The aerospace industry uses automation and metrology to improve product quality and safety. Components require precise measurements for high quality and efficient production.

X-ray CT is crucial for the aerospace industry, offering nondestructive insights into components' inner structure, aiding in defect detection, maintenance, and research. High-energy CT is advancing the technology, allowing for detailed imaging and shaping the industry.

In aerospace, lightweighting is crucial for fuel efficiency, range, and emissions. Material analysis and technology advancements offer weight reduction without sacrificing performance or safety.

The aerospace industry relies on advanced nondestructive testing (NDT) to ensure safety and reliability. Automated technologies, such as phased arrays and 3D scanning, enhance defect detection in aircraft structures, reducing human error. This overview emphasizes the importance of these advancements.

Even with accessible technology developed to support their growth, the sad truth is that only a few manufacturers have fully explored the power of automation. The majority are still figuring out the best way to get started.

The Resonance Acoustic Method (RAM) is a long-standing nondestructive test (NDT) that measures the structural responses of a part. These responses are a set of unique and measurable natural frequency (resonance) data.

Styli and probe extensions can provide certainty for most measurements. Find the right tools made from the right materials for your quality needs.

A Q&A with Reed Switch Developments Corp. president Debra Dahlin, and Engineering and QA Manager, Jeff Rosenbaum, to talk more about its holistic approach to quality.

Don't cut corners on color-matching tools. Professional equipment has advantages that imitations can't match. Learn more in this article.

Manufacturing ERP software impacts every aspect of a business and enables automation and data-driven planning for operational efficiency, which is crucial for maintaining profitability in today's market.

I looked into national voices for manufacturing and visited the NAM (National Association of Manufacturers), which has about 14,000 member companies employing around 13 million people. NAM advocates for manufacturers at the government level and has been focused on bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. since 2020.

The NextGen Global Advocacy Committee addresses the needs of young professionals under 40 or with less than four years of experience through a framework of understanding, engaging, and preparing for leadership. Recognizing that Millennials and Gen Z value inclusivity, networking, and technology integration is crucial for organizations like ASQ to meet these evolving needs and maintain a competitive edge.

American manufacturing is making a comeback, fueled by billions in investments and new technologies. This reshoring not only boosts job quality and economic opportunity but also mitigates supply chain risks exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. But is there a catch?

Women are increasingly sought in manufacturing, a field now prioritizing inclusivity and diversity. Employers recognize that diverse perspectives boost creativity and morale, and they are actively showcasing opportunities for success in this dynamic industry.

We are missing an untapped reserve of excellent human material.

Express pride in what you do and draw young workers in.

Manufacturers are prioritizing low-code AI tools to simplify application development, enabling non-experts to create and customize AI workflows.

Advancements in AI and machine learning offer hope to revolutionize industrial automation and tackle modern manufacturing challenges.

Design of Experiments (DOE) helps improve products and processes more efficiently, providing a comprehensive understanding of influences on the end result.

Manufacturing compliance goes beyond ticking boxes; it's about trust and excellence. Small manufacturers can navigate complex regulations by understanding compliance history, using technology, and implementing effective strategies for success.

In today's tech-driven world, companies use software to collect data, but the analysis can be flawed. Charts with only specification limits, arbitrarily chosen warning and action limits, and misused Process Behavior Charts contribute to misinterpretation.

We explore two critical applications of AI and ML in quality management: predictive quality analytics and automated quality inspections.

Regulatory bodies like the FDA and MHRA are adapting guidelines to accommodate the evolving AI landscape, stressing the importance of innovative compliance approaches alongside traditional software regulations, including audit trails, electronic records, and signatures.

In March 2023, after a GPT model passed a biology exam, Bill Gates noted on his blog that AI could save lives and address climate change. If AI can tackle such significant challenges, it can also help with issues faced by manufacturers, metrologists, and quality control professionals. This article will examine the challenges metrologists encounter and highlight potential AI-driven solutions in the metrology value chain.

