The application of a robust design method to tolerancing

A deterministic method of robust design (previously described and summarized here) has been applied to the problem of determining optimum nominal dimensions of manufactured components which are subject to dimensional tolerances. The optimum sought is that for which an assembly of the components shows least variability, as measured by one or more relevant parameters (e.g. a clearance) for a fixed set of tolerances. The aim of the method is demonstrated by an example of a multiparameter assembly problem. The method provides a potential means of improving assembly quality without tightening tolerances, when nominal dimensions can be adjusted subject to other requirements of the design. [S1050-0472(00)00802-3].