Mapping Uncertainties in Tolerancing: An Industrial Design-Centric Perspective
Götz S, Sersch A (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Journal
Original Authors: Stefan Goetz, Alina Sersch
Book Volume: 145
Pages Range: 1-6
DOI: 10.1016/j.procir.2026.03.116
Abstract
While the consideration of uncertainties is a central aspect of tolerancing, attention is typically focused on measurement uncertainty or manufacturing-induced deviations. However, the tolerancing activities themselves are characterized by various uncertainties. To systematically capture these, a novel consolidated mapping matrix is proposed. The matrix links different types of uncertainties (aleatory, phenomenological, internal (technical), external and human) to the five tolerancing activities: requirements definition, specification, allocation, analysis and synthesis. It is structured along the four facets – model, method, tool, and data/information/knowledge – to ensure comprehensiveness and highlight interactions, with the aim of supporting the identification of uncertainty hotspots within the tolerancing process. Evaluation is conducted via expert interviews in an industrial context to assess completeness and practical applicability. The contribution is twofold: (1) it provides a coherent representation of uncertainties across different tolerancing activities, and (2) it offers an easy-to-use instrument for a design-centric tolerancing risk identification, aimed at improving the reliability of tolerancing.
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Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Götz, S., & Sersch, A. (2026). Mapping Uncertainties in Tolerancing: An Industrial Design-Centric Perspective. Procedia CIRP, 145, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2026.03.116
MLA:
Götz, Stefan, and Alina Sersch. "Mapping Uncertainties in Tolerancing: An Industrial Design-Centric Perspective." Procedia CIRP 145 (2026): 1-6.
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