Shrink Fitting – A revolutionary way to get the best fit

Are you working in an industry or a process that demands the need for an interference fit? If yes, you must know that the traditional ways of fitting are outdated now with the advent of shrink fitting. Researchers say that the revolutionary method of liquid nitrogen shrink fitting is one of the best and safest methods for assembling as it is inert and therefore considered safe to use in a workshop situation considering there is adequate ventilation.

Before the evolution of this newest method of fitting, there were basically two ways of fitting a component into another – the force fit method or to expand the outer component with heat. Although both these were in use for quite a longer period in industries but they both have disadvantages in that the former can lead to mechanical damage between the two faces and the latter can cause local damage or stress due to uneven or poor heating procedures, as well as the practicalities of heating large frames or housings.

To overcome these issues, shrink fitting was devised to ensure zero damage, as liquid nitrogen has no permanent effect on ferrous or non-ferrous metals. Many studies suggest that this is the most reliable method for interference fit with lesser damage to the metal.