Creo® Parametric 3.

0
Tolerance Analysis
™
Powered by CETOL
Technology
Reference Guide
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Contents
Contents......................................................................................................................................... 3 
Introduction.................................................................................................................................... 5 
Background ................................................................................................................................... 5 
Tolerance Analysis Methods....................................................................................................... 5 
Worst-Case Tolerance Analysis.................................................................................................. 5 
Statistical Variation Analysis...................................................................................................... 6 
Statistical Distributions ........................................................................................................... 6 
Distribution Types .................................................................................................................. 7 
Creating a Tolerance Analysis Measurement ............................................................................... 10 
The Tolerance Analysis Manager ............................................................................................. 11 
Defining the Measurement References ..................................................................................... 11 
Setting the Measurement Goal .................................................................................................. 12 
Selecting Dimensions................................................................................................................ 12 
Dimension Types .................................................................................................................. 12 
Creo Parametric Tolerance Analysis Powered by CETOL Technology Interface ....................... 14 
Measurement Definition Table ................................................................................................. 15 
Object types .......................................................................................................................... 15 
Object Properties................................................................................................................... 16 
Measurement Definition Table Toolbar................................................................................ 17 
Measurement Definition Table Shortcut Menu .................................................................... 19 
Dimension Loop Diagram......................................................................................................... 20 
Dimension Loop Diagram Shortcut Menu ............................................................................ 20 
Results ................................................................................................................................... 21 
Feature Parameters ................................................................................................................ 21 
Tolerance Analysis Results ...................................................................................................... 22 
The Variation Plot ..................................................................................................................... 22 
Sensitivity Plot .......................................................................................................................... 23 
Contributions............................................................................................................................. 23 
Statistical Contributions ........................................................................................................ 24 
Worst-case Contributions...................................................................................................... 24 
Data Management and User Interface Issues ............................................................................ 24 

Tolerance Analysis Powered by CETOL Technology

Introduction
Creo Parametric Tolerance Analysis powered by CETOL Technology is a tolerance
analysis application that is integrated with Creo Parametric. With Creo Parametric
Tolerance Analysis, you can quickly perform 1-D tolerance stackup analysis that is
associative to the Creo Parametric part dimensions.

Background
Tolerance Analysis Methods
In performing a tolerance analysis, Creo Parametric Tolerance Analysis provides
two fundamentally different analysis tools for predicting assembly measurement
variation: worst-case analysis and statistical analysis.

Worst-Case Tolerance Analysis

Worst-case tolerance analysis is the traditional type of tolerance stackup calculation
(Figure 1). The individual dimensions are set at their tolerance limits to make the
stackup measurement as large or as small as possible.
The worst-case model does not consider the statistical distribution of the individual
dimensions, but rather that those dimensions do not exceed their respective
specified tolerance limits. Mathematically, the model assumes that all the tolerance
dimensions will equal one of their limit values, which yields an extreme stackup
condition. In other words, this model predicts the maximum expected variation of
the measurement.

Figure 1: Worst-case stackup variation

Designing to worst-case tolerance requirements guarantees 100 percent of the parts

will assemble and function properly, regardless of the actual component
dimensional variation and stackup combination. The major drawback is that the
worst-case model often requires very tight individual component tolerances. The
obvious result is expensive manufacturing and inspection processes and/or high
scrap rates.

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Worst-case tolerancing is often required for critical mechanical interfaces and spare
part replacement interfaces. When worst-case tolerancing is not a contract
requirement, properly applied statistical tolerancing can ensure acceptable
assembly yields with increased component tolerances and lower fabrication costs.

Statistical Variation Analysis

The statistical variation analysis model takes advantage of the principles of
statistics to relax the component tolerances without sacrificing quality. Each
component’s variation is modeled as a statistical distribution (Figure 2) and these
distributions are summed to predict the distribution of the assembly measurement.
Thus, statistical variation analysis predicts a distribution that describes the
assembly measurement variation, not the extreme values of that variation. This
analysis model provides increased design flexibility by allowing the designer to
design to any quality level, not just 100 percent.

