What does the term 'tolerance' refer to in manufacturing?

The term 'tolerance' in manufacturing refers to the acceptable range of variation in dimensions of a part or assembly. It signifies how much a dimension can deviate from its nominal or target value while still being considered acceptable for functional and performance requirements.

Understanding tolerances is crucial in manufacturing because parts that are too tightly fitted can lead to assembly issues, while overly loose parts might not function correctly or could compromise the integrity of the assembly. Different types of tolerances—such as bilateral, unilateral, and limit tolerances—provide specific guidelines on how much variability is permissible in various dimensions.

In summary, tolerance ensures that parts can be produced efficiently while still meeting design specifications, allowing for consistency in manufacturing processes and compatibility among components during assembly.