A new algorithm for form tolerance evaluation

A new algorithm for form tolerance evaluation has been developed. Evaluation of the minimum tolerance zone is formulated as an optimization problem following the definitions of geometric tolerances in the current ANSI standards. The algorithm utilizes the experimental optimization techniques and the combinatorial nature of orthogonal arrays to plan the experimentation and evaluate the minimum tolerance zone. The approach is applied to 2-dimensional features tolerances such as straightness and circularity (roundness) and 3-dimensional features such as flatness. The obtained results are compared with other approaches using the least square method the constrained optimization techniques and the convex hull approach.<
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