The Implications of the Skin Model Concept for Computer Aided Tolerancing

During product origination many deviations occur which manifest in unreliable functional behaviour and reduced product quality. Thus, the observable geometric deviations have to be limited by geometric tolerances of function-relevant part features. In this context the standards for Geometrical Product Specification and Verification (GPS) provide helpful tools for geometric tolerancing. A basic concept within these standards is the skin model concept which can be understood as a model of the physical interface between the workpiece and its environment. Recent research tries to translate this concept into discrete geometry and focuses upon the technical aspects related to generating skin model shapes, whereas the implications of this concept and emerging simulation possibilities for the geometric variations management process stay disregarded. Therefore, this paper highlights the consequences of the skin model concept and modern simulation tools for the computer aided tolerancing process and the management of geometric deviations during product development.