Tolerance analysis for fixture layout design

Localization accuracy is a key concern in the design of a fixture to specify a locating scheme and tolerance allocation. This paper presents an analysis describing the impact of localization source errors on the potential datum-related geometric errors of machined features. The analysis reveals the error sensitivity and error characteristics of critical points of multiple manufacturing features. It shows the importance to consider the overall error among the multiple critical points in fixture layout design. This paper also suggests an optimal approach to the locator configuration design for reducing geometric variations at the critical points of machined features.