The science of metrology is the science of measurement. In the manufacturing world, the science of measurement can have a significant impact on factors from quality control to the quality of raw goods coming in. Because many manufacturers need to buy bulk materials from overseas, the knowledge of the most effective way to measure these goods is crucial.
Using Weight to Determine Quality
When buying raw bulk goods such as fabric, the pound per yard is a simple measurement that can tell a buyer quite a bit, sight unseen. Depending on the design of the final product, lighter and heavier materials both have their place. Knowing what’s coming in and how much it costs per yard can allow clothing manufacturers to pair fabric and garment design effectively.
Fabric quality and usefulness can also be measured in other ways. Measuring the stretchiness of a fabric and in which direction will allow designers to pick the right products for their visions. Simple measurements allow buyers to class and sort these raw goods so manufacturers are not stuck waiting on materials.
Custom Tools for Measuring Thickness
Many manufacturers need to cut several pieces out of sheet stock. A set of metrology tools that allows quality control to measure the thickness of a sheet of raw material from edge to edge is beneficial. Getting a consistent result from this measure means that all the parts cut from this sheet will be of exact thickness.
Thickness measurements will obviously matter when it comes time to package the end product. These measurements are also necessary when it comes to measuring durability. How many times can the item be used before it starts to chip or flex excessively? Finally, thickness can have a considerable impact on the flexibility of an item. If a plastic or metal item is supposed to flex but isn’t of a consistent thickness, it may break or shear and disappoint the end customer.
Invest in a Set of Masters and Standards
A manufacturing company with multiple raw materials coming in from all over the globe will have to do a lot of measuring to ensure that only the quality raw product gets to the manufacturing floor. In such cases, investing in a set of masters and standards can be a wise choice.
Your QC department likely has strong skills in using the tools required for your industry. However, sometimes, it’s a good idea to recheck these tools against your industry’s masters and standards. Only by making sure that the tools you use to measure the qualities of the raw goods coming in are accurate can you be sure that the product going out will be.
A global manufacturing process means that raw goods will be coming in from all around the world. Getting as much information about the product as possible before it arrives will take measurement; testing the raw materials before they go to the manufacturing floor will take another type of measurement. You need data and tools to help you manage all the materials your employees will be using.
Published by: Holy Minoza
