А casting tolerance specifies the allowable deviation between a feature’s nominal and actual size.
Мысалы, a ±0.5 mm tolerance on a 100 mm dimension means the finished part may measure anywhere between 99.5 мм және 100.5 мм.
Such precision influences component fit, Механикалық қойылым, жіне assembly reliability.
Осы уақытта, every tenth of a millimeter shaved off the tolerance budget can increase mold cost by 10–20%, raise scrap rates by up to 15%, жіне add two to four weeks of tooling lead time.
This article surveys a range of casting processes—from green‐sand қарай Кастинг өледі—and quantifies their typical tolerance capabilities.
We’ll also review Исо 8062 and other industry standards, outline necessary pattern and machining allowances,
and recommend тексеру жіне statistical‐process‐control methods that help you strike the optimal balance between cost and precision.
1. Understanding Tolerances in Casting
Before selecting a process, clarify these foundational concepts:
- Tolerance is the total allowable variation in a dimension.
- Рұқсат is the deliberate oversize or undersize built in for casting shrinkage, draft, or subsequent machining.
- Fit describes how two mating parts interact, бастап clearance fits (loose) қарай interference fits (tight).

Үстіне, casting tolerances may be сызықтық (E.Г., ± 0,5 мм) немесе geometric (E.Г., circularity, perpendicularity), defined using Данд&Т symbols.
Remember: each class of tolerance you specify can translate into tangible cost and schedule impacts.
, Сорт, careful upfront planning—aligned with your manufacturing partner’s capabilities—pays dividends in quality and total cost of ownership.
2. Standards and Nomenclature
Before specifying tolerances, you need a common language. International and regional standards define both шамдық жіне geometric casting tolerances, so designers and foundries can speak with precision.
Исо 8062 Casting Tolerance (Ц) and Geometric Casting Tolerance (GCT)
Исо 8062-3 defines Dimensional Casting Tolerance (ДCT) grades from CT1 through CT16, where lower CT numbers correspond to tighter as-cast tolerances. Іс жүзінде:
- CT1–CT4 (±0.05–0.3 % of dimension) suit high-precision die-casting and permanent-mold parts.
- CT5–CT9 (±0.1–0.8 %) apply to investment and shell-mold castings.
- CT10–CT14 (±0.4–2.0 %) cover various sand-casting methods.
- CT15–CT16 (±2.5–3.5 %) serve very large or non-critical castings.
Мысалы, on a 200 mm feature:
- А CT4 part might hold ±0.6 mm,
- While a CT12 sand casting might allow ±4 mm.
Complementing CT grades, Исо 8062-2 defines Geometrical Casting Tolerances (GCT)—covering form (flatness, circularity), бағдар (perpendicularity, parallelism), and position (true position).
Each GCT grade (G1–G8) layers geometric control onto the nominal CT dimensional envelope.
Regional & Industry Specifications
While ISO provides a global framework, many industries reference tailored standards:
NADCA (North American Die Casting Association):
- Normal tolerance: ±0.25 mm per 100 мм (Шамдар. ISO CT3–CT4).
- Дәлдік tolerance: ±0.10 mm per 100 мм (Шамдар. ISO CT1–CT2).
- NADCA also defines separate classes for биіктік, hole, жіне flatness tolerances specific to die-cast materials such as zinc, алюминий, және магний.
SFSA 2000 (Steel Founders’ Society of America):
- Provides sand-casting tolerances ranging ±0.4–1.6 mm әрқайсысына 100 мм, depending on mold type (green-sand vs. resin-bonded).
- Its tables correspond roughly to ISO CT11–CT13.
BS 6615 (British Standard for Foundry)
- Covers sand, shell, жіне салым processes.
