An interference fit, also known as a pressed fit or friction fit is a form of fastening between two tight fitting mating parts that produces a joint which is held together by friction after the parts are pushed together. Depending on the amount of interference, parts may be joined using a tap from a hammer or pressed together using a hydraulic ram. Critical components that must not sustain damage during joining may also be cooled significantly below room temperature to shrink one of the components before fitting. This method allows the components to be joined without force and producing a shrink fit interference when the component returns to normal temperature. Interference fits are commonly used with aircraft fasteners to improve the fatigue life of a joint. Introducing interference between parts These fits, though applicable to shaft and hole assembly, are more often used for bearing-housing or bearing-shaft assembly. Tightness of fit The tightness of fit is controlled by amount of interference; the allowance (planned difference from nominal size). Formulas exist to compute allowance that will result in various strengths of fit such as loose fit, light interference fit, and interference fit. The value of the allowance depends on which material is being used, how big the parts are, and what degree of tightness is desired. Such values have already been worked out in the past for many standard applications, and they are available to engineers in the form of tables, obviating the need for re-derivation. As an example, a shaft made of 303 stainless steel will form a tight fit with allowance of . A slip fit can be formed when the bore diameter is wider than the rod; or, if the rod is made 12–20μm under the given bore diameter. An example: The allowance per inch of diameter usually ranges from (0.1–0.25%), (0.15%) being a fair average. Ordinarily the allowance per inch decreases as the diameter increases; thus the total allowance for a diameter of might be , 0.2%), whereas for a diameter of the total allowance might not be over i.e., 0.11–0.12%). The parts to be assembled by forced fits are usually made cylindrical, although sometimes they are slightly tapered. Advantages of the taper form are: the possibility of abrasion of the fitted surfaces is reduced; less pressure is required in assembling; and parts are more readily separated when renewal is required. On the other hand, the taper