The changes in the clearances (interferences) caused by the differences in
the temperature coefficients of linear expansion (TCLE) of joined materials
are considered. In operation and long-term storage of precision parts made
of high-strength steels these changes can exceed the admissible ranges due
to the instability of the phase composition even when the parameters of th
e heat-treatment process correspond to the existing technological recommend
ations. A study of the nature of the size instability of high-strength corr
osion-resistant steel 25Kh17N2B-Sh allowed the authors to recommend regimes
for its final heat treatment that provide maximum size stability at the sp
ecified level of mechanical properties.