Final answer:
The total amount allowed for a specified dimension to vary while still considering the part to be good is known as the tolerance, which is integral in engineering and manufacturing for ensuring parts function correctly within their intended assembly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The total amount by which a specified dimension is allowed to vary and still result in a good part is known as the tolerance. Tolerance defines the permissible limit or limits of variation in a physical dimension; that is, the difference between the maximum and minimum limits for the dimension. This concept is crucial in engineering and manufacturing to ensure that parts fit together properly in an assembly, operate as intended, and maintain their functionality over time.
Dimensions must be controlled within certain limits to maintain interchangeability and proper function. The allowable variation in dimensions may be expressed in units that are coherent with the system of units used in the given context, and any combination of these units that is consistent with dimensional analysis is acceptable. Dimensional analysis itself is a tool used to confirm that physical equations are consistent in terms of their dimensional units, ensuring that these equations make logical sense in the real world.
When estimating the size of tolerances, it is advisable to keep the calculations simple, aiming for the correct order of magnitude rather than worrying excessively about higher precision, unless particularly stringent requirements are specified for the application at hand. At the final stages, the dimension should be assessed for reasonableness, comparing it to known quantities with similar dimensions, and increased slightly to account for potential inefficiencies.
The significance of dimensions and tolerances lies in ensuring that manufactured parts meet the design specifications they were intended for. If a dimension falls within the specified range of tolerance, it ensures that the part will function appropriately within the mechanism for which it was designed.