A heuristic algorithm for allocation of components in manufacturing processes (Q1821019)

Whereas the assembly error resulting from an independent choice of toleranced components is cumulative, it may be possible to improve on this result by using the available information on the true characteristics of the components. A heuristic algorithm is developed based on the exchange method known from clustering analysis, allowing a locally minimum error allocation of series of components to form assembly sets. Different alternative forms of the algorithm are available, as can be seen from the examples presented.