BENBROOK, TX –– The Coordinate Metrology Society (CMS) announced the results of its third large-scale measurement study conducted at the 28th annual Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference (CMSC) held in New Orleans, LA.  

The 2012 measurement study was developed to support the organization’s Certification Cognitive Examination development process, which will culminate in the industry’s first level-one personnel certification program for portable 3-D metrology. The study’s main focus was to test the methodology of practical testing rather than the evaluation of the measurement results. The 83-page report titled “The Importance of Practical Testing” details the results and analysis of the interactive measurement study.  Metrology is the science of measurement and professionals in this field work in diverse industries such as aerospace, automotive and power generation. The report can be downloaded at http://bit.ly/UPMe0X.

Throughout a two day period, more than 90 CMSC conference attendees participated in a data collection activity that provided a hands-on challenge, regardless of experience with large volume measurement systems. The study was coordinated by the National Physical Laboratory (UK) and event sponsor Metrologic Group, assisted by members of the CMS Certification Committee, Coventry University and volunteers from many OEMs and software developers in the metrology industry. Author Keith Bevan from the National Physical Laboratory performed statistical analysis of the study and compiled those conclusions into the new report, which was peer-reviewed by the organization’s Executive and Certification Committees.

An evaluation of the appropriateness of practical testing was undertaken during the measurement study, involving the use of an articulated arm and/or a laser tracker measuring either a dedicated test piece or a motorcycle product.  More than a third of the participants had less than five years of measurement experience, while 64% were veteran metrologists with more than five years of hands-on experience. 41% of the study’s participants take weekly measurements.

Nearly 95% participated in the measurement study conducted in 2011. A workshop was held on the third day of the conference to review the results and to ascertain information about future measurement studies for CMSC.