How Behavior Impacts Your Measurement
Benbrook, TX November 9, 2011 The Coordinate Metrology Society (CMS) announced today the results of their large-scale, interactive measurement study conducted at the 27th annual Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference (CMSC). The 58-page report entitled How Behavior Impacts Your Measurement focuses on measurement strategies and behaviors of coordinate metrologists. More than 100 conference attendees participated in the data collection activity coordinated by the National Physical Laboratory (UK) assisted by members of the CMS Certification Committee. Metrology is the science of measurement, and professionals in this field work in diverse industries such as aerospace, automotive, power generation, and more. The full report can be downloaded at http://www.cmsc.org/stuff/contentmgr/files/0/f7dbf9282c3245d7573d89eb82030080/files/cmsmeasurementreport2011.pdf.
Authors Keith Bevan from the National Physical Laboratory and Trevor Toman, Metrology Manager at Coventry University, performed statistical analysis of the study and compiled their conclusions into the new report. The criteria of the studys measurement tasks enabled the authors to examine various training and assessment techniques, such as the evaluation of the participants prior learning and experience level, questioning methods, practical task monitoring and demonstration. Nearly a quarter of the participants had less than 3 years of measurement experience, a dozen fell in the midrange of 3-7 years of practice, while 69 participants were veteran metrologists with more than 7 years of hands-on experience with various measurement systems.
The outcome of this study drives home the importance of defined best practices, and understanding measurement fundamentals that enable an individual to make informed judgments about a measurement irrespective of the technology used whether it is hand tools or 3D portable metrology systems, states Keith Bevan. Clearly, questioning and planning the requirements of the measurement help reduce the possibility of making poor measurements.
During the two-day study, participants were asked to perform three tasks using portable 3D coordinate metrology equipment for data acquisition: 1) measure a door using a combination of a Laser tracker, retro reflectors, and software; 2) measure an engine compartment using a combination of an articulating arm, probe and software; and 3) measure a vehicle using a combination of a Laser Tracker, probing, and laser scanning system. The final report reveals various results based on 3D measurement tasks executed with little or no instruction, as compared to the outcome of 3D measurement tasks completed using procedures, or a participant guiding an operator with methodology to collect the needed measurements. The study was sponsored by Metrologic Group and its U.S. subsidiary ATT Metrology.
Measurement Studies to Support Certification Progress
In 2009, the Certification Committee of the Coordinate Metrology Society (CMS) was formed to consider the need for professional certification in the field of metrology. After market research and an investigation of existing certifications, the group determined a properly structured certification program would be of value to the CMS. The committee began the development of a preliminary Body of Knowledge. In 2010, the CMS Certification Committee performed a statistical study at CMSC aimed at identifying skill gaps in the general metrology community. The open measurement workshop enticed hundreds of attendees to test their knowledge of core metrology principles based on a variety of hand tools used in dimensional measurement.
About the Coordinate Metrology Society
The Coordinate Metrology Society is a membership of users, service providers, and OEM manufacturers of close-tolerance industrial coordinate measurement systems, software, and peripherals. The society gathers each year to gain knowledge of the advancements and applications of any measurement system or software solution that produces and uses 3D coordinate data. For more information about the CMS and how to join the organization, visit their web site at http://www.CMSC.org.
About the Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference
The Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference is an annual event sponsored by the Coordinate Metrology Society. Established in 1984, the five-day conference is held each year at a different location, and attracts visitors from around the globe. CMSC has achieved world renown for its comprehensive program of top-shelf technical papers and applications presentations given by industry experts from science/research laboratories and leading manufacturing industries. No other trade show rivals the high level of authoritative information provided by CMS members and master users of metrology instrumentation, software, and peripheral equipment for quality control, quality production, and precision assembly and metrology-aided alignment. The CMS publishes the Journal of the CMSC, a bi-yearly publication featuring outstanding technical papers presented during the conference.