Tolerance analysis tools for fixture design: a comparison

Abstract Fixtures are used to rapidly, accurately and securely position workpieces during machining, such that all machined parts fall within the design specifications. However, the geometrical deviations of both the fixture and the datum surfaces of the workpieces involve a geometrical deviation of the part machined surface. Workpiece and locators constitute an assembly. Therefore, the aim of the present work is to apply models and software commonly used for tolerance analysis to estimate the deviation from the nominal location of a drilled hole due to both locators' position deviation and form deviation of the part datum into contact with locators