UNT Tolerance Analysis

3D Tolerance Analysis of a mechanical assembly benefits manufacturers and engineers in every phase in the design process. The tolerance analysis of a product can predict a design’s manufacturing limits and viability . However, a design cannot often determine the effect of varying tolerances of the components. Advances in technology has brought forth software that is able to perform these analysis procedures so prototypes can be designed with fewer defects through simulation before being sent the final production. Our team is gathering information and specifications on several different tolerance analysis software's, such as their ease of use, compatibility, and functions available. The information will be used to create a matrix of product features to rank the various programs available. The team will also perform comparative analysis between the tolerance performance of a software designed prototype and the tolerance performance of an actual physically developed product. A two level - six factorial (2^6) testing plan will be used to analyze certain gap distances created by the assembled prototype in a worst case scenario. In the 2^6 layout, a six bar assembly will be tested with each bar at two levels (maximum and minimum tolerance values) to determine the impact of accumulated variation on certain gap distances (or the response values) of the prototype. The goal is to determine the discrepancies between the software results and the actual physical implementation. Variables such as (atmospheric heat, pressure, material, part lengths, etc.) that potentially affect the gaps will be not considered. It is expected that the location of the parts in the assembly will have an impact on certain gap distances.