Sensors in industrial metrology

Abstract

Industrial metrology is concerned with sensors to measure movement of machine tool parts and monitor tool wear and the dimensions of artefacts in machining centres, 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. The author reviews the subject and emphasises significant advances, from the use of resonant sensor systems, edge-sensing profilers and methods of laser scanning, to acoustic emission techniques, imaging systems and the scanning tunnelling microscope.