On the Producibility of Composite Position Tolerance Specifications for Patterns of Holes: Machining Experiments

ASME Y 14.5M-2009 provides three distinct variants of composite position tolerance constraints to exercise control over the position characteristics of patterns of features of sizes such as holes. The practical implementation of this class of position tolerance constraints is hampered by a distinct lack of information relative to the ease or difficulty involved in the actual production and satisfaction of these constraints. In this research, machining experiments are carried out to produce various patterns of holes in industrial grade machines. Coordinate location data of the holes are acquired, and a nonlinear optimization formulation is developed and used to assess the producibility of these variants. Boundary curves for pattern and feature-to-feature tolerances are developed, plotted, and discussed. The influence of various variables on the producibility of these variants is also discussed. These results may help design, and manufacturing engineers exercise a more informed approach to the application and production of these composite position tolerance variants for patterns of features of sizes.