As consumers demand higher-quality goods at steadily increasing volumes, the chief benefits of industrial automation — speed, accuracy, and consistency—become more important to businesses worldwide with each passing day. 

As electric vehicles (EVs) reshape the automotive industry, manufacturers are pressured to enhance processes and achieve first-time quality. The demand for sustainable transportation requires a rethink of production strategies, with a focus on establishing a one-piece flow—ensuring each unit moves through the line without interruptions. This efficiency is vital for meeting consumer expectations and setting industry benchmarks.

Orders of manufacturing technology, measured by the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, totaled $321.7 million in July 2024.

MA micro automation will be under operation of JR Automation.
The acquisition expands JR Automation's reach into global automation markets in medical, advanced battery and other fields.

Today, Friday, October 4, is National Manufacturing Day (MFG Day).

Three Missouri higher education institutions are working together to modernize the state’s manufacturing industry and develop its workforce, with $9.1 million in Missouri’s fiscal year 2025 budget being awarded to support their efforts.

Orders of manufacturing technology, measured by the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, totaled $360.8 million in August 2024.

Sandvik Coromant recently participated in the annual awards ceremony at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT).

Ametek, Inc. announced the acquisition of Virtek Vision International, a leading provider of advanced laser-based projection and inspection systems.

Partnership enhances product offerings to aerospace, automotive, defense, and manufacturing industries in the Midwest.

3D measurement tools offer incredibly precise and accurate measurements. However, using them correctly requires specialized knowledge, and integrating them into current processes can be quite complex.

This article discusses the connection between surface finish and factors like friction, wear, and fatigue life. It explores how precise surface finish measurements improve product reliability and analyzes the evolving measurement technologies.

The manufacturing industry relies on precision for safety and performance. Shaft measurement instruments are crucial for ensuring the functionality of mechanical systems.

Backlit video metrology systems offer high-speed and precise inspection capabilities by analyzing digital part shadow images to determine feature position and size. Advancements in computing power and algorithms enhance precision, speed, and feature detection, while integration with part positioning systems allows for composite part images, rotating part profile examination, and rapid part sorting.

In manufacturing, microscopes and magnified viewing systems are crucial for inspecting products. Digital microscopes offer enhanced capabilities and AI-assisted inspections, revolutionizing the way manufacturers view and interact with macro and microscopic details.

Today, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations are a significant sub-industry within manufacturing, valued at $656 billion and projected to exceed $800 billion by 2032. MRO involves maintaining machinery, equipment, and systems in optimal condition through repairs and overhauls to extend their operational life.

Traditional manufacturing often results in waste of materials and energy due to imprecise measurements. 3D measurement technology enables precise measurement, early issue detection, and process adjustments, reducing waste and costs.

Statistical Process Control (SPC) is evolving to not just detect defects, but also to predict and prevent issues. Modern factories use more sensors and collect more data, allowing SPC to analyze real-time patterns and forecast potential issues.

In modern manufacturing, it's crucial to validate parts immediately after manufacturing or assembly and detect defects before further processing. Automation in manufacturing has outpaced inspection processes, creating a challenge and opportunity for the metrology industry.

Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) play a crucial role in verifying the dimensions of manufactured parts with precision control. CMM controllers are central to coordinating movements and processing data, driving technological advancements in the metrology industry.

This article will explore benefits of limit gaging and the advantages of functional gaging.

Digital connectivity is a driving feature of our lives. While invaluable in our personal lives, it also has the potential to transform manufacturing processes. In many cases, this has already taken root. But in one area – 3D measurement activities – it has so far not been used to the fullest.

As emerging technologies like AI and robotics capture attention, foundational engineering principles remain crucial. Essential for innovation, these include material science and control theory. ASME’s Y14.5 Standard on geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) is key for advanced manufacturing.

These advancements made our factories smarter by enabling systems to communicate with each other, share live data, and make decisions without human intervention. 

FARMERandacute;S NIGHTMARE LIMITED EDITION PRINT by Keith Ferris is a(n) Limited Edition. The Edition is Limited to Limited to 850 pcs