As a metrology services provider, we can sometimes take for granted that everyone else knows what we are talking about when we discuss our “metrology services”. In this post, we provide a brief definition overview of metrology. In future posts we will delve deeper into the many aspects of this important science and its uses in industrial environments.
Often confused with meteorology, the science of studying the atmosphere, metrology is the science of measurement. Metrology is a very broad science with several main areas of subfields; scientific or fundamental metrology, legal metrology and industrial metrology.
Scientific Metrology
Scientific or fundamental metrology concerns the setting of measurement standards and the establishment of units of measurement, unit systems and quantity systems. Additionally, scientific metrology involves the development of new methods of measuring as well as the transfer of traceability from the standards to users. Several organizations committed to maintaining the International System of Units are the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM), and in the U.S., the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Legal Metrology
Defined by the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) as “the application of legal requirements to measurements and measuring instruments”, legal metrology ensures the accuracy and reliability of measurements where measured values can affect health, public safety, the environment and the protection of consumers and fair trade.
Industrial Metrology
OASIS metrology engineer uses Leica AT960 Laser Tracker to perform machine inspection.
Industrial metrology is the area of metrology science that OASIS customers benefit from most. Applied, technical or industrial metrology involves the application of measurement science to industrial processes including manufacturing. Additionally, industrial metrology ensures the suitability and adequate functioning of measurement instruments, their calibration and quality control of measurements.
Why Should Manufacturers Want to Learn More?
Industrial metrology solutions can enhance the day to day operations of production facilities and also help manufacturers identify key areas for improvement. With quality control one of biggest concerns for manufacturers, some industries, such as the aerospace industry, define their own set of metrology standards and procedures to meet quality and technical processes for the production or fabrication of parts and components. With innovative, portable 3D metrology instruments such as laser trackers, coordinate measuring arms and laser scanners, quality assurance and alignment inspections can be done directly on the shop floor in order to quickly measure parts and components for quality and alignment standards.
For OASIS, the science of measurement is at the very core of who we are as a company, and of the services we provide our customers. In future posts, we will delve deeper into the many industry applications that can see great success from metrology services.
If you would like to learn more how metrology services can assist you with meeting your goals, please contact us. Be sure to subscribe to our Industry Blog for more on metrology solutions, technology updates, industry news and case studies.
