This paper reviews four major methods for tolerance analysis and compares them. The methods discussed are: (1) one-dimensional tolerance charts; (2) parametric tolerance analysis, especially parametric analysis based on the Monte Carlo simulation; (3) vector loop (or kinematic) based tolerance analysis; and (4) ASU Tolerance-Map® (T-Map®) (Patent pending; nonprovisional patent application number: 09/507, 542 (2002)) based tolerance analysis. Tolerance charts deal with worst-case tolerance analysis in one direction at a time and ignore possible contributions from the other directions. Manual charting is tedious and error prone, hence, attempts have been made for automation. The parametric approach to tolerance analysis is based on parametric constraint solving; its inherent drawback is that the accuracy of the simulation results are dependent on the user-defined modeling scheme, and its inability to incorporate all Y14.5 rules. The vector loop method uses kinematic joints to model assembly constraints. It is also not fully consistent with Y14.5 standard. The ASU T-Map® based tolerance analysis method can model geometric tolerances and their interaction in truly three-dimensional context. It is completely consistent with Y14.5 standard but its use by designers may be quite challenging. The T-Map® based tolerance analysis method is still under development. Despite the shortcomings of each of these tolerance analysis methods, each may be used to provide reasonable results under certain circumstances. Through a comprehensive comparison of these methods, this paper will offer some recommendations for selecting the best method to use for a given tolerance accumulation problem.
Skip Nav Destination
e-mail: zhengshu.shen@asu.edu
e-mail: gaurav.ameta@asu.edu
e-mail: jami.shah@asu.edu
e-mail: j.davidson@asu.edu
Article navigation
September 2005
Technical Papers
A Comparative Study Of Tolerance Analysis Methods
Zhengshu Shen,
Zhengshu Shen
Research Assistant
Design Automation Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering,
e-mail: zhengshu.shen@asu.edu
Arizona State University
, Tempe, AZ 85287-6106, USA
Search for other works by this author on:
Gaurav Ameta,
Gaurav Ameta
Research Assistant
Design Automation Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering,
e-mail: gaurav.ameta@asu.edu
Arizona State University
, Tempe, AZ 85287-6106, USA
Search for other works by this author on:
Jami J. Shah,
Jami J. Shah
Professor
Design Automation Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering,
e-mail: jami.shah@asu.edu
Arizona State University
, Tempe, AZ 85287-6106, USA
Search for other works by this author on:
Joseph K. Davidson
Joseph K. Davidson
Professor
Design Automation Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering,
e-mail: j.davidson@asu.edu
Arizona State University
, Tempe, AZ 85287-6106, USA
Search for other works by this author on:
Zhengshu Shen
Research Assistant
Design Automation Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering,
Arizona State University
, Tempe, AZ 85287-6106, USAe-mail: zhengshu.shen@asu.edu
Gaurav Ameta
Research Assistant
Design Automation Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering,
Arizona State University
, Tempe, AZ 85287-6106, USAe-mail: gaurav.ameta@asu.edu
Jami J. Shah
Professor
Design Automation Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering,
Arizona State University
, Tempe, AZ 85287-6106, USAe-mail: jami.shah@asu.edu
Joseph K. Davidson
Professor
Design Automation Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering,
Arizona State University
, Tempe, AZ 85287-6106, USAe-mail: j.davidson@asu.edu
J. Comput. Inf. Sci. Eng. Sep 2005, 5(3): 247-256 (10 pages)
Published Online: May 16, 2005
Article history
Received:
June 30, 2004
Revised:
May 16, 2005
Citation
Shen, Z., Ameta, G., Shah, J. J., and Davidson, J. K. (May 16, 2005). "A Comparative Study Of Tolerance Analysis Methods." ASME. J. Comput. Inf. Sci. Eng. September 2005; 5(3): 247–256. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1979509
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Early Quality Prediction of Complex Double-Walled Hollow Turbine Blades Based on Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm
J. Comput. Inf. Sci. Eng (January 2025)
Offline Reinforcement Learning for Adaptive Control in Manufacturing Processes: A Press Hardening Case Study
J. Comput. Inf. Sci. Eng (January 2025)
A Conceptual Design Method Based on Concept–Knowledge Theory and Large Language Models
J. Comput. Inf. Sci. Eng (February 2025)
Putting the Ghost in the Machine: Emulating Cognitive Style in Large Language Models
J. Comput. Inf. Sci. Eng (February 2025)
Related Articles
Tolerance Analysis with EDS/ VisVSA
J. Comput. Inf. Sci. Eng (March,2003)
Tolerance Analysis with eM-TolMate
J. Comput. Inf. Sci. Eng (March,2003)
Computer Modeling of Geometric Variations in Mechanical Parts and Assemblies
J. Comput. Inf. Sci. Eng (March,2003)
Geometric and Kinetic Model Based Computer-Aided Fixture Design Verification
J. Comput. Inf. Sci. Eng (September,2003)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
Personal Preassessment
Study Guide for Certification of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Professionals: Based on the ASME Y14.5.2-2000 and ASME Y14.5M-1994 Standards
Aircraft Winglet Assembly Tolerance Analysis and Scheme Comparison
International Conference on Control Engineering and Mechanical Design (CEMD 2017)
Assembly Modeling for Tolerance Analysis
International Conference on Instrumentation, Measurement, Circuits and Systems (ICIMCS 2011)