- Typical allowances:
-
- Sand casting ±0.5–2.0 mm/100 mm (CT11–CT14)
- Shell casting ±0.2–0.8 mm/100 mm (CT8–CT12)
- Investment casting ±0.1–0.5 mm/100 mm (CT5–CT9)
3. Casting tolerance table (unit: мм)
The following table lists the maximum total tolerance values for different CT grades (Casting Tolerance Grade CT1–CT16) within different basic size ranges.
| Basic Dimension (мм) | CT1 | CT2 | CT3 | CT4 | CT5 | CT6 | CT7 | CT8 | CT9 | CT10 | CT11 | CT12 | CT13 | CT14 | CT15 | CT16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤10 | 0.09 | 0.13 | 0.18 | 0.26 | 0.36 | 0.52 | 0.74 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 2.0 | 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 | 3.2 | 4.4 | - | - | - | - |
| >16 – ≤25 | 0.11 | 0.15 | 0.22 | 0.30 | 0.42 | 0.58 | 0.82 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 2.4 | 3.2 | 4.6 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 10.0 | 12.0 |
| >25 – ≤40 | 0.12 | 0.17 | 0.24 | 0.32 | 0.46 | 0.64 | 0.90 | 1.3 | 1.8 | 2.6 | 3.6 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 9.0 | 11.0 | 14.0 |
| >40 – ≤63 | 0.13 | 0.18 | 0.26 | 0.36 | 0.50 | 0.70 | 1.10 | 1.4 | 2.0 | 2.8 | 4.0 | 5.6 | 8.0 | 11.0 | 14.0 | 18.0 |
| >63 – ≤100 | 0.14 | 0.20 | 0.28 | 0.40 | 0.56 | 0.78 | 1.10 | 1.6 | 2.2 | 3.2 | 4.4 | 6.0 | 9.0 | 11.0 | 14.0 | 18.0 |
| >100 – ≤160 | 0.15 | 0.22 | 0.30 | 0.44 | 0.62 | 0.88 | 1.20 | 1.8 | 2.5 | 3.6 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 10.0 | 12.0 | 16.0 | 20.0 |
| >160 – ≤250 | - | 0.24 | 0.34 | 0.50 | 0.70 | 1.0 | 1.30 | 2.0 | 2.8 | 4.0 | 5.6 | 8.0 | 11.0 | 14.0 | 18.0 | 25.0 |
| >250 – ≤400 | - | - | 0.40 | 0.56 | 0.78 | 1.10 | 1.60 | 2.2 | 3.2 | 4.4 | 6.2 | 9.0 | 12.0 | 16.0 | 20.0 | 32.0 |
| >400 – ≤630 | - | - | - | - | 0.64 | 0.90 | 1.20 | 1.8 | 2.6 | 3.6 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 14.0 | 18.0 | 22.0 | 28.0 |
| >630 – ≤1,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1.40 | 2.0 | 2.8 | 4.0 | 5.6 | 8.0 | 16.0 | 20.0 | 25.0 | 32.0 |
| >1,000 – ≤1,600 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1.60 | 2.2 | 3.2 | 4.6 | 7.0 | 9.0 | 18.0 | 23.0 | 29.0 | 37.0 |
| >1,600 – ≤2,500 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 2.6 | 3.8 | 5.4 | 8.0 | 15.0 | 21.0 | 26.0 | 42.0 |
| >2,500 – ≤4,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4.4 | 6.2 | 19.0 | 24.0 | 30.0 | 49.0 |
| >4,000 – ≤6,300 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7.0 | 23.0 | 28.0 | 35.0 | 44.0 |
| >6,300 – ≤10,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 26.0 | 32.0 | 40.0 | 64.0 |
4. Overview of Major Casting Processes
Casting processes fall into three broad categories—expendable‐mold, permanent‐mold/pressure‐driven, жіне specialty techniques—each offering distinct tolerance capabilities, Беттің әрлеуі, and cost structures.
Expendable-Mold Methods
Green-Sand Casting
Green-sand casting remains the most economical and flexible method for large or simple parts.
