A Metrology Inspection Guide for Informed Decision-Making and Process Optimization in Small and Medium Manufacturers

In the context of modern manufacturing, the imperative need to ensure product quality and precision has driven the adoption of proactive in-process inspection, particularly through automated means like Coordinate Measurement Machines (CMMs) and Blue Light Scanning systems. However, understanding the capabilities and suitability of these systems for various part geometrical characteristics poses a challenge. This paper presents the concept of a "Metrology Inspection Guide" tailored for Small and Medium Manufacturers (SMMs) to facilitate informed decision-making, enhance data collection efficiency, and optimize manufacturing processes. By replacing trial-and-error approaches, this guide aims to boost productivity, reduce defects, minimize rework, and promote cost-effective manufacturing in the Industry 4.0 landscape. The project's scope involves creating a standardized framework for comparing CMMs and Blue Light Scanning systems across diverse part geometrical characteristics, offering clarity to SMMs, and providing comprehensive experiment notes and system recommendations based on part characteristics and volume.