Hopp, T.
(1993),
The Language of Tolerances, Proceedings of the Indo-U.S.-Japanese Conference on Quality through Engineering Design, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=821172
(Accessed October 27, 2025)
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The Language of Tolerances
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Abstract
Dimensional tolerancing is a language used to communicate product specifications. Effective communication using this language relies on there being a common, shared meaning for tolerances. By this measure, the language relies on there being a common, shared meaning for tolerances. By this measure, the language of tolerances defined in modern standards does not support good communication. Some reasons for this are: the evolution of technology; the lack of research on tolerances prior to the last two decades; and a greater need for rigorous product specifications in a computer environment. I discuss the weaknesses of the language of tolerances and suggest a three-part program of research and standards development to improve it.Proceedings Title
Proceedings of the Indo-U.S.-Japanese Conference on Quality through Engineering Design
Pub Type
Conferences
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Keywords
communication, computer environment, dimensional tolerancing
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Created July 1, 1993, Updated February 17, 2017