What is functional tolerance?

Functional tolerance refers to the allowable variation in dimensions or properties of a part or component that still allows it to function correctly when assembled with other parts or components. It is a critical aspect of design and manufacturing, as it ensures that parts can be produced with a certain level of variability without affecting their overall performance or functionality.

Functional tolerance is often specified in engineering drawings or manufacturing specifications, and is typically based on the requirements of the part or component in question. For example, a part that needs to be tightly fitted with another part may have a lower tolerance than a part that has more flexibility in its assembly.

There are different types of tolerance, including bilateral tolerance (allowing for variation in both directions from the nominal value) and unilateral tolerance (allowing for variation only in one direction from the nominal value).

Overall, functional tolerance is crucial in ensuring that parts can be manufactured efficiently and assembled correctly, while still meeting the required performance standards. It helps to minimize errors and ensure consistency in production.