in ternal spline
space width except for the major diameter fit. The must be held below the maximum, or the actual tooth thickness
major diameter fit maximum ef ective tooth thick ness is of the external spline above the minimum, if machining methods
less than the minimum effective space width by an amount which result in less than the allowable varia tions. 11.4.2
Where
allows for eccentricity between the effective spline and
the major diameter. The permissible variation of the ef ective effectivevariation requires no control, Alternate Method
clearance is divided betwe n the internal and external splines B shown in Table 4 shall be used. When Alternate Method
to arrive at the maximum effective space width and B is used and it is neces ary to control the effective variations
the minimum effective tooth thickness. Limits of the actual by laboratory inspection, the following data shall
space width and actual tooth thickness are con structed from be added to the spline specifications: (a) INVOLUTE
suitable variation allowances. 11. USE
OFNew Text EFFECTIVE AND ACTUAL DIMENSIONS[<_->] Table 4
PROFILEVARIATION (ZERO AT
presents four dimensions for space width and for tooth thickness. POINT OF ACTUAL +XXXXX MEASUREMENT)-XXXXX
Each of these has a definite function. 11.1 MINIMUM
(b)TOTAL
EFFECTIVESPACE WIDTH AND MAXIMUM EFFECTIVE
TOOTH THICKNESS - These dimensio control
INDEXVARIATION, MAX XXXXX (c)LEAD
VARIATIONXXXXX Fig.5
the minimum effective clearance, and must always
be specified. 11.2 MINIMUM
ACTUALSPACE WIDTH AND MAXI MUM ACTUAL and the attendant "Drawing Data" block along with paragraphs 13
TOOTH THICKNESS - These dimensio cannot be and 13.1 are also taken from ANSI B92.1-1970 to provide
used for acceptance or rejection of parts. If the actual space added clarity and information. 13. DRAWING
width is less than the minimum without causing the effective DATA - It is important that uniform specifications be
space width to be undersize, or if the actual tooth thickness used to show complete information on detail drawings of
is more than the maximum without causing the effective splines. Much misunderstanding will be avoided by following
tooth thickness to be oversize, the effective variation is the suggested ar angements of dimensions and data, as
less than anticipated; such parts are desirable and not defective. shown on data sheets. The number of x's indicates the number
The specification of these actual dimensions as processing reference of decimal places normally used. With this charted type
dimensions is optional. They are also used to of spline specif cations, it is usual y not neces sary to
analyze undersize effective space width or oversize ef ective tooth show a graphic ilustraion of the spline teeth. 13.1 SPLINE
thickness conditions to determine whether or not they DATA AND REFERENCE DIMENSIONS Spline data are
are caused by excessive effective variation. 11.2.1 The used for engine ring and manufacturing pur poses. Pitch and
machining tolerance includes an allowance for taper. Any pressure angle are not subject to individual inspection. Reference dimensions
taper will affect a lead or paral elism reading. 11.3 MAXIMUM are defined in paragraph 2.46. New Text
ACTUALSPACE WIDTH AND MINI MUM ACTUAL New t
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