ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a general discussion of three-dimensional (3D) tolerance analysis, focusing ¢rst on the general aspects of 3D analysis, when to use it versus linear 1D or 2D analyses, pros and cons, and ¢nishes with a lengthy section discussing 3D tolerance analysis software. Note that all the tolerance analyses explained and performed in this book are, in fact, analyzing more than just the effects of tolerances. Assembly shift and other variables also affect the variation between as-assembled components of as-produced parts. The 3D tolerance analysis software discussed in this chapter is Sigmetrix’s CETOL 6 Sigma software. Additionally, a short introduction to some of the statistical concepts and statistical process control concepts behind Six Sigma tolerancing applications is included.
