Bi-objective optimization for tolerance allocation in an interchangeable assembly under diverse manufacturing environment

This paper presents bi-criteria formulation of a tolerance allocation model for an interchangeable assembly to simultaneously evolve suitable combination of manufacturing facility in multiple facility shaft-hole production environments of medium- and large-scale industries and tolerances to complement the need of customers. An Exhaustive Search Procedure is used to obtain the optimal solution for small and medium size problems and simulated annealing algorithm is used for large size problems. The usefulness of the Pareto front in manufacturing tolerance allocation decisions is demonstrated with three case study problems. The effect of process capability of shaft-hole assembly manufactured from alternative manufacturing machines and the optimality is analyzed in three cases to understand their criticality in decision-making. The models discussed in this paper could be useful for medium- and large-scale manufacturing industries, where there will be a variety of manufacturing facilities (specifications, capabilities, models, and types) for making both shaft-hole assembly and play a key role to meet the tolerance and cost requirements of different customers. This paper further discusses how this formulation and methodologies can be used for two hole and two shaft assemblies and multiple shaft-hole assemblies. Finally, the paper ends with highlighting directions of future research avenues in the shaft-hole assembly.