Modern Metrology: Present and Future Trends

Across industries, the need for advanced technologies and measurement techniques has grown significantly. From the automotive to aerospace sectors, industry leaders are continuously looking for new and more efficient ways to not only streamline production but also ensure they're producing accurately-sized pieces to complete their large-scale projects.

Modern metrology is changing the way these industries conduct their businesses. Calibration and software are constantly evolving over time, and as consumer demands and manufacturing challenges rear their heads, metrology equipment must be able to keep up.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the progress modern metrology has made today and where it's projected to go in the future.

The Present

Present-day metrology isn't what it used to be. Manufacturers have been given a wake-up call to produce industry-wide standards for their CMM machines and software. Advanced calibration techniques are popping up all over the industry, and innovative technology has become quite prevalent. These advances are changing the way the industry operates day-to-day.

ISO Standards

It may have started in the early 1990s, but the adoption of a uniform standard for their quality measurement systems has continued to impact the way metrology equipment and its operators work on a daily basis. Companies were required to adopt a calibration program and formal auditing system—which, in turn, has led to greater efficiency in equipment operations and accurate measurements across production floors.

Innovation and Calibration

In order to achieve high-precision measurements and calibration, quality equipment is crucial. Metrology organizations, including the NIST, are continuously redefining calibration standards and measurement techniques. These regular updates are giving manufacturing leaders greater faith in their ability to accurately measure parts on their production floors and metrology suppliers like CMMXYZ the confidence to sell new and used CMMs that can produce real-time results.

Smart Technologies

Smart technology, specifically smart sensors, is revolutionizing the metrology industry. Incorporating connected devices into these machines and their software allows continuous monitoring and streamlined communications. Diagnostics can also be performed remotely, which means operators don't always have to be on-site.

The Future

The question of metrology and its future is always changing. Manufacturing and production-based industries are constantly faced with changing consumer demands and industry standards. So, how do they take these demands and implement changes with metrology equipment?

Due to the changes across the industry, many midsize businesses are looking for assistance in supplementing their calibration capabilities and meeting quality standards. These changes are leading to companies turning to manufacturing labs to help manage their measurement programs rather than performing these tasks in-house with a team of full-time operators.

The fact of the matter is that industries like metrology are changing with each passing day. As technologies evolve and the need for advanced production lines grows, industry leaders must be open to future trends and changes.

The ability to adapt will not only serve them in the present day but will also help ensure their longevity and prosperity in the future.