Integer programming approach as an alternative to the quality loss function in tolerance design

The Taguchi quality loss function provides an analytic tool for considering the quality cost in tolerance design at the product design state. But it fails to consider the manufacturing cost and design constraints. In addition, it is difficult to determine the quality loss constant A in the quadratic function. This research demonstrates that the quality loss cost is only a small portion of the total cost if the manufacturing cost is considered. An alternative method is provided to ensure the required level of quality and avoid using the confusing constant A. A numerical example illustrates the quality loss function and the proposed approach.