A functional tolerance model: an approach to automate the inspection process

Purpose: Purpose of this paper is the definition of a framework to describe the Technological Product Specifications (TPS) and the information associated with the geometric dimensioning and tolerancing to integrate the design concepts into a commercial inspection system. Design/methodology/approach: A functional tolerance model provides a complete framework to define the geometric dimensioning and tolerancing and its relationship with the part geometry and the inspection process. This framework establishes a connection between a computer aided design and computer aided inspection system throughout the exportation of the information associated to the dimensions and tolerance of the part into a commercial CAI system. Findings: They are mainly focused on the definition of a framework that describes the relationship between the entities of dimensions and tolerances with the geometry of the part. The information imported to a CAI system allows to develop the inspection process without the additional information provided by a physical drawing of the part. Research limitations/implications: They regard the limited access to commercial CAI system and to the lack of protocols of exchange of data associated to the tolerances of the part. Practical implications: They involve facilitation of the inspection process development. This implication allows realizing the inspection process reducing the time spent to define the geometry to inspect and the parameters that must be controlled. Originality/value: The main value of this research is the development of a unique framework to extract the information related to the geometric dimensioning and tolerances and the geometry of the part in a common model. This model provides a complete definition and representation of the entities, attributes and relationship of design and inspection system.