Maßtoleranzen

Maßtoleranzen, often translated as dimensional tolerances, are permissible variations in the size of a manufactured part. No manufacturing process can achieve perfect accuracy, so a small range of acceptable deviation from the nominal or target dimension is defined. This range is specified by a lower limit and an upper limit, defining the acceptable bounds for the actual dimension. For example, a shaft with a nominal diameter of 10 mm and a tolerance of ±0.1 mm can have an actual diameter anywhere between 9.9 mm and 10.1 mm.

Tolerances are crucial in manufacturing and assembly. They ensure that parts produced independently can still fit and function together correctly. Without tolerances, even slight variations in manufacturing would lead to parts that are too tight, too loose, or completely incompatible. The selection of appropriate tolerances depends on several factors, including the function of the part, the manufacturing process used, and the required performance. Tighter tolerances generally lead to higher manufacturing costs due to the need for more precise machinery, skilled labor, and stricter quality control.

Tolerances can be expressed in various ways. A bilateral tolerance allows deviation in both positive and negative directions from the nominal size, while a unilateral tolerance allows deviation in only one direction. Geometric tolerances, or GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing), are a more advanced system that controls not only size but also form, orientation, location, and runout of features on a part. Proper application of Maßtoleranzen is essential for product quality, interchangeability of parts, and cost-effective production.