Handlebar Assembly Tolerance
The following report is an analysis of the hole position tolerance for a handlebar weldment. We have further studied our manufacturing and inspection practices, and have determined that 100% of our parts meet the drawing requirements. We understand that there is an issue fitting the handlebars to the mating “pod” assembly, so you will find our suggestion near the end of this report.
Challenges
The pods don’t have dimensions corresponding to 492.4 and 547.6 mm. As drawn, the four tapped holes are not controlled as a pattern. As such, the tolerance for their locations is unknown.
The pod – handlebar assembly uses countersunk head screws, which serve an aligning function. This restricts any relative motion between the parts when as screws are tightened, and takes up some of the fit tolerance.
An M4 screw has a max OD of 4 mm. The nominal hole size in the base is only 4.5 mm. This allows for .5mm of misalignment between the pod holes and handlebar base holes. As each screw is tightened, the allowance is becomes even smaller for the remaining holes. This clearance is not sufficient to ensure all of the parts assemble together.
Analysis
Tightening the hole position requirements on the handlebar will make manufacturing more difficult, and will add to cost. As it is, about 10% of the production parts would have to be reworked or scrapped in order to ensure each part will fit the test gauge. It would be more cost effective to ensure the parts fit by enlarging the hole size in the handlebar bases.
Solutions
We suggest that the customer determines the value of T2 by capability study of the pods or some other means. The client can then calculate the required size for the handlebar base holes, and give this number to the The Federal Group.
Client Testimonials
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jonathon Lanham2025-09-26Mike Allen and The Federal Group have been an absolute pleasure to work with. From the first day we reached out to them they responded punctually and professionally and helped us with every step of the process. We came to them with a budget conscious challenge and they delivered above and beyond a fitting and accurate solution. A quality finished part that has improved the overall quality of our product, and that's what really counts. Thank you to The Federal Group!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Sean Brockhouse2025-04-20Sandor Holzer has gone above and beyond helping us to get another part ramped up for production, creative getting samples ahead of schedule so we could meet tight timelines. Outstanding customer service!!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Melissa Quiroz2024-08-09Good company, knowledgeable staff, product was exactly what i asked for. Got me out of a jam!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Alex Armstrong2023-12-15Steve was great to work with and was always available when needed.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Jon Ramsey2023-10-07Mike at TFG was tenative to our supply needs and an immense help! Took on a project that was quite large and daunting, only to be resilient through the task challenges. In conclusion, everything was completed successfully and a huge success. Would recommend and I plan to use them for future projects. Thanks again Mike and TFG team.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Nic Robinson2023-10-05Steve Bogdanovich has been critical to our team meeting deadlines with a quality product. The communication and customer service is top notch. We know we can rely on Steve and The Federal Group team to get us a quality product and in a timely manner. We've sent all of our casted parts through them because we know we will get the best service, and they keep us informed through every step in the process.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Sean Connelly2023-06-21The Federal Group was great to work with. Steve was very professional and diligent in providing good advice/feedback as well as following up with me. Look forward to working with them in the future as well!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Sher Stahl2020-07-10The Federal Group is a top-notch supplier of ours. They take quality very seriously and strive to ensure we have exactly what we want and when we need it. Communication is excellent. Service is excellent. I have worked with this supplier directly for better than 7 years now, and still considered one of my best suppliers. We've recently expanded our product line with this company and are excited to partner on this line and on future projects. Words cannot express how grateful I am to have such a responsive company, and rep, Richard, to work with. I highly recommend this supplier.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Marshall2020-06-30Excellent customer service and products!