Foundries mix silica sand, балшық, and moisture to form molds that yield typical ISO CT11-CT14 tolerances—about ±0.5–2.0% of any given dimension (i.e., ±0.5–2.0 mm on 100 мм).
Surface finish generally ranges РА 6-12 мкм, and tooling cost stays low (жиі <$500 per pattern).
Chemically-Bonded & Бекітпейтін құм
Upgrading to resin-bonded or no-bake sand molds tightens tolerances to CT9-CT12 (±0.3–1.2%), improves mold strength, and reduces wash-out.
Surface roughness drops to Ra 3–6 μm, making these methods well suited for medium-complexity parts where green-sand precision proves marginal.
Investment (Lost-Wax) Кастинг
Инвестициялық құю, also known as lost-wax, produces intricate shapes and thin walls with CT5–CT9 tolerances—approximately ±0.1–0.5% (±0.1–0.5 mm per 100 мм).
Сондай-ақ Тамаша бетті аяқтау (Ra 0.8–2.0 μm) and ability to maintain fine detail justify higher tooling costs (often $2,000–$10,000 per pattern) in aerospace, медициналық, and high-end industrial applications.

Lost-Foam Casting
Lost-foam casting combines expendable patterns with unbonded sand, offering CT10-CT13 Мүмкіндіктер (±0.4–1.5%).
While surface finish (Ra 4–8 μm) and dimensional control fall between green-sand and investment casting, this method excels at producing complex, single-piece assemblies without cores.
Permanent-Mold & Pressure-Driven Methods
Кастинг өледі (Hot & Cold Chamber)
Кастинг өледі yields the tightest as-cast tolerances—CT1–CT4, немесе ±0.05–0.3% of dimension (±0.05–0.3 mm per 100 мм).
Typical surface finish ranges Ra 0.5–1.5 μm. High upfront tooling costs (often $10,000–$200,000 per die) pay off in cycle times as fast as 15–60 seconds and excellent repeatability for aluminum, мырыш, and magnesium parts.
Gravity Die & Төмен қысымды өлім
Gravity and low-pressure die casting, using reusable metal molds, мақсатқа жету CT2–CT6 төзімділік (±0.1–0.5%) бірге Ra 1–4 μm аяқтайды.
Because they operate without high injection speeds, these methods reduce porosity and strengthen components—particularly in automotive wheel and pump applications.
Specialty Techniques
Центрифугалық құю
By spinning molds at 200–2,000 RPM, centrifugal casting forces molten metal outward, producing dense pipe walls and rings. Radial tolerance falls in CT3–CT8 (±0.1–0.5%).
Surface finish typically sits at Ra 3–8 μm, and directional cooling enhances mechanical properties in heavy-duty bearings and piping.
Plaster & Ceramic Mold Casting
Plaster and ceramic molds—largely used for art, зергерлік заттар, and small-batch aerospace parts—provide CT6–CT9 төзімділік (±0.2–0.8%) жіне Ra 2–5 μm аяқтайды.
Although slower and more expensive than sand, these processes accommodate fine detail and special alloys.
5. Tolerance Capabilities by Casting Process
Бұл бөлімде, we present a consolidated view of each process’s typical Исо 8062 CT grade,
its corresponding linear tolerance (as a percentage of dimension and in millimeters on 100 мм), and a representative Бетті аяқтау.
