Computer-Aided Linear Tolerance Analysis and Optimal Tolerance Distribution for Cylindrical Machined Parts
Abstract Quality and cost are among the most important concerns for a product. While tolerance is one of the typical metrics for quality, it is a trade-off between tolerances and costs in product development though the two factors often conflict with each other. This paper describes a systematic approach to compute linear tolerance accumulation for cylindrical parts by machining operations based on the tolerance chart. A computer-aided tolerance chart system is developed to assist the construction of the corresponding tolerance chart and the computation of accumulated linear tolerances for a given process plan. Tolerance distribution to each machining operation by optimization techniques is also investigated. The goal is to minimize machining cost subject to constraints on tolerance accumulation and process capability. It shows that the machining cost of a sample part with the worst-case tolerance analysis can be reduced by 39%, compared to that by experience, and can be further reduced if statistical tolerance analysis applies.