Figure 2: Statistical stackup variation

Statistical Distributions
PTC Creo Parametric Tolerance Analysis Extension powered by CETOL Technology
represents all distributions in terms of scaled moments. The moments used are
mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis. Scaled moments are calculated
from the central moments (moments about the mean) of the statistical distribution.

Mean
The distribution mean represents the average (or expected) value of the population.
 = distribution mean
Standard Deviation
Standard deviation () is a measure of the spread of a distribution. It is the square
root of the second central moment (variance):

   2 
1
2

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where:
2 = second central moment, variance
Skewness
Skewness is a measure of the symmetry of a distribution. A skewness of 0 indicates
a perfectly symmetric distribution. It is related to the third central moment. Since all
distributions in Creo Parametric Tolerance Analysis are assumed to be symmetric,
the value for skewness is always zero.

3
B1 
3

where:
3 = third central moment
Kurtosis
Kurtosis is a measure of the peakedness of a distribution or, conversely, the weight
of the distribution tails. It is related to the fourth central moment. Kurtosis is
labeled B2 (Beta 2) in Creo Parametric Tolerance Analysis powered by CETOL
Technology.
4
B2 
4
where:
4 = fourth central moment

Distribution Types
PTC Creo Parametric Tolerance Analysis powered by CETOL Technology provides
three distribution types for the analysis: Normal (Gaussian), Uniform, and Lambda.
Statistical variation is represented in the tolerance model with one of these three
distribution types.

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Normal (Gaussian) Distribution

Figure 3: Normal distribution

A normal distribution (Figure 3) can be completely defined in terms of two

parameters: mean and standard deviation. In Creo Parametric Tolerance Analysis,
the distributions for all part dimensions are assumed to be normal.
Uniform Distribution

Figure 4: Uniform distribution

A uniform distribution (Figure 4) can be completely defined in terms of two

parameters: min and max. In Creo Parametric Tolerance Analysis, the distribution
for the clearance for floating interfaces is assumed to be uniform.
Lambda Distribution

Figure 5: Lambda distribution

The lambda distribution is a statistical distribution defined in terms of four lambda

parameters. The Standard Moments Lambda (Lambda) distribution (Figure 5) is a
very flexible generic distribution defined in terms of four lambda parameters but
specified using mean, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis.

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An analysis may result in a lambda distribution if you have any floating interfaces
in the measurement definition. Otherwise, the results will always have a normal
distribution.

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Creating a Tolerance Analysis
Measurement
The basic steps for creating a tolerance analysis measurement are listed below. For detailed
information on this process and the dialog box options, refer to the information on the pages that
follow this procedure.
1. Click Analysis > Tolerance Analysis. The Tolerance Analysis Manager
dialog box opens.
2. Click to add a new tolerance analysis study. The Tolerance Analysis
powered by CETOL Technology dialog box opens. Saved appears as the
default analysis type in the lower left corner of the dialog box and you are
prompted to select measurement references from the model.
3. Select two geometry references from the Creo Parametric model to define the
measurement. The distance between the two selected entities is calculated
and appears in the Distance box.
4. Select dimensions to define the dimension loop.

5. Click to complete the analysis or to cancel the analysis. Alternatively,

click to start a new analysis.
6. Optionally, you can discard the analysis or create an analysis feature by
selecting Quick or Feature in the lower left corner of the dialog box.
 Select Quick to not save the analysis with the model.
 Select Feature to create an analysis feature that will appear in the
Creo Parametric Model Tree. Click the Feature tab to see the feature
parameters of the current analysis.

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The Tolerance Analysis Manager
When you select Analysis > Tolerance Analysis, the Tolerance Analysis
Manager dialog box opens, listing all of the tolerance analysis measurements
previously defined in the model. From this dialog box you can add, edit, delete, or
copy tolerance analysis measurements. For any analysis saved as an analysis
feature, you can perform the edit and delete operations directly in the Creo
Parametric Model Tree.
To define a new tolerance analysis measurement, click in the Tolerance
Analysis Manager dialog box to open the Tolerance Analysis powered by
CETOL Technology dialog box. You are prompted to select the measurement
references from the Creo Parametric model.