| Кастинг процесі | ISO CT Grade | Linear Tolerance | Tolerance on 100 мм | Бетті аяқтау (RA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green-Sand Casting | CT11–CT14 | ±0.5–2.0 % of dimension | ±0.5–2.0 mm | 6–12 µm |
| Chemically-Bonded Sand | CT9-CT12 | ±0.3–1.0 % | ±0.3–1.0 mm | 3–6 µm |
| Қабықшаны құю | CT8–CT11 | ±0.2–0.8 % | ±0.2–0.8 mm | 1–3 µm |
| Investment (Lost-Wax) | CT5–CT9 | ±0.1–0.5 % | ± 0,1-0,5 мм | 0.8–2.0 µm |
| Lost-Foam Casting | CT10-CT13 | ±0.4–1.5 % | ±0.4–1.5 mm | 4–8 µm |
| Кастинг өледі (Hot/Cold) | CT1–CT4 | ±0.05–0.3 % | ±0.05–0.3 mm | 0.5–1.5 µm |
| Gravity/Low-Pressure Die | CT2–CT6 | ±0.1–0.5 % | ± 0,1-0,5 мм | 1–4 µm |
| Центрифугалық құю | CT3–CT8 (radial) | ±0.1–0.5 % (radial) | ± 0,1-0,5 мм | 3–8 µm |
| Plaster/Ceramic Mold Casting | CT6–CT9 | ±0.2–0.8 % | ±0.2–0.8 mm | 2-5 мкм |
6. Factors Affecting Casting Tolerances
Casting tolerances are not fixed properties of a process—they result from a complex interplay between material behavior, tooling design, Процесс параметрлері, and part geometry.
Материалдық қасиеттері
The type of metal or alloy directly affects shrinkage, flowability, and dimensional stability.
- Thermal Contraction Rates: Metals shrink upon cooling. Мысалы:
-
- Gray iron: ~1.0%
- Алюминий alloys: ~1.3%
- Zinc alloys: ~0.7%
- Болат: ~2.0% (varies with carbon content)
Higher shrinkage results in more dimensional deviation unless compensated by tooling design.
- Fluidity and Solidification Behavior:
-
- Metals with higher fluidity (E.Г., алюминий, қола) fill molds more precisely.
- Rapid solidification in thin sections or low-fluidity metals can cause voids and uneven shrinkage.
- Alloying Effects:
-
- Кремний in cast iron improves fluidity but also increases expansion.
- Никель жіне хромий enhance dimensional stability in steels.
Mold and Tooling Variables
The mold system is often the single largest contributor to as-cast dimensional variation.
- Үлгінің дәлдігі:
-
- CNC-machined patterns achieve far better tolerance than hand-crafted ones.
- Wear over time degrades precision—especially in high-volume sand casting.
- Жобаның бұрыштары:
-
- Required to release the casting from the mold, typical angles are:
-
-
- 1°–3° for external surfaces
- 5°–8° for internal cavities
-
-
- Excessive draft adds dimensional variation and must be accounted for.
- Mold Rigidity and Expansion:
-
- Sand molds are compressible and expand under heat, which affects tolerances.
- Metal dies (in die casting) are more dimensionally stable, supporting tighter tolerances.
- Жылу өткізгіштік:
-
- Жылдам салқындату (E.Г., metal molds) minimizes distortion.
- Slow cooling (E.Г., ceramic or plaster molds) allows more time for material contraction and deformation.
Process Parameters
How the metal is poured, solidified, and cooled significantly alters final dimensions.
- Pouring Temperature:
-
- Overheating increases mold erosion and exaggerates shrinkage.
- Underheating leads to poor mold filling and cold shuts.
- Gating and Risering Design:
-
- Poor gating can cause turbulence and air entrapment, leading to porosity and distortion.
- Insufficient risers result in shrink cavities that reduce geometric integrity.
- Cooling Rate and Solidification Control:
-
- Techniques such as салқындату, venting, жіне controlled cooling zones help refine dimensional accuracy.
- Қалың бөлімдерде, uneven solidification may cause differential shrinkage жіне warping.
- Section Thickness and Complexity:
-
- Thin sections cool faster, resulting in smaller grain size and better dimensional control.
- Complex geometries with varying wall thicknesses are prone to ыстық дақтар жіне internal stresses, affecting the final shape.
Part Size and Geometry
Larger parts accumulate more thermal and mechanical stresses, leading to increased distortion:
- А 1000 mm steel casting may vary ±3–5 mm, while a 100 mm aluminum part can maintain ±0.1 mm with investment casting.
