Local Tolerance

Local Tolerance is a critical engineering concept that refers to the permissible variation in dimensions, form, or position of a specific feature on a manufactured part, relative to its nominal or theoretical dimensions. This sophisticated approach to dimensional control plays a fundamental role in modern manufacturing and engineering design, particularly in precision engineering and mechanical component production. Unlike general tolerances that apply to overall dimensions, local tolerances focus on specific areas or features of a part where precise control is essential for functionality, assembly, or performance. The concept emerged from the need to address localized geometric variations that could affect the interaction between mating parts or the performance of critical features. In engineering drawings and specifications, local tolerances are typically expressed as a range of acceptable deviations from the nominal dimension, often represented in plus-minus format or through geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) symbols. The implementation of local tolerances requires advanced measurement techniques and quality control procedures, including the use of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), optical comparators, and other precision measurement instruments. The determination of appropriate local tolerances involves careful consideration of multiple factors, including manufacturing capabilities, functional requirements, cost constraints, and the interrelationship between different features of the component. This aspect of engineering design is particularly crucial in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and precision machinery manufacturing, where component interaction and performance are highly dependent on dimensional accuracy. The concept has evolved significantly with the advent of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems, which enable more precise specification and verification of local tolerances. Engineers participating in design competitions, such as the A' Design Award, often demonstrate innovative applications of local tolerance principles in their product designs, showcasing how precise dimensional control contributes to both functionality and manufacturability.

Author: Lucas Reed

Keywords: Engineering tolerance, dimensional accuracy, precision manufacturing, geometric dimensioning

Help us improve the Design+Encyclopedia, contribute your alternative definition for Local Tolerance today!

About the Design+Encyclopedia
The Design+Encyclopedia is a crowd-sourced reference of information on design. Unlike other crowd-sourced publications on design, the Design Encyclopedia is edited and actively monitored and publishing is only possible after review of submitted texts. Furthermore, editors of the Design Encyclopedia are mostly consisting of award winning designers who have proven their expertise in their design respective fields. Information posted at design encyclopedia is copyrighted, you are not granted a right to use the text for any commercial reasons, attribution is required. If you wish to contribute to the design encyclopedia, please first register or login to A' Design Award and then start a new design encyclopedia entry.