A small displacement torsor model for tolerance analysis in a workpiece-fixture assembly

Workpiece geometric error, locator geometric error, and clamping error are factors that influence workpiece setup in workpiece fixturing. These errors accumulate and propagate during fixturing. They may be the reason for a machined feature being out of tolerance after machining. This paper presents a methodology for modelling and analysing the combined effect of these errors on a machined feature. Deviation of a machined feature due to the combined errors is expressed in terms of the small displacement torsor parameters. Given a tolerance on the machined feature, constraints are specified for that feature to establish a relationship between the tolerance zone of the feature and the torsor parameters. These constraints provide boundaries within which the machined feature must lie. This is used for tolerance analysis of the machined feature. A case study example was used to illustrate the approach. An experimental system was also set up to verify the analytical model. The results show that this approach offers an effective means for fixturing tolerance analysis.