Towards a more Comprehensive Understanding of Tolerance Engineering Research Importance

This paper discusses the Research Question (RQ) “Can the tolerance engineering community benefit from an extended research focus?” We look at current research trends within the product development domain and also compare the current research front of the CIRP-CAT community with current industrial practice. We additionally draw on knowledge from two separate surveys in Germany and Norway among industry professionals. Empirical data from these sources show similar indications that the important activities of tolerance engineering remain a difficult subject within industrial practice. In addition there seems to be a relatively low degree of academic attention to tolerances within other PD-research communities; in contrast to its high practical industrial importance. Our contribution to theory is seen in the proposals as to how to raise the awareness of the importance of tolerance engineering. A list of potential research areas are proposed for the community.