Abstract: In order to reasonably determine the statistical tolerances (STs) of components links for realizing predeter- mined quality targets and assuring the precision and quality targets of closing link, it is necessary to settle the problems of the configuration and concurrent design of quality indices, STs and the parameters of SPC in design for dimensional chain. A scheme consists of three levels of quality-oriented statistical tolerancing for components links is established, and the design approach for assuring the precision and quality targets of components links and closing link is presented, and the comprehensive application of quality–oriented statistical tolerancing technique in design and calculation for dimensional chain is shown by a case study. The STs, quality indices of closing links and component links can be concurrently designed, coordinately distributed and quantitively analyzed. This new design approach for dimensional links can be supported by a series of electrical tables with graphics and systematic software. It can distribute the STs of each component links based on the precision requirement and quality target of closing link, and fully utilize the known statistical parameters of component links to realize the predetermined precision and quality by the economical manufacturing tolerances and suitable SPC method.

Key words: Dimensional chain, Quality index, Statistical process control, Statistical tolerance