This paper examines the feasibility of a solid model based statistical tolerance analysis computer program.
This paper focuses on the solid modeler capabilities that are needed by statistical tolerance analysis, the need for assembly of parts and subassemblies, and the geometric representation of dimensions and tolerances.
Solid modeling permits automatic interference checking when parts and assemblies vary. In addition to this, solid modeling can also be used to check the path of assembly, (the path the part must take to reach its final assembly position).
Feature based assembly of parts is needed for statistical tolerance analysis, and the solid modeler must be able to represent these features parametrically through their dimensions in a way such that they can be reconstructed when the dimensions vary.