- Asymmetrical parts often warp due to unbalanced cooling and uneven metal flow.
- Incorporating uniform wall thickness, ribs, жіне rounded transitions enhances dimensional predictability.
Summary Table – Key Factors & Typical Impacts
| Фактор | Typical Impact on Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Thermal Shrinkage of Material | +0.7% қарай +2.5% deviation from mold dimension |
| Үлгінің дәлдігі (manual vs CNC) | ±0.5 mm to ±0.05 mm variance |
| Draft Angle Requirement | Adds 0.1–1 mm per 100 mm of depth |
| Pouring Temp Deviation (±50°C) | Up to ±0.2 mm dimensional shift |
| Wall Thickness Variation | Can cause ±0.3–0.6 mm distortion |
| Mold Expansion (sand vs metal) | ±0.1 mm to ±1.0 mm depending on mold type |
7. Allowances in Pattern and Mold Design
To achieve final tolerances, designers build in specific allowances:
- Shrinkage Allowance: Add 1.0–1.3 mm per 100 mm for aluminum, 1.0 mm/100 mm for iron.
- Draft Allowance: 1°–3° taper per vertical face.
- Machining Allowance: 1-3 мм (depending on process and feature criticality).
- Бұрмалау & Shake: Extra 0.5–1.0 mm in thin walls to counter pattern shake and distortion.
-Дан meticulously applying these values, engineers ensure that the as-cast oversize positions critical dimensions into the desired tolerance window.
8. Design for Tolerance Control
Effective design minimizes the gap between as-cast and finished dimensions:
- Near-Net Shape: Aim to deliver features within ±10% of final size, reducing machining by 70%.
- Данд&T Focus: Apply tight controls only to critical interfaces; allow CT-grade tolerances on non‐critical surfaces.
- Geometry Guidelines: Use generous fillets (>1 mm radius), uniform wall thickness (≤10 mm variation), and strategically placed ribs to limit distortion.
Such intentional feature design helps castings emerge closer to their target geometry, preserving both cost and quality.
9. Inspection and Quality Assurance
Шместар, laser scanners, and CT systems enable rapid, high‐density measurement:
- Vernier & Micrometer: Quick “spot checks” for first-pass verification.
- CMM/Optical Scanning: Full-field mapping against CAD models; typical uncertainty: ±0.005 mm.
- CT Scanning: Validates internal geometries, pore distribution, and wall‐thickness uniformity.
Quality plans should include Бірінші мақаланы тексеру (Фай), PPAP for automotive, немесе AQL іріктеу (E.Г., AQL 1.0) for high‐volume runs.
Root-cause analysis targets tolerance excursions—whether due to mold shift, Жылу бұрмалануы, or pattern wear.
10. Statistical Process Capability
To quantify your casting operation’s ability to meet tolerance:
- Calculate П.П. (process potential) жіне Сеп (process performance) values; aim for Cp ≥1.33 жіне Cpk ≥1.0 for robust tolerance control.
- Пайдалану Зат charts to monitor critical casting parameters: mold hardness, pouring temperature, and dimension trends.
- Implement DOE (Design of Experiments) to identify key factors and optimize gating, mold compaction, and cooling rates.
11. Қорытынды
Casting tolerances represent a critical nexus of design intent, process capability, and economic reality.
By grounding decisions in Исо 8062 CT grades, aligning with NADCA немесе SFSA талаптар, and incorporating proper pattern allowances, engineers and foundries can deliver parts that meet both performance and budget goals.
Үстіне, rigorous тексеру, statistical control, жіне emerging digital technologies—from 3D‐printed sand molds to real-time simulation—are tightening as-cast tolerances and reducing expensive downstream machining.
Сайып келгенде, the right tolerance strategy ensures that your cast component transitions smoothly from pattern shop to assembly line, on time, on budget, and within specification.



