When multiple pieces come together to form a singular component, every single aspect of every piece has to be aligned with one another. This means much more than just parts fitting together during assembly, but cumulative tolerances as well.
In medical metal fabrication applications, performing a tolerance stack up analysis can ensure that multiple pieces can properly assemble together. Industrial Support Inc. shows how to solve the tolerance stack up challenge without compromising precision.
Defining Tolerance Stack Up
Tolerance stack up in metal fabrication is how small allowed dimensional variations from multiple parts of features add together and impact the final fit, form, or function of an assembly. Parts have to be in an exact tolerance holding pattern in order to assemble together perfectly. Even if they are close to perfect, it can cause potential issues such as improper fit by being too tight or too loose.
Pre-Manufacturing Problem Solving
While tolerance stack up is a natural aspect of a metal fabrication service that features multiple components, having an imbalance stack up needs to be resolved in order for the final assembly to pass testing and quality control measures. There are a few ways this can be done.
- Engineers can perform a tolerance stack up analysis where calculations are run on the accumulated variation of part dimensions in an assembly in order to ensure proper fit, performance, and manufacturability.
- As it relates to medical metal fabrication projects, teams can perform a tolerance stack up analysis but also run simulations on tolerance variations early in the engineering process. When the variations have settled from simulations, teams can decidedly place nominal tolerances and begin manufacturing.
Technical Problem Solving
When proper engineering has been performed, it makes manufacturing much more streamlined, but even then, proper engineering has to translate into accurate production processes. That is evident through a few different options when creating medical metal fabrication products.
- Along with engineering services, design options can be implemented to ensure proper stack up. It is recommended to loosen non-critical dimensions so more tolerance can be shifted toward functional features.
- Perform geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) to control form, position, and datums rather than only relying on plus/minus dimensions.
- When performing design for manufacturability processes, have the focus be on the intended capability and application of the part, rather than whether it can be manufactured.
- Ensure proper fit and tolerance levels by utilizing prototyping services if applicable and further tolerance studies.
No matter the form of fabrication — CNC machining, laser cutting, welding, or any other form — these services are intended to help hold vital dimensions in place in medical parts. It’s critical to perform other operations during production to ensure dimensions are in check. Key services can include in-process measurement, probing, and automated inspection to catch drift prior to defective parts throughout the manufacturing process.
Solve the Tolerance Stack Up Challenges in Your Medical Metal Fabrication Projects With Industrial Support Inc.
Industrial Support Inc. opened its doors in 1995 as the manufacturer that manufacturers trust. Our wide-ranging set of capabilities and specializations allow us to tackle some of the most pressing problems and complex operations in multiple industries. No matter what the challenge is, our team will work to find the solution.
In our medical metal fabrication services, tolerance stack ups come across our plates every time there’s a complex build featuring multiple assemblies. With skilled and knowledgeable technicians, our processes allow us to identify the strengths and weak points of a project and ensure streamlined production.
Contact us today for an easier experience creating the parts your team and your customers need, starting with a perfect fit.