The use of mixture experiments in tolerance allocation problems

The response surface methodology (RSM) approach can be used to determine the optimal component tolerances in an assembly. Frequently, response surface designs such as Box-Behnken design and central composite design are used in tolerance allocation problems. In this article, mixture experiments, which are essentially constructed for designing a blend composition, are proposed instead of response surface designs in order to observe the cost values. Also some advantages and disadvantages of mixture designs are discussed.