DCS-DFC Datum Flow Chain

Linking Tolerances to Specifications and Measurements

A Datum Flow Chain (DFC) is a graphical diagram that defines the relationships between assembled parts, assembly fixtures, tooling and equipment all within one model and provides analysis along any selected 1-D path of a Cartesian coordinate system. "Master" DCS-DFC models of complete assemblies are created and then accessed by many users, allowing for "what if" studies to be performed on particular areas of interest. With an intuitive graphical user interface employing "point & click" operations, DCS-DFC is a premier tool for facilitating assembly-first product design where part tolerances can be maximized for cost reduction.

DCS-DFC's easy-to-read dialog boxes are used to identify part datums, locating features, and control tolerances for components within the assembly. A DCS-DFC uses this input information to predict the variation for each defined measurement specification. Unlike typical 1-D analysis solutions, DCS-DFC allows users to link feature tolerances to more than one specification or measurement and analyze multiple assembly measurements of a complete system within a single report. Statistical calculations such as standard deviation, percent out of specification, Pp and Ppk, confidence intervals and many more are calculated and displayed by DCS-DFC in a variety of graphic output formats for generating reports.

Business Values

Utilize graphic schematic modeling of complete 3-D assemblies with an organized presentation tool for describing assembled part relationships. Analyze along any selected 1-D path using several methods: Worst Case (straight stack), RSS (Root-Sum-Square) and Monte Carlo Simulation. Analysis results are represented graphically in the model and analysis outputs can be reported in a variety of formats.

Target Users

DCS-DFC Datum Flow Chain An innovative tool for those in the entire engineering community to achieve build quality objectives through strategic
planning and analysis of assembled part relationships

Key Product Features

• Graphically Define an entire system simultaneously in a single model
• Custom User Layouts for parts, features, and measurements can be hidden or displayed on separate layers for ease in viewing and reporting. 
• Automatic hole/pin float calculations from hole/pin relationship and size tolerance
• Multiple Analysis Options: Worst-Case, RSS & Monte-Carlo Simulation
• Check for over-constrained/under-constrained datum reference frames
• Solve for Results or Allocate tolerances to meet build requirements
• Organized presentation tool for describing part-to-part relationships
• Unlimited number of measurements within a single system model
• Easy-to-Use GUI for creating/editing and analyzing models
• GD&T Feature Control Frame representations
• Add Scaled Multiplier Values to tolerances
• Predict and Display assembly variation
• GD&T and Linear Tolerance creation
• Bonus Tolerance calculations
• Database linking capabilities
• Import graphic images
• HTML reporting

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