Manufacturing Metrology and Sensing for Quality

Metrology and inspection are logically associated with product quality in manufacturing. Quality from a conceptual angle has undergone many changes over the years. Initially it was associated with inspection and later on covered the areas of process control, quality assurance, total quality management and strategic quality management. In the first two phases, i.e. inspection and process control, quality was mostly confined to shop floor activities. The concept of quality assurance took care of the design aspects also into account. A wider coverage involving the people and the system brought out the Total Quality Management concept. A further step, based on the definition of quality as the fitness for the purpose as seen by the customer, brought out the concept of Strategic Quality Management encompassing the quality of the product throughout its life. Thus the concept of quality today covers many angles of the product right from its concept to final disposal at the end of its life. The important step towards realising the product quality is even now taken at the shop floor level and will continue to be so. Hence product inspection and process control will continue to play a crucial role in our quality efforts. Further, the condition of the process is closely related to the quality it delivers. By monitoring the product quality through changes taking place on the part i.e. dimension finish and geometrical form, it is possible to assess the condition of the process. Manufacturing metrology plays an important role in this. Approaches towards this have changed considerably over the years. Technological innovations have allowed manufacturing metrology to meet the challenges posed by diminishing tolerances, demand for ultra fine finish, closer form adherence and advanced concepts in condition monitoring. This article deals with the trends in the development in this area, present status and future outlook. It deals in detail on the technology available currently and explores areas of research and development to meet future needs.