Defining the Measurement References

The geometry that you select must result in a valid 1-dimensional measurement.
That is, you must define a measurement that results in an unambiguous result. For
example, you cannot select nonparallel planes because the distance between planes
is ambiguous (the distance depends on the point at which you are measuring to on
each plane).
Table 1 shows the combinations of geometry references that are valid for defining a
1-dimensional tolerance analysis measurement.
st
1 Feature: Planar Surface or Linear Edge or Vertex or
nd
Datum Plane Datum Axis or Datum Point
2 Feature Cylinder
Planar Surface or Datum
Must be parallel Must be parallel OK
Plane
Linear Edge or Datum
Must be parallel OK OK
Axis or Cylinder
Vertex or
OK OK OK
Datum Point

Table 1: Valid Combinations of Geometry References

Once you have selected the measurement references, the application may prompt
you to select a measurement direction feature. If you select a planar surface or a
datum plane, the measurement direction is normal to the selected plane. If you
select a linear edge or datum axis, the direction is along the selected edge or axis.
When the direction of the measurement can be derived from the measurement
references (for example, one or both references are planes), you do not need to select
a separate direction feature.

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Setting the Measurement Goal
To set the measurement goal, specify the target value and tolerances for the
measurement. By default, the target value is set to be equal to the nominal distance
between the measurement references. If necessary, modify the default target value
to reflect the design goal.

Selecting Dimensions
Once the measurement references have been selected, you must select dimensions
from the Creo Parametric model that define the dimension loop. The dimensions
that you select must be parallel with the measurement direction and define a 1-
dimensional loop from the first measurement reference to the second.
To aid in the selection process, the candidate dimensions are automatically
displayed in Creo Parametric. Starting with the first measurement reference, the
dimensions belonging to the part that are parallel to the measurement direction
and whose endpoints are aligned with the measurement reference are displayed.
When you select a dimension, the next set of candidate dimensions are displayed
(dimensions that are parallel to the measurement direction and whose endpoint is
aligned with the endpoint of the previously selected dimension).
Once you have selected all of the pertinent dimensions of the first part, click the
next part in the loop. The candidate dimensions for that part are displayed. You
continue this process until you have completed the dimension loop.
Once you have selected a dimension on the final component whose endpoint is
aligned with the second measurement reference, the loop is complete and the
selection process ends.

Dimension Types
The following dimension types are supported:
 Standard linear dimensions
 Basic linear dimensions
 Sheetmetal Thickness dimensions
 Assembly dimensions
 Size dimensions (such as diameter or radius)
 GD&T of the following types:
o Position

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 o Profile of a surface
When selecting dimensions, you can select parametric dimensions, annotation
dimensions, or GD&T.

Size Dimensions
As you are defining the dimension loop, if there are size features that should be
included, you can select size dimensions that are either connected to or centered on
the current dimension loop endpoint. When you select a size dimension, you will be
prompted to specify whether the related geometry is a hole or a pin.
There may be a set of identical size features driven by a single driving size
dimension, such as in a pattern of features or in a sketch with equality relations.
When this occurs, the driving size dimension appears as an option whenever one of
the driven size dimensions is a valid choice for the next dimension in the analysis.
The driving size dimension can be included in the analysis multiple times, if
needed.

Sheetmetal Thickness Dimensions

If you include a sheetmetal-type part as you are defining the dimension loop, you
can select the sheetmetal thickness dimension. The thickness dimension always
appears as a valid dimension to include while that part is active. The thickness
dimension can be included in the analysis multiple times, if needed.

Assembly Dimensions
During the dimension selection process if you select an assembly (including the top-
level assembly), candidate assembly dimensions are displayed for selection. If you
select an assembly dimension, a virtual component is added to the dimension loop.
A virtual component holds the assembly dimensions and annotations used to
represent components such as fixtures, spacers, and so on, that are not physically
modeled in the CAD model.

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Creo Parametric Tolerance Analysis
Powered by CETOL Technology
Interface
The Creo Parametric Tolerance Analysis powered by CETOL Technology
interface is shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6: Tolerance Analysis interface

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Measurement Definition Table
The Measurement Definition table provides spreadsheet-style view of the
tolerance analysis measurement. Each row in the table represents an object in the
tolerance analysis measurement. Each column represents a property for the objects.

