Laboratory Activities for a Dimensional Metrology Class

Abstract:The Purdue College of Technology in Columbus, Indiana recently offered, for the first time, a class in Dimensional Metrology. In keeping with its hands-on, project-based learning philosophy, the class mixes many laboratory activities with the lecture component of the class. The laboratory activities focus on accomplishing some engineering function that requires measurement. These activities are not just a matter of measuring a few items with the supplied tools; there is always a clear engineering or manufacturing objective with each laboratory activity. In some cases, this may also include a reverse-engineering project that incorporates a measure-manufacture-measure iterative cycle to determine the effectiveness of the manufacturing operation. This paper discusses in detail the experiments utilized in the class. Some examples include gage R&R studies, a calibration exercise, determining constants of springs, measuring threads, and measuring gears. The activities are based on the premise that addi...