Lecture 01

Introduction to Metrology

MEC 263: Measurement and Quality Control

Instructor: Md. Rumman Ul Ahsan
Department of Mechanical Engineering

What is Metrology?
The word Metrology is derived from Greek word
which means measurement.
Metrology is the Science of Measurement, includes
all aspects both theoretical and practical with
reference to measurements, whatever their
uncertainty, and in whatever field of science or
technology they occur.
The metrologist has to understand the underlying
principles to be design and develop new
instruments and also to use the available
instruments in the best possible way.
(Ref: Jain, Ch 1 , Article 1.1)

Objectives of Metrology
While the basic objectiveofa measurement is
to provide the required accuracy at minimum
cost,metrologywould have further objective
in a modern engineering plant with different
shops like Tool Room, Machine Shop, Press
Shop, Plastic Shop, Pressure Die Casting Shop,
Electroplating and Painting Shop, and
Assembly Shop, as also Research,
Development and Engineering Department. In
such an engineering organization, the
furtherobjectiveswould be as follows :

Objectives of Metrology
a) Thorough evaluationofnewly developed
products, to ensure that components designed
are within the process and measuring
instrument capabilities available in the plant.
(b) To determine the process capabilities and
ensure that these are better than the relevant
component tolerances.
(c) To determine the measuring instrument
capabilities and ensure that these are adequate
for their respective measurements.

Objectives of Metrology
(d) To minimize the costofinspection
by effective and efficient
useofavailable facilities, and to
reduce the costofrejects and rework
through applicationofStatistical
Quality Control Techniques.
(e) Standardizationofmeasuring
methods. This is achieved by laying
down inspection
methods for any product right at the

Objectives of Metrology
(f) Maintenanceofthe accuracies of
measurement. This is achieved by
periodical calibration ofthe metrological
instruments used in the plant.
(g) Arbitration and solutionofproblems
arising on the shop floor regarding
methodsof
measurement.
(h) Preparationofdesigns for all gauges
and special inspection fixtures.

Need of Inspection
In order to determine the fitness of
anything made.
To minimize variation of assembly parts
and establish control over sizes the parts.
To minimize the cost of reworks.
To develop precision inspection methods
and instruments.
(Ref: Jain, Ch 1 , Article 1.2)

Accuracy, precision and

uncertainty

Low Accuracy
High Precision

High Accuracy
Low Precision

(Ref: Jain, Ch 1 , Article 1.4)

High
Accuracy
High
Precision

Error
`Difference between true value and
measured value.
Cause of error:
Effect of Environment
Effect of Support
Effect of alignment
Dirt
Vibration
Metallurgical effects
Deflection
(Ref: Jain, Ch 1 , Article 1.6)