A new selective assembly approach for remanufacturing of mating parts

Selective assembly is an effective way to achieve precision assembly with economical manufacturing processes based on mass production for mating parts with high precision requirements. The tolerance zone divisions of grouping for mating parts are usually fixed, and the tolerances of hole and shaft are designed to be equal in current selective assembly. But, remanufacturing of mating parts is usually in uncertain condition, current tolerance design can not simultaneously assure two objectives: fit precision and fully utilizing recycled mating parts. A new selective assembly approach for remanufacturing of mating parts via flexible tolerance design combined with surface engineering techniques has been developed. A selective assembly approach with unequal group divisions for hole and shaft is presented specially for remanufacturing of mating sizes to assure predesigned fit precision. It is based on two preconditions: the dimensional parameters of the main mating part batch are known and the batch of another mating part can be measured and accurately controlled in remanufacturing processes. Examples are included to illustrate the methods and guidelines. The new selective assembly technique combined with precision surface engineering techniques can realize expected mating precision, 100% match for each batch of mating parts, thus, the remanufacturing process of mating parts can be improved significantly.