DIN 16742 – TG5 stands as the workhorse tolerance group for injection‑moulded plastic parts. It represents the achievable accuracy of a competent moulding operation operating under normal production conditions, balancing precision against cost. With symmetrical tolerances ranging from ±0.05 mm for small tool‑bound dimensions to ±1.40 mm for large non‑tool‑bound dimensions, TG5 covers the vast majority of functional plastic parts in automotive, consumer goods, electrical and medical device industries.
: High-precision engineering, typically reserved for highly stable, advanced amorphous plastics or components with high filler concentrations.
More expensive steel, precision machining, and tighter tool tolerances.
Structural frames, heavy industrial covers, non-mating surfaces. 5. Implementation Recommendations
The selection of TG5 is typically driven by the material choice and the part geometry. din 16742 - tg5
| Nominal dimension (mm) | Tolerance ± (mm) | |------------------------|------------------| | 0 – 3 | ±0.08 | | 3 – 6 | ±0.12 | | 6 – 10 | ±0.15 | | 10 – 18 | ±0.20 | | 18 – 30 | ±0.25 | | 30 – 50 | ±0.30 | | 50 – 80 | ±0.40 | | 80 – 120 | ±0.50 | | 120 – 180 | ±0.65 | | 180 – 250 | ±0.80 | | 250 – 315 | ±1.00 | | 315 – 400 | ±1.20 |
If we look at a nominal dimension of :
Tolerance Group 5 (TG5) is a high-precision classification. It is typically specified for technical components that require exact fits and functional interfaces, such as gears, electronic housings, and automotive sub-assemblies.
DIN 16742-TG5 is the designated tolerance group for . It is the default choice for general tolerances on engineering drawings and is the standard applied by many manufacturers for their standard injection moulding processes. The specification "DIN 16742 – TG5" in a drawing's title block defines the permissible general tolerances for all features not explicitly dimensioned. DIN 16742 – TG5 stands as the workhorse
The actual tolerance value derived from the TG5 designation is not a single number but depends on:
DIN 16742 - TG5: The Blueprint for Standard Precision Injection Molding
Many molders hesitate to guarantee TG5 for three reasons:
For small nominal dimensions (under 6 mm), TG5 tool-specified tolerances can be as tight as . As the nominal dimension increases to 100 mm, the allowed tolerance expands toward ±0.25 mm or higher to account for compound material shrinkage across larger surface areas. 4. Factors Influencing TG5 Feasibility : By specifying performance criteria
TG5 is widely used in conventional injection moulding and is often considered the for this process. It is also applied in other moulding processes such as:
In this standard, accuracy is categorized into "Tolerance Groups" (TG) ranging from TG1 (precision) to TG9 (coarse) TG5 is the "Standard": It is widely considered the industry baseline for Standard Injection Molding Pekago Covering Technology Application:
The feature is designed for engineers, designers, and technicians working in various industries, such as mechanical engineering, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, who need to perform tolerance analysis and calculation according to DIN 16742 - TG5.
: By specifying performance criteria, the standard also contributes to safety in the workplace. Tool holders that are designed and manufactured according to DIN 16742 - TG5 are less likely to fail during operation, reducing the risk of accidents.