After the decision is made to outsource calibration, it is time to choose a reliable source.

There is growing popularity for a loosely defined class of shaft measuring systems that can accomplish checks faster than other methods, and do so directly on the shop floor where the shafts are made. Frequently used in Europe, shaft measuring systems are gaining U.S. popularity in a number of high-volume applications.

Affordable, compact scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) are providing fast, direct access to high- resolution imaging to an expanding number of engineers and technicians. A new generation of personal electron microscopes delivers usable magnifications up to 24,000X.

As workpieces become more complex and manufacturers are expected to provide fully inspected, documented parts, there is increasing interest in noncontact gaging, specifically optical gaging.

The unproductive cycle of mistake-blame-train-defend often is repeated in the quality industry, and manufacturing as a whole, as a reaction to problems. The best way to break the cycle and improve operator competency and morale is to take a proactive approach with training to prevent mistakes.

The list of national and international standards seems never ending and ever changing. As a result, standards and regulations continue to create significant challenges for Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) members in identifying, understanding and applying the requirements of the many standards.

Today, three elements are found in every CMM: a sensing probe, a computer for data input and analysis, and a precision structure to transport the probe around the workpiece. Manual operation has largely given way to motorized direct computer controlled (DCC) CMMs.

There are some important criteria that should be considered when selecting a statistical software package to use in Six Sigma programs. Choosing the right software package has a lot to do with the eventual success or failure of the Six Sigma initiative.

ISO/IEC 13485: 2003 represents the management system requirements for companies that want to maintain compliance with medical device regulations. 13485 could be implemented by companies that manufacture everything from cotton swabs to pacemakers, contraceptives to examination tables or companies that provide related services, such as sterilization, packaging or labeling.

High-resolution wavefront sensors help improve the alignment of the optical systems involving lasers; control and predict the shape of laser beams; measure collimation of the beam and detect the tiniest aberrations caused by optical elements in the optical setup, thus protecting sensitive components of laser chains.