Side-by-side summary.
Press Fit (Interference)
Shaft slightly larger than hole. Forced assembly creates radial pressure and friction-based retention. No adhesive needed. Permanent but reversible with force. Standard for bearings, shaft couplings.
Adhesive Bonding (Loctite retaining)
Anaerobic adhesive applied to clearance-fit joint. Cures in absence of air. Fills gap, provides structural bond, locks threaded assemblies. Dissolves with heat (200°C). Adaptable to various gap sizes.
Feature-by-feature breakdown.
| Attribute | Press Fit | Adhesive Bonding |
|---|---|---|
| Holding mechanism | Friction from pressure | Chemical bond |
| Gap requirement | Interference (0.005-0.05 mm) | Clearance (0.05-0.2 mm) |
| Assembly force | High (arbor press) | None (slip fit) |
| Disassembly | High force required | Heat to 200°C (organics burn off) |
| Surface finish required | Ra 0.8 µm or better | Ra 1.6-3.2 µm OK |
| Temperature service | -200 to +400°C | Up to 200°C (typical) |
| Strength (axial load) | 10-50 kN (typical) | 5-30 kN (typical) |
| Strength (rotational) | Excellent | Excellent |
| Stress on components | High (fatigue, creep) | Low |
| Surface contamination sensitivity | Low | High (must be clean) |
| Speed of assembly | Immediate | Cure time (minutes to hours) |
| Typical applications | Bearings, gears, shafts | Thread locking, motor assembly |
When to choose each.
Choose Press Fit (Interference) when:
Choose Adhesive Bonding (Loctite retaining) when:
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