In product design, what does it typically mean if a part is labeled as having a “tight tolerance”?

A part labeled as having a “tight tolerance” indicates that the dimensions of that part must be very precise. Tight tolerances refer to a small allowable variation in the dimensions of a component, meaning that the manufacturing process must be highly controlled to ensure that each part meets the specified dimensional requirements. This level of precision is often necessary for parts that must fit together or function correctly within a system, where even minor deviations can lead to failure or inefficiency. Therefore, tight tolerances are critical in fields like aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing, where reliability and functionality are paramount.