Little Machine Shop Bolt Circle Calculator

Bolt Circle Formula:

\[ coord_x = r \times \cos(360° \times i / n) \] \[ coord_y = r \times \sin(360° \times i / n) \]

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1. What is Bolt Circle Calculation?

Bolt circle calculation determines the coordinates of equally spaced holes on a circular pattern, essential for machining and mechanical design.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses trigonometric formulas:

\[ coord_x = r \times \cos(360° \times i / n) \] \[ coord_y = r \times \sin(360° \times i / n) \]

Where:

\( r \) — Radius of bolt circle (inches)
\( i \) — Hole number (0 to n-1)
\( n \) — Total number of holes
360° — Full circle in degrees

Explanation: The formulas calculate the x and y coordinates for each hole by dividing the circle into equal angular segments.

3. Importance of Bolt Circle Coordinates

Details: Precise bolt circle coordinates are crucial for accurate hole placement in flanges, wheels, gears, and other circular patterns in machining.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the bolt circle radius in inches and the number of holes. The calculator will generate coordinates for each hole position.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units does this calculator use?
A: The calculator uses inches for radius and coordinates, which is standard in machining.

Q2: Can I use this for metric measurements?
A: Yes, just enter metric values and treat the results as millimeters instead of inches.

Q3: How accurate are the results?
A: Results are mathematically precise, rounded to 4 decimal places (0.0001 inches).

Q4: What's the maximum number of holes supported?
A: There's no practical limit, but extremely large numbers may be limited by your browser.

Q5: Can I print the results?
A: Yes, use your browser's print function after calculating.