Object types
A tolerance analysis measurement contains the following object types.
 Measurement—A linear measurement between the selected features.
 Part—A part from the Creo Parametric model that is involved in the
measurement variation. It may be a real part from the Creo Parametric
model or a virtual component representing the top-level assembly or one of
the subassemblies.
 Dimension—A linear location or size dimension from the Creo Parametric
model. For standard linear and size dimensions, the variation of the
measurement is based on the tolerance properties of the dimension in Creo
Parametric. For basic linear dimensions, the variation of the dimension is
based on the related GD&T selected from Creo Parametric.
 Interface—In between each pair of parts in the Measurement Table, you
will see an interface object that represents the assembly interface between
the adjacent parts. The properties of the interface object depend on the last
feature of the preceding part and the first feature of the next part. For
example, when the preceding last feature is a pin and the next first feature is
a hole, the interface object represents the pin/hole assembly interface. The
drop-down menu in the attachment column allows you to specify the
attachment option for the interface. For pin/hole interfaces, you specify
whether the pin is centered in the hole, tangent to the right or left (based on
the orientation shown in the dimension loop diagram), or floating.
When you select the floating option, an additional variable is introduced into
the model that represents the random variation of the pin in the hole. The
distribution of the float variable is calculated based on the distributions of
the pin and hole diameters, assuming a uniform distribution of the clearance.
If there is a gap between two adjacent parts, it can be filled in the analysis
using a Close Gap interface. A Close Gap element between two parts removes
the clearance between them in the analysis.

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Object Properties
A tolerance analysis measurement contains the following object types.
 Name—The name for parts and dimensions are initialized to the name of the
related part or dimension in Creo Parametric. However, you can modify the
names in the Measurement Table. Changing the name of a part or dimension
within a tolerance analysis measurement will not affect the names of those
objects in Creo Parametric.
 Nominal—For dimensions, this value corresponds to the nominal value of
the dimension in Creo Parametric. For measurements, this is the nominal
value for the measurement based on the dimension loop. Note that this may
differ from the value for a corresponding measurement in Creo Parametric
depending on the attachment of any pin/hole interfaces in the measurement.
You cannot modify any of the values in this column.
 Tolerance—This column shows the tolerance properties of the dimension
based. The tolerance properties are initialized from the dimension properties
in Creo Parametric. You can edit the tolerance properties of the measurement
or a dimension by double-clicking the appropriate cell in the table.
Note: If the tolerance is from a part with the tolerance standard set to ISO
and a tolerance table is driving the tolerance value, the tolerance limits
cannot be modified from inside Creo Parametric Tolerance Analysis. The
Precision setting can be changed. To modify those tolerance limits follow
these steps:
1. Close Creo Parametric Tolerance Analysis.
2. Right-click the tolerance and click Properties. The Dimension
Properties dialog box opens.
3. In the Tolerance Table box, select None.
4. Click Analysis > Tolerance Analysis. The dimension tolerance
limits are now editable.
 Unit—For dimensions and measurements, this column shows the units of the
CAD model that contains these objects.
 Cp—This value represents the capability index that is assumed for the
dimension. The default value for Cp is defined in the application options, but
you can modify the value for each dimension (0.5 >= Cp <= 3.0).
 Distribution—This column shows the statistical distribution parameters for
the measurement and the dimensions. All dimensions are assumed to have a
normal distribution. The mean (m) and the standard deviation (s) are
calculated as follows:

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 UTL  LTL
m
2
UTL  LTL
s
6  Cp

Generally, the distribution for the measurement results will be normal.

However, if you have included float for any pin/hole interfaces, the float
variation introduces some non-normal effects that may result in a lambda
distribution, which has four distribution moments. You cannot modify any of
the values in this column.
 Sens—This column shows the sensitivity of the measurement to each
dimension. For example, sensitivity value of -1.0 means that increasing a
dimensional value by .1 would decrease measurement value by -0.1. The
application automatically calculates the sensitivity for each dimension. You
cannot modify any of the values in this column.
 Attachment—An attachment is indicated for each dimension and each
feature of size. Left or Right attachments are with respect to the orientation
of the model as shown in the dimension loop diagram.
For dimensions, this setting indicates the attachment location of the
dimension to the previous feature. For features of size, it indicates the
attachment of the feature to the previous dimension.
When one of the measurement references is a cylinder, you can specify the
attachment by modifying the value of the Attachment column. If the first
selected feature is a cylinder, the first dimension in the measurement table is
a size dimension such as a diameter. The attachment specified for that
dimension represents the attachment of the measurement to the feature
represented by that dimension.
If the second measurement feature is a cylinder, the last dimension in the
measurement table is a size dimension. The attachment specified for the
measurement, such as the attachment value in the first row of the table,
represents the attachment of the measurement to the feature represented by
the last size dimension.
For interfaces, the attachment defines the location where the related features
of size are aligned.

