Understanding the Basics of Metrology

Jun 15, 2017

The basics of metrology begin as a method by which any given unit of measurement can be used universally. Defining the units, realizing how they are used in practice and tracing the measurements made in practice to reference standards are the three core activities that metrology is concerned with. Metrology is the founding principal behind the International Standard of Units, also known as the SI system.

Metrology is Everywhere

One of the basics of metrology is that in order to intelligently communicate about everything from construction and manufactured goods to illness diagnosis and scientific experiments; there must be a single way to measure quantities. Imagine if you were to discuss the length of an object you had machined and described it as “two feet, three and one-eighth inches.” Since metrology encompasses continuous measurements that are valid around the world, most people would understand what you are saying. But if there were no uniformity, one person’s “feet” and “inches” could be far different from those of someone else. In fact, machining itself would be entirely impossible without the implied understanding of metrology. Attempting to explain any type of size range or the speed of your spindle would be impossible without having a unilateral base of what these measurements mean, as well as being able to communicate these basics to others.

Scientific Metrology

Scientific or fundamental metrology develops measuring methods and establishing what units consist of. Being able to trace these units so that people can use them is among the barest basics of metrology, and is crucial to being able to calibrate any measuring device. One of the basics of metrology that you cannot escape using as a machinist is a length, which is quantified in both metric and US terms. As well, there is indentation hardness that you need to know for both your cutters and your material to be machined. Whether you use the Brinell, Rockwell, Shore or Vickers scales of hardness, this is among the basics of metrology you cannot avoid using to machine a piece of material accurately.

Applied Metrology

Without the ability to quantify and verify measurements, nothing could be produced in quantity, and modern production facilities could not exist. Technical metrology, also known as industrial metrology or just applied metrology, is concerned with the measurement of processes and how society uses the results of this production. Another part of the basics of metrology, this applied branch also deals with how suitable a measuring instrument is for the calibration of instruments and their quality control standards. Imagine that you are commissioned to machine a series of pieces that will go into a device. To do this properly, you must have and apply a set of measures and they must be consistent across your, your colleagues’ and your customers’ measurements.