Fabricated engine structures are built up by using optimized combinations of castings, forgings and sheet metals of one or more different materials that are welded together. This solution leads to decreased weight but it also implies more complex assemblies, advanced fixtures, longer tolerance chains and deformations due to more parts and more welding operations. Therefore it is important to implement virtual geometry assurance activities in early development phases to assure that final product tolerance requirements are fulfilled. This paper presents different activities used to minimize and manage effects of geometrical variation throughout the whole product realization process. A virtual geometry assurance process is described to illustrate how geometry assurance activities is used in engine component development. Finally in the conclusion benefits from the implementation of virtual tools connected to virtual geometry assurance is presented.
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