Measurement Definition Table Toolbar

You can click buttons on the toolbar in the Measurement Definition table to do
the following:
 Resumes dimension selection when the dimension loop is incomplete.
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  Sets the selection context to the top-level assembly in order to add a
virtual component at the point where there is a void in the measurement
definition. A virtual component is used to include the assembly dimensions or
annotations that represent an unmodeled component of the assembly such as
a fixture, a shim, and so on.
1. Click to set the selection context to the top-level assembly. The
candidate assembly dimensions and annotations belonging to the top-
level assembly appear on the CAD model in the Creo Parametric
window.
2. If the desired assembly dimension or annotation belongs to a
subassembly, select that subassembly model in the Creo Parametric
Model Tree. All candidate dimensions from the selected assembly are
highlighted.
3. Select the desired assembly dimension or annotation. A virtual
component is added at the current point in the measurement
definition. Virtual components are named with the assembly name
that owns the dimension or annotation and an instance number.
 Adds an annotation to the Creo Parametric model and then includes
that annotation dimension to the dimension loop.
1. Click to add an annotation to the active CAD model, such as the
top-level assembly.
2. Select the geometry references to define the annotation dimension.
3. Select the annotation plane and the annotation text location (a point or
vertex).
If the annotation dimension is parallel to the measurement direction
and attached to the current dimension loop endpoint, it is validated.
Valid annotations are added to the applicable Creo Parametric model
(part or assembly). For a part annotation, the dimension is then added
to the current component in the dimension loop. For an assembly
annotation, the dimension is added to the current virtual component in
the dimension loop. If the current component is not a virtual
component, a virtual component is added to the dimension loop.
 Closes a gap between adjacent parts in the CAD model.
1. Click to close a gap in the CAD model.
2. Select geometry from a part in the CAD model, such as a planar
surface. The selected geometry is made coincident to the endpoint of
the previous dimension in the dimension loop. If there is a gap between

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 the parts in the Creo Parametric assembly, that gap is closed in the
tolerance analysis. The assembly measurement value will be affected.

 Deletes the selected item from the dimension loop.

 Generates an HTML report for the tolerance analysis measurement. The
content of the report is configured from the Options dialog box. The report
file and its associated image files are created in a subdirectory of the
directory in which theCreo Parametric model files are located. The name of
the report directory is <CAD model name>_<tolerance study name>.

Measurement Definition Table Shortcut Menu

When you right-click the Measurement Definition table, a shortcut menu with
the following commands appears:
 Display Options—Opens the Options dialog box for setting application
options. These options are permanently stored in the Windows registry so
that they apply to any tolerance analysis measurement in any assembly that
you define. The options include default measurement limit settings, default
Cp value, and report settings.
 Toggle Hole or Pin—When you select this option for a size dimension, the
feature changes from a pin to a hole or from a hole to a pin. The state of the
feature appears in the Dimension Loop Diagram.
 Toggle Controlled Feature—When you select this option for a GD&T basic
dimension, the GD&T callout swaps which adjacent dimension (feature) it is
controlling. The name of the adjacent dimension that the GD&T callout is
currently controlling is always appended to the end of the GD&T callout text
in the Tolerance column. This is usually necessary only if a GD&T callout is
between two size dimensions, and if the software did not control the correct
one during model creation.
 Activate Void—When there is more than one void in the dimension loop,
this command activates the selected void. Voids are represented with a
square box (dashed lines). The active void is shown with a yellow outline.
If you click a row in the measurement table, the corresponding object is highlighted
in the Dimension Loop Diagram and in the Creo Parametric model.
You can modify the value of any tolerance value and other values in the
Measurement Definition table by clicking in the appropriate field and entering
the desired value. Analysis results are automatically updated when you make a
change to a value that affects the results. If you change tolerance values, those
values are updated in the Creo Parametric model when you click to save and
exit the tolerance analysis.

