Improving Product Quality in the Automotive Industry Through Tolerance Analysis
Chalkley, Phillip (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025061222706
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025061222706
Tiivistelmä
The automotive industry has faced increasing pressure to maintain high standards of geometric quality due to advancements in vehicle styling, stricter regulatory requirements, and emerging technologies. As vehicle complexity has grown, tolerance analysis has become a critical tool to ensure that components and assemblies meet required quality specifications. This thesis was conducted to investigate the role of tolerance analysis in improving geometric quality in the automotive sector and to explore the challenges and potential solutions associated with its effective implementation.
An action research approach was employed, combining practical observations with theoretical analysis. The study was focused on the automotive industry and was informed by both personal experience and written sources. Various aspects of tolerance analysis were examined, from the early stages of product development to final manufacturing, with particular attention given to challenges arising from shortened development timelines, complex geometries, and communication inefficiencies between teams.
The findings revealed that tolerance analysis was essential for preventing quality issues during manufacturing, although its application was often hindered by time constraints and communication breakdowns. While recent advancements in digital tools—such as AI and CAD-based analysis—show promise in addressing these obstacles, the need for improved organizational communication and more efficient workflows remains critical.
In conclusion, tolerance analysis plays a key role in maintaining high geometric quality in automotive manufacturing. By addressing challenges related to communication and development timelines, companies can better meet growing demands for precision. The integration of advanced digital tools and enhanced collaboration across engineering and manufacturing teams is essential for improving the overall effectiveness of tolerance analysis.
An action research approach was employed, combining practical observations with theoretical analysis. The study was focused on the automotive industry and was informed by both personal experience and written sources. Various aspects of tolerance analysis were examined, from the early stages of product development to final manufacturing, with particular attention given to challenges arising from shortened development timelines, complex geometries, and communication inefficiencies between teams.
The findings revealed that tolerance analysis was essential for preventing quality issues during manufacturing, although its application was often hindered by time constraints and communication breakdowns. While recent advancements in digital tools—such as AI and CAD-based analysis—show promise in addressing these obstacles, the need for improved organizational communication and more efficient workflows remains critical.
In conclusion, tolerance analysis plays a key role in maintaining high geometric quality in automotive manufacturing. By addressing challenges related to communication and development timelines, companies can better meet growing demands for precision. The integration of advanced digital tools and enhanced collaboration across engineering and manufacturing teams is essential for improving the overall effectiveness of tolerance analysis.