Define "tolerance" in the context of tool and die making.

In tool and die making, tolerance is crucial for ensuring that manufactured parts fit and function together properly within an assembly. It is defined as the allowable variation in a dimension, meaning it specifies the upper and lower limits of a particular measurement. By having tolerances, manufacturers can account for variations that may occur during the machining process, without compromising the overall functionality and interchangeability of the parts.

This concept is essential because precise dimensions are often not achievable due to factors like tool wear, material properties, and machining techniques. For instance, if a component has a specified dimension of 10 mm with a tolerance of ±0.1 mm, it means that the actual size of the part can range from 9.9 mm to 10.1 mm, allowing for small variations while still being compatible with other components. This ensures that parts can be assembled easily and function as intended in their application.

Understanding and applying tolerance correctly is vital for maintaining quality control in manufacturing processes, which minimizes the risk of parts not fitting together, thus avoiding costly rework or scrapping of parts.