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Dimension Loop Diagram
The Dimension Loop Diagram shows a 1-D loop diagram for the measurement. All
of the dimensions and features of size are shown to scale in this diagram.
The measurement is shown at the top of the diagram. The location of the first
measurement reference feature is represented by a vertical green line, and the
location of the second reference feature is represented by a vertical red line.
Each part involved in the dimension loop is represented by a box in the dimension
loop diagram. All of the features and dimensions that are related to a part are shown
within the part box. The vertical line segments at the ends of the dimensions
represent the standard features.
Interfaces are represented between the part boxes. For Pin/Hole interfaces, a Float
attachment is shown with a double arrow, as shown in Figure 7. For the other
attachment options, a vertical line shows the location for the attachment, such as,
Left, Right, or Center.

Figure 7: The Dimension Loop Diagram

If you click a part box, a dimension line, or the measurement, the corresponding
object is highlighted in the Measurement Definition table and in the Creo
Parametric model.

Dimension Loop Diagram Shortcut Menu

When you right-click in the Dimension Loop Diagram, a shortcut menu appears
with the following commands:

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  Zoom In—Incrementally increases the scale of the dimension loop diagram.
 Zoom Out—Incrementally decreases the scale of the dimension loop
diagram.
 Fit to Width—Changes the horizontal scale of the dimension loop diagram
to fit in the window.
 Refit—Resets the vertical scale the default setting and then changes the
horizontal scale to fit in the window.
 Display Dimension Loop—Displays all the dimensions in the analysis in
the Creo Parametric window.
 Display Part Dimensions—Displays all the included dimensions of the
selected part in the Creo Parametric window.
 Copy—Copies the dimension loop diagram image to the Windows clipboard.
 Save—Saves the dimension loop diagram image to a file.

Results
When you click the Results tab, an area labeled Measure Variation appears on
the left, and an area with three tabs appears on the right. Under Measure
Variation, a variation plot for the measurement appears. The variation plot shows
the statistical variation plot and the worst-case range for the measurement based
on the specified tolerances for the dimensions in the dimension loop. It also displays
the distribution parameters and quality metric values. Click the Statistical, Worst
Case, and Sensitivity tabs to see the statistical and worst case contribution plots
and a sensitivity plot. See the Feature Parameters section below for more
information.

Results Shortcut Menu

When you right-click a variation, contribution, or sensitivity plot, a shortcut menu
appears containing the Copy command. Use Copy to copy the image to the
Windows clipboard.

Feature Parameters
Click the Feature tab and Feature Parameters area opens. When you save a
tolerance study as a feature, the parameters listed under Feature Parameters are
created for the feature.

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Tolerance Analysis Results
Once a tolerance analysis measurement has been completely defined (that is, the
dimension loop from the first measurement reference to the second is complete),
Creo Parametric Tolerance Analysis powered by CETOL Technology automatically
performs a worst-case tolerance and a statistical variation analysis. To see these
results click the Results tab, and then the Worst Case and Statistical tabs.

The Variation Plot

The variation plot shows the worst-case range and statistical distribution for the
measurement. You can use the shortcut menu for the variation plot to turn off the
display of the statistical or worst-case plot.

Mean & standard deviation

Quality metrics
Maximum WC
value of
Minimum WC measurement
value of
measurement

Upper
Lower
Measurement
Measurement Measurement Limit
Limit Target Value

Figure 8: A variation plot

The measurement specification limits and the target value are user-specified
values. These define the design requirements for the measurement. The statistical
variation is represented by a statistical distribution. Creo Parametric Tolerance
Analysis powered by CETOL Technology supports three distribution types: Normal,
Uniform, and Lambda. The distribution moments depend on the distribution type,
which is determined based on best-fit criteria. For most real-life problems, the
results will be represented by either a normal or lambda distribution.

