w w w . m f k . f a u . d e

Mail: info@mfk.fau.deWeb: www.mfk.fau.de

Virtual product developmentand design methodology

Mechatronic systems in mechanical engineering

Machine elements andcomponent design

Chair of Engineering DesignFaculty of EngineeringFriedrich-Alexander-UniversitätErlangen-Nürnberg

Main address at Southern CampusMartensstraße 9D-91058 ErlangenPhone +49 (0) 91 31 / 85-2 79 86Fax +49 (0) 91 31 / 85-2 79 88

Address at Röthelheim CampusPaul-Gordan-Straße 5D-91052 ErlangenPhone +49 (0) 91 31 / 85-2 32 21Fax +49 (0) 91 31 / 85-2 32 23

Dimensional management

Research focusareas

Chair of Engineering Design

Dimensional management at KTmfkThe quality of technical products is significantlyinfluenced by geometric manufacturing deviations.Restricting such deviations by applying tolerances istherefore essential during product development.Comprehensive dimensional management istherefore a prerequisite for economic success ininternational competition. It has been an integralpart of all research activities at the Chair ofEngineering Design for over 25 years.

Research focus areasDimensional management research at KTmfkinvolves considering all manufacturing deviationswhich can have a negative impact on quality invirtual product development. KTmfk develops toolsand methods which support engineers in effectivetolerance specification.

In the early stages of dimensional management thechallenge is to perform tolerance analyses withlimited information on the manufacturing processand component geometry (for example based onskeleton structures). KTmfk is developing methodsto produce reliable results based on limitedinformation.

In the later stages of virtual product development,diverse data on geometrical deviations must beanalysed to meet the evergrowing demands foraccuracy and quality of technical products. To thisend, KTmfk is developing methods and tools whichenable results from manufacturing simulations andmeasurement data to be processed during toleranceanalysis.

The application of these methods in the context oftolerance analysis for moving systems also allowsthe evaluation of the effects of tolerances,deformations and joint mobility on the motion ofmechanisms. In addition, statistical tolerancesynthesis offers an optimal specification ofcomponent tolerances, taking into account themanufacturing costs and following the principle 'asmuch as possible, as restrictive as necessary'.

Collaboration with research and industryIn addition to achieving outstanding researchresults, strengthening international collaborationand partnerships with industry is at the forefront ofKTmfk's work. Successful collaborations are a vitalaspect of dealing with future challenges indimensional management.

Dimensional management teaching andtrainingDimensional management is essential to studyingat the Department of Mechanical Engineering fromthe first day. Starting with standard-complianttechnical drawing to complete tolerancespecification from a statistical point of view KTmfkstudents are introduced to all facets ofdimensional management.

To strengthen research and teaching and theexchange with industrial practice, as well asinspire students for dimensional management,KTmfk has organised a Summer School indimensional management since 2013.

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Integrated dimensional management