A comprehensive review of tolerance analysis models

During the design and manufacturing process, the dimensional and geometric tolerances assigned to parts will affect the required functionality through a stack-up of deviations. Choosing an appropriate tolerance analysis model is important to calculate the influence that every tolerance has on key characteristics, and these models are fundamental tools for shortening the product development cycle with improved quality at a lower cost. There are many tolerance analysis models proposed in the literature. This paper, relying on the sizable literature, briefly presents eight of the most widely used models for tolerance analysis. Through a study of the research status of the analysis methods and applications, a comparison is proposed to show each method's advantages and disadvantages, similarities, and differences. Such a comparison furnishes criteria which are helpful in choosing the most appropriate model under various circumstances, as well as improving the accuracy of analysis.