Feature

The changing face of metrology

Metrology has always been vital in precision manufacturing to ensure that products meet both quality and design specifications. As industry demands have increased over the years, we have seen a transformation in measurement technology – advances in metrology and improvements to manufacturing capability typically go hand in hand.

08/01/2024 10:46:14

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Here, Paul Maxted, Director of Industrial Metrology Applications at Renishaw, explores the changing role of metrology in manufacturing over the last few decades and predicts how it is set to develop in the future.

At Renishaw, we’ve always understood the role of metrology in optimising manufacturing processes. Indeed, the company was founded on exactly that, when Sir David McMurtry developed the first touch-trigger probe to solve a dimensional measurement issue for the Olympus engines which powered Concorde. The creation of this industry-changing sensor enabled measurement on a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) to be automated for the first time. Since our company was founded in 1973, there has been a revolution in measurement processes – let’s take a look back.

Bringing metrology to the shopfloor
Processes in a traditional machine shop have always been reliant on skilled individuals – toolmakers, setters/operators and other experts, producing quality machined parts in batches. In CNC machining operations, the setup of a recurring batch of parts requires skilled input and often results in balancing a batch quantity with an excessively long set time. This not only ties up valuable machine time, but also adds inventory costs to a business.

Read the full article in DPA's January 2024 issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.