How many grains of salt are there in a pinch? How many in a dash? Sometimes, it can be not easy to know something exactly. While the exact amount of salt in a recipe may not be critical to still produce a delicious result, there are many other areas where exact measurements are imperative.
Metrology, aka the study of measurement, may be an unfamiliar word. Still, it plays a vital role in broad sectors of the world’s economy and in protecting the quality of life. By having a standardized system of agreed-upon measuring units worldwide and sophisticated equipment to carry out those tasks, people who work in the field can ensure traceability, accuracy, and, ultimately, consumer safety.
Many industries rely heavily on metrology practices. Here are just three examples of those that utilize metrology practices to improve their operations.
Mechanical Engineering
Manufacturing in the automotive and other industries often involves generating large numbers of a single part in one production run. Each part produced must be exactly dimensionally the same as the other so that it fits together seamlessly with its corresponding part.
Several standard metrology tools are used in such industries, one being the coordinate measurement machine (CMM), which utilizes highly sensitive probes to touch various surfaces of a part to measure, collect, and record data. Mechanical engineers use CMMs to build the initial prototypes for parts. CMMs are also used for quality assurance to ensure dimensions are accurate and meet specifications and that tolerances are tight.
Food and Beverage Industry
Metrology is used in the food and beverage industry to regulate temperature and humidity levels in the manufacturing process to prevent contamination and ensure food quality. While mechanical engineering metrology considers types of materials and their dimensions, food and beverage metrology considers standard weights and amounts of moisture. Food and beverage metrology also ensures that packaging specifications are consistent.
The importance and growth of metrology in the food and beverage industry and other industries have created a demand for trusted, reliable supply companies that can quickly provide sophisticated measuring equipment. Suppliers provide CMMs, machine tool probing systems, optical photogrammetry equipment, and other high-tech precision measuring tools, plus their spare parts, and partner with such industries to help ensure consistency, quality, and safety in the marketplace.
Medical Devices
Medical devices are used in operating and treating human beings and must, therefore, be manufactured to the highest quality and safety standards. In addition, medical devices also must comply with strict safety regulations. Because many medical devices are fragile or require measurements that are difficult to reach, metrology is accomplished using special “non-contact” measuring tools with the product being measured. As in mechanical engineering, metrology is used for the creation of prototypes and for production runs. Additionally, because regulations require that medical devices have a limited life, metrology is constantly used throughout its use in the field to measure and determine when a device must be disposed of.
Published by: Holy Minoza
