Optimization of mechanical assembly tolerances by incorporating Taguchi's quality loss function

Abstract In an end-to-end mechanical assembly, optimization of tolerance allocation is a critical issue. Many papers have concentrated on minimum cost-tolerance allocation without considering the quality of the final assembly. The objective is to examine the optimal tolerance allocation by considering both tolerance cost and quality loss so that the total assembly cost is minimized. In this paper, a sensitivity analysis is also conducted to determine the effects of shifts in a component's mean and variance. We find that if a component's mean varies, only the quality loss associated with that component will be changed. If a component's variance shifts, the optimal allowance, tolerance costs, and quality losses associated with each component will be affected.

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