Trends in Metrology: From Presumptions to Portability
First, there was the tape measure. Then, there was the theodolite used by surveyors. This is where the science of metrology began. Actually, you might go back as far as using handsto measure the height of a horse, but it begs the question—whose hands? Questions like these are still relevant in an industry where mentioning GD&T or measurement uncertainty could lead to a heated discussion. Portable metrology is making strides to get everyone on the same page. Maybe some will be at the top of the page and others at the bottom, but the same page is a great start. Trends in Metrology: From Presumptions to Portability
First, there was the tape measure. Then, there was the theodolite used by surveyors. This is where the science of metrology began. Actually, you might go back as far as using handsto measure the height of a horse, but it begs the question—whose hands?
Questions like these are still relevant in an industry where mentioning GD&T or measurement uncertainty could lead to a heated discussion. Portable metrology is making strides to get everyone on the same page. Maybe some will be at the top of the page and others at the bottom, but the same page is a great start.
Bruce Thomas, an engineer with New River Kinematics (NRK), said “As we continue to develop ways to know how imperfect our measurements are, we can decrease the room for error. I think that technology will continue to rapidly expand because finally, computer processors are fast enough to handle all the data analysis.”
These changes promise a better future for the field of metrology. In the past, precision was a lofty goal, and many machines were assembled to work effectively under a “good enough” standard. But today, as the technology of metrology becomes more sophisticated, the bar has been raised.
Measuring uncertainty, and pulling out all the stops to prevent undue uncertainty are the new goals of the industry. When measurements are used to make decisions, decision makers need to know how certain those measurements are, because then they’ll be able to have as much information as possible.
One of the traditional ways of measuring is with a coordinate measuring machine, also known as a CMM. These stationary machines are most often used in automobile manufacturing where the parts are smaller. In recent years, aerospace, and shipbuilding have been moving in a new direction. “In building these large scale projects, recognizing the problem is the first step to correcting it. Pulling samples off an assembly line to place in a CMM is not the most efficient way to prevent problems,” Thomas said. “Movable instruments are the way to go—and portability will make a huge difference in the way that engineers work. It’s already begun to make a difference.”
Portable metrology is poised to dominate the field in the future if the current trend continues. And it looks fairly certain it will … because no one wants more uncertainty in their million- or billion-dollar projects.
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