| Nominal Length Range of Shorter Side (mm) | Limit Deviation (mm/m) | Angular Limit (± degrees) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 0 to 400 | ± 13 | ± 0.75° | | >400 to 1,000 | ± 8.7 | ± 0.5° | | >1,000 | ± 5.8 | ± 0.33° |
The "B" and "F" in the designation "BF" refer to two distinct categories of tolerances defined within the EN ISO 13920 standard.
Refers to the tolerance class for angular dimensions. These are usually classified as E (Fine), F (Medium), or G (Coarse). Class F indicates "medium" tolerances for angles.
The measurement method must be appropriate for the precision required. For Class B tolerances, reliable squares, calipers, and straightedges are generally adequate. In contrast, Class A tolerances often necessitate more expensive instruments like laser measurement systems or coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). Testing methods are defined in the standard, including: en iso 13920-bf
+--------------------------------------------+ | DESIGNED BY: J. Doe | DATE: 2026-05-31 | +--------------------------------------------+ | GENERAL TOLERANCES FOR WELDED STRUCTURES: | | EN ISO 13920-BF | +--------------------------------------------+ Use code with caution.
| Nominal Dimension Range (mm) | Limit Deviation (± mm) | | :--- | :--- | | 2 to 30 | ± 2 | | >30 to 120 | ± 2 | | >120 to 400 | ± 3 | | >400 to 1,000 | ± 4 | | >1,000 to 2,000 | ± 6 | | >2,000 to 4,000 | ± 8 | | >4,000 to 8,000 | ± 10 | | >8,000 to 12,000 | ± 12 | | >12,000 to 16,000 | ± 14 | | >16,000 to 20,000 | ± 16 |
If you are a design engineer, using this standard correctly will save your workshop hours of confusion. | Nominal Length Range of Shorter Side (mm)
: Represents Medium Accuracy . This is the most widely assigned class for industrial equipment, general fabrication, and construction engineering. It balances reasonable workshop manufacturing costs with tight operational control.
| Code | Meaning | Application | |------|---------|--------------| | | Butt weld – Flat root face + backing | Used when full penetration is required and backing is retained |
: Accuracy of angles between welded parts. Class F indicates "medium" tolerances for angles
It acts as a universal language for international contracts, ensuring a manufacturer in Europe and a client in the Middle East have the same expectations for accuracy.
| Term | Standard | Meaning | |------|----------|---------| | | ISO 13920 | General tolerances for welded constructions | | Class C, D, E, F | ISO 13920 | Tolerance grades (C finest → F coarsest) | | BF | ISO 9692-1 | Butt weld preparation with Backing + Flat root face | | EN ISO 13920-BF | Invalid combo | Likely means: Tolerance Class F + Weld prep BF |
The chosen class for shape and position . It governs characteristics like straightness, flatness, and parallelism across the welded framework. The positional classes range from E (Fine) through H (Very Coarse), leaving Class F as the standard "medium" benchmark. Class B: Dimensional Tolerances (Linear & Angular)
The designation EN ISO 13920-BF refers to a specific combination of tolerance classes for welded constructions. It is a standard shorthand used in engineering drawings to define acceptable variations in dimensions without needing to label every single part. Breaking Down "BF"