On Connected Tolerances in Statistical Tolerance-Cost-Optimization of Assemblies with Interrelated Dimension Chains

Identifying a suitable compromise between tight and thus expensive tolerances and wide tolerances that may negatively influence the product quality is a major challenge. This paper focuses on the tolerance-cost-optimization of mechanical assemblies with interrelated dimension chains considering dependencies between the tolerance–cost-relationships. Taking into account interrelated dimension chains the crux is, however, that modifications of a single tolerance can influence several dimension chains as well as the resulting production costs. Based on different existing approaches for the statistical tolerance-cost-optimization, the authors will provide appropriate guidance for the product developer dealing with interrelated dimension chains.