Tolerance analysis

Overview and methods.

Overview

A tolerance stack analysis is a means of investigating how parts fit when real-world variability is considered. The possibilities can quickly become infinite if you begin considering how things fit in 3D space. This tool focuses on 1D analyses as a start. Part of the design process is reconsidering how things are dimensioned and controlled to produce simpler and cheaper designs. If you truly need a multi-dimensional and it cannot be broken down into separate 1D analyses, please refer to the alternate proprietary tools below.

Terminology

TermDefinition
LSLLower Service Limit
USLUpper Service Limit

Methods

Arithmetic worst case method

This method sums the tolerances of all components in a tolerance stack without regard for probability. If you have the freedom to, assemblies that show positive clearances under this condition will function for the entire range of actual manufacturing tolerances. Under this method, tolerances are overestimated because it assumes all components are at their limit.1

Root sum square method (RSS)

The RSS method is a rudimentary statistical method assuming a normal centered distribution on a interval.1 It is conservative for a few number of features, and likely conservative with larger stacks.

Inflation factors

In cases where the assumed tolerances of the manufacturing process are understated or unknown using , a correction factor can be applied. This is regarded as a more realistic middle ground for estimating tolerances. High-risk assemblies should resort to more refined methods.1

Monte Carlo

The Monte Carlo method injects unlinked pseudo-randomness between the final tolerances of each individual part. In other words, it’s unlikely that all parts in a stack are at their extremes, let alone all biased toward either the LSL or USL.

State of the Art

Several tolerance analysis tools exist on the market, but none are perfect.

Farad

Free online math calculator with tolerance analysis capabilities. See Farad documentation.

Excel

Excel-based templates may be the most common tool for tolerance analyses. Due to the widespread use of Excel, anyone can open and edit the document. Although these templates are error prone, data validation, conditional formatting, VBA, and other tricks can be used to create a robust interface. See tolerance analysis template.

Embedded CAD tools

Many CAD tools include their own tolerance analysis capabilities. Some are custom and some are adaptations of other popular 3rd party tools.

  • SOLIDWORKS TolAnalyst
  • Creo EZ Tolerance Analysis (EZtol adaptation)
  • Autodesk Inventor Tolerance Analysis (EZtol adaptation)
  • NX

Alternate Software

  • Sigmetrix EZtol - standalone 3D CAD 1D analysis tool
  • Sigmetrix CETOL 6σ - most extensive tool on the market (expensive)
  • Other various companies offering their bespoke tolerance software

Footnotes

  1. Scholz, Fritz. Boeing Information & Support Services, 1995, Tolerance Stack Analysis Methods. ↩ ↩2 ↩3