Computer-aided geometrical dimensioning and tolerancing for process-operation planning and quality control

This paper describes an extension of a model which determines an optimum set of dimensions and tolerances for machining processes at minimum manufacturing cost.This optimisation minimizes the cost of scrap, which is a function of manufacturing tolerances, as the objective function. Requirements of design sizes, geometrical tolerances (including both form and position) and machining allowances are expressed mathematically as constraints for the optimisation.A computerised trace method has been extended to determine the relationships between geometrical tolerances and associated relevant manufacturing dimensions and tolerances.In addition to the manufacturing cost, the model takes into account manufacturing sequence, distribution of manufacturing dimensions, process capabilities, tolerances, design sizes, geometrical tolerances, machining allowances and optimum scrap level.The resulting computerized interactive system can be used not only in process planning, but also in quality control.