Industrial metrology and sensors

Industrial metrology is concerned with sensors to measure movement of machine-tool parts and monitor tool wear and the dimensions of artifacts in machining centers, sensors for robots in flexible manufacturing systems, sensors to gauge mating parts for selective assembly or allowing for interchangeability, and sensors for inspection and testing of assembled or part-assembled products. In general, the dimensional, shape, and physical properties of functional parts need to be inspected. As a consequence of the need to be highly efficient and quality conscious, manufacturing metrology is evolving from traditional engineering metrology (dominated by the skills of quality inspectors at the end of production lines) to automatic inspection methods (offline, in-cycle, and in-line) and utilizing microelectronic, computer (hardware and software), and novel optical techniques. Suitable sensing techniques, sensors, and transducers are essential to this developing situation. The author reviews the subject and emphasizes significant advances