ECM, a division of In-Place Machining Company, announced that Gary Confalone was the recipient of the 2023 ASQ Hromi Medal. Each year the American Society for Quality (ASQ) Hromi Medal committee recognizes individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to the science of inspection and/or the advancement of the inspection profession. Recipients of the award have contributed to the profession throughout their career by delivering products and processes to advance the state of inspection through test, calibration, cost reduction, and professional development.

Confalone’s contributions to the science of inspection began more than 30 years ago when he started his career as a Systems Integration Engineer at Sikorsky Aircraft. It was during his time at Sikorksy that his passion to improve the industry with more efficient technology was ignited. After joining the American Helicopter Society, he delved into the research for the production of the Army’s RAH-66 Comanche Helicopter and later received the Inventor’s Recognition Award from Sikorsky Aircraft for the development of a laser boresight system. 

After a decade of working to develop and improve laser-based metrology, he moved on to further advance the inspection sector of the developing laser tracker system through his work with Spatial Metrix Corporation. With a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master of science in mechanical engineering, Confalone founded East Coast Metrology (ECM) in Topsfield, Massachusetts, an engineering firm offering a variety of metrology solutions to a wide range of industries. ECM has since experienced exponential growth spanning the globe over the last 20 plus years. 

In 2009, Confalone joined the newly formed Certification Committee of the Coordinate Metrology Society (CMS). This committee is comprised of industry volunteers who would work to later develop the industry’s first standardized metrology certification exam for both portable and stationary coordinate measuring machines. In 2021 he assumed the volunteer position of Chairperson of the Certification Committee devoting his spare time to assessing the industry requirements needed for achieving better standardized metrology processes. 

In 2010, Confalone was elected to the CMS by his industry peers where he served on the Executive Committee assisting with the annual Coordinate Metrology Society Conference. The CMSC combines technical presentations from industry experts, hands-on workshops, and unprecedented training opportunities on the highest quality hardware and software in the field of metrology. In 2017, Confalone was elected Chairperson of the Executive Committee. This was a three-year voluntary commitment which involved Gary heading up the committee to oversee the society and the annual conference.

Confalone’s track record of contributions to the science of inspection is vast, however his passion for the advancement of the inspection profession lies in educating younger generations coming into the industry. He regularly brings ECM engineers to local high schools and colleges to speak with students about the opportunities in the field of engineering and metrology, including hands-on demonstrations of equipment in hopes of garnering student’s interest in this discipline. 

Most recently, Confalone has co-authored and published 3D Scanning for Advanced Manufacturing, Design, and Construction. This highly educational book provides a comprehensive introduction to 3D scanning and its applications in both the manufacturing and AEC industries. After establishing the history and basic principles of 3D scanning, it includes discussions of data collection and analysis and the many real-world applications of this technology.  

Confalone was awarded the Hromi Medal on Sunday, May 7, during ASQ’s Award Ceremony immediately prior to the start of ASQ World Conference on Quality and Improvement in Philadelphia, PA. 

For more visit www.inplace.com or www.eastcoastmetrology.com.