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The table below shows the formulas used to calculate quality metrics.
Metric Name Metric Definition
Sigma See description below
UTL
%YFT  100   pdf x dx
%Yield LTL

x = Tolerance or measurement
pdf(x) = Probability distribution of x

 %Yield 
DPMU DPMU FT   1    10
6

 100 
The value for Sigma is calculated by first calculating first time dpo (defects per unit
opportunity), and then finding a one-sided Z-score that has the same first time dpo.
A one-sided Z-score is the value of a unilateral limit for a normal distribution with a
mean equal to zero and standard deviation equal to one.

Sensitivity Plot
The sensitivity plot shows the sensitivity of the measurement to each of the
tolerances. A sensitivity value indicates the mathematical relationship between a
measurement and a tolerance. A sensitivity of 1.0 indicates that for a unit change in
the value of the dimension associated with the tolerance, you will see the same
amount of change in the value of the measurement. Thus, the higher the value of
the sensitivity (absolute value), the more critical a dimension is for a particular
measurement. In a 1-dimensional tolerance analysis, most dimensions have
sensitivities of either 1.0 or -1.0, except for diameter dimensions that sometimes
have sensitivities of 0.5 or -0.5. From the shortcut menu for the sensitivity plot, you
can select a dimension in the measurement table and then see the dimension on the
CAD model.

Contributions
Percent contributions combine the sensitivity information with the part dimension
variation information to show how much of the measurement variation is caused by
each part dimension. The percent contribution of a dimension depends on the
analysis type.

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Statistical Contributions
The first-order statistical percent contribution formula is:
2
 U 
   xi 
x
Contributionxi   i 2   100
U
Where,
xi= ith part dimension in stackup
U = measurement
x = standard deviation of xi
i

U = standard deviation of U

Worst-case Contributions
The first-order worst-case percent contribution formula is:
U
xi

 UTL xi  LTL xi 
Contribution xi   100
UTLU  LTLu
Where,
xi= ith part dimension in stackup
U = measurement
UTLxi = upper tolerance limit of xi
LTLxi = lower tolerance limit of xi
UTLU = upper tolerance limit of U
LTLU = lower tolerance limit of U

Data Management and User Interface Issues

When performing a tolerance study, you have three options:
 QuickUse for temporary analyses. Use Quick when performing a
temporary analysis that you do not want to store permanently.
Note: Selecting this option and then clicking or results in exiting
from the Tolerance Analysis interface. Any modification to the dimension

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 tolerance is not saved.
 SavedStores the tolerance analysis to the current Creo Parametric session.
To save the analysis permanently as a feature, click Save in Creo
Parametric. Saved tolerance studies are listed in the Tolerance Analysis
Manager.
 Feature─Stores the tolerances analysis to the current Creo Parametric
session as an analysis feature. To permanently save the analysis as a feature,
click Save in Creo Parametric.
You can view or modify a saved tolerance analysis measurement by selecting the
tolerance analysis measurement from the list in the Tolerance Analysis Manager
dialog box and then clicking Edit . Tolerance analysis measurements that have
been stored as a feature are displayed in the Creo Parametric Model Tree. You can
view and edit their properties by right-clicking the tolerance analysis feature and
selecting Edit Definition.
Since the tolerance analysis measurement references Creo Parametric dimensions,
the measurement results update automatically if any of the referenced dimensions
or tolerances is modified in Creo Parametric.
Note that when you select a dimension in Creo Parametric Tolerance Analysis
powered by CETOL Technology, that dimension is shown in Creo Parametric with
its original properties. If you have made a change to that dimension, the properties
in Creo Parametric Tolerance Analysis may differ from the properties of the
dimension in Creo Parametric. When you click in the lower-right corner of the
dialog box to accept the changes to the tolerance analysis measurement, the
tolerance analysis is saved to the assembly model. If you have made changes to any
of the dimension properties, those changes are written back to Creo Parametric.
Since Creo Parametric Tolerance Analysis is not native Creo Parametric
functionality, the interaction with the application differs from Creo Parametric
standard behavior in a few ways:
 The tolerance analysis data is always stored in the top-level component,
regardless of which component is the active component.
 While Creo Parametric Tolerance Analysis is running, most Creo Parametric
functions are disabled.
 A middle-click of the mouse in Creo Parametric dialog boxes is equivalent to
clicking OK but has no effect in the Tolerance Analysis dialog boxes.

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