Post Fit

Post Fit is a mechanical assembly technique where components are joined together through interference or friction fit, typically achieved by designing one part slightly larger than the corresponding hole or cavity it will occupy. This sophisticated engineering method relies on the elastic and plastic deformation properties of materials to create a secure connection without additional fasteners or adhesives. The process involves carefully calculated dimensional differences between mating parts, where the interference between them creates compressive stresses that maintain the joint's integrity. Historically evolved from traditional woodworking and metalworking practices, post fitting has become an essential assembly method in modern industrial design and manufacturing. The technique requires precise engineering calculations to determine optimal interference values that ensure sufficient holding force while preventing material failure. The success of post fit assemblies depends on various factors including material properties, surface finish, temperature variations, and environmental conditions. In contemporary design applications, post fit is particularly valuable in scenarios where welding or mechanical fasteners would be impractical or aesthetically undesirable. The method has gained significant recognition in industrial design competitions, including the A' Design Award, where products featuring innovative post fit solutions have been celebrated for their technical excellence and manufacturing efficiency. The technique's advantages include reduced assembly time, elimination of additional components, enhanced structural integrity, and improved aesthetic appeal through seamless connections. However, proper implementation requires sophisticated design considerations, including thermal expansion coefficients, material strain limitations, and assembly/disassembly requirements.

Author: Lucas Reed

Keywords: assembly techniques, interference fit, mechanical engineering, material properties, precision manufacturing, industrial design, structural integrity, component joining, friction fit

Help us improve the Design+Encyclopedia, contribute your alternative definition for Post Fit today!

About the Design+Encyclopedia
The Design+Encyclopedia is a crowd-sourced reference of information on design. Unlike other crowd-sourced publications on design, the Design Encyclopedia is edited and actively monitored and publishing is only possible after review of submitted texts. Furthermore, editors of the Design Encyclopedia are mostly consisting of award winning designers who have proven their expertise in their design respective fields. Information posted at design encyclopedia is copyrighted, you are not granted a right to use the text for any commercial reasons, attribution is required. If you wish to contribute to the design encyclopedia, please first register or login to A' Design Award and then start a new design encyclopedia entry.