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Metrology Engineering

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  • 22-08-2019 11:28am
    #1
    Mini850
    Registered Users Posts: 297 ✭✭


    Hi All,

    Just wondering if there are any metrology engineers lurking on boards here?

    While I don't consider myself a metrology engineer, it certainly has been a large part of my career, and has been the difference a few times when it came to gaining employment when applying for a new job, especially when companies had a need for someone with strong knowledge in metrology, but cant quite justify taking on a full time metrology engineer.

    The area of metrology I would probably have the most experience in is dimensional metrology, with a lot of experience in CMM programming. This year I have set up a small metrology lab for the company I currently work for, which consists of a relatively large contact CMM, as well as a couple of vision CMM's, a form tester and the usual hand held measuring devices.

    Metrology is probably the most enjoyable part of my working life, but I'm afraid that if I start pigeonholing myself as a metrology engineer, that I will loose the versatility I have and make me less employable.

    Any engineers out there specialising in Metrology engineering, and what do you think are your career prospects???


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    #2
    Turbulent Bill
    Registered Users Posts: 1,622 ✭✭✭Turbulent Bill


    No idea about job prospects, but I've come across multiple suppliers with excellent manufacturing capability (on paper), yet poor metrology capability. As a result the components are of little value - if you can't verify it, then it doesn't exist...


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    #3
    Mini850
    Registered Users Posts: 297 ✭✭Mini850


    Its sometimes seen as a (un) necessary evil to some companies rather than a valuable step in the process.

    I know companies that have implemented expensive metrology measures only because the customer demands them. Its then seen as this unnecessary expense, especially when the metrology checks show parts to be out of spec.


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    #4
    Turbulent Bill
    Registered Users Posts: 1,622 ✭✭✭Turbulent Bill


    Mini850 wrote: »
    Its sometimes seen as a (un) necessary evil to some companies rather than a valuable step in the process.

    I know companies that have implemented expensive metrology measures only because the customer demands them. Its then seen as this unnecessary expense, especially when the metrology checks show parts to be out of spec.

    The irony is that, in regulated industries at least, the parts are worthless without good quality assurance (which includes metrology). The customer is buying the certificate of conformance more so than just the part. Anyone just doing cheap metal bashing is going to be swallowed up by cheaper foreign suppliers.

    You might consider looking into client-side (rather than manufacturing side) metrology consultancy. For example, investigating whether a potential supplier's metrology is up to scratch as part of a supplier selection process.


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