Ask a machinist, “What tool do you use most often?” Most likely the answer will be “my calipers.”

The quality norms of the past are being shattered by another evolution of CMM technologies arriving on the scene. The reason? Manufacturing is changing at its core. 

Accidents and injuries, instances of nonconformance with a policy or standards—really, failures of any kind—can all contribute to a need for an organization to change.

Over the years and many incidents (accidents, injuries, failures, nonconformances) later, I’ve come to recognize that there are many contributing factors to an incident. The key is the corrective action taken. Does the corrective action prevent the incident from recurring? 

Many stylus manufacturers will tell you that custom disks are the designs most often requested for custom fabrication quotes. Like handprints, it seems as though each disk stylus is unique. 

Sometimes the smallest act of recognition can bring people to tears. Even a simple printout of someone’s idea can make him or her feel validated and seen.

Digital reverse engineering (RE) as a concept has exploded in recent years due to advances in technology and a growing awareness of best practices among manufacturers. 

The art of precision measurement is essentially all about the data that is obtained in the process and the value that it brings to a manufacturing operation. It is about making decisions based on high quality data.

Gages have evolved throughout the years beginning with mechanical, then electronic models, and now convenient wireless electronic versions have come on the scene. Each type has an important place in today’s quality control and inspection processes.