The aerospace industry uses automation and metrology to improve product quality and safety. Components require precise measurements for high quality and efficient production.

The development of laser-based non-destructive testing (NDT) technology has benefitted various industries, including these three examples.

Leaders prioritize efficiency and productivity over quality management, compromising long-term standards, evident in the widespread adoption of operational excellence programs like Lean and Six Sigma.

Beleaguered Boeing Starliner's return to Earth — without the astronauts —is scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, September 5th.

X-ray CT is crucial for the aerospace industry, offering nondestructive insights into components' inner structure, aiding in defect detection, maintenance, and research. High-energy CT is advancing the technology, allowing for detailed imaging and shaping the industry.

In aerospace, lightweighting is crucial for fuel efficiency, range, and emissions. Material analysis and technology advancements offer weight reduction without sacrificing performance or safety.

The aerospace industry relies on advanced nondestructive testing (NDT) to ensure safety and reliability. Automated technologies, such as phased arrays and 3D scanning, enhance defect detection in aircraft structures, reducing human error. This overview emphasizes the importance of these advancements.

Calculating the true cost of quality becomes faster and simpler with an ERP system that does it for you. This requires a system that includes four essential capabilities.

Even with accessible technology developed to support their growth, the sad truth is that only a few manufacturers have fully explored the power of automation. The majority are still figuring out the best way to get started.

What is air gaging? The what, who, why, and where of air gaging.

The Resonance Acoustic Method (RAM) is a long-standing nondestructive test (NDT) that measures the structural responses of a part. These responses are a set of unique and measurable natural frequency (resonance) data.

The topic of Quality 4.0 is rapidly becoming a legend due to its mysterious nature; it seemingly has no formal description. Very few people can confidently say that they have seen it or used it. 

Digital twin solutions are emerging throughout smart factories everywhere. Virtual replicas of factory floors provide real-time information about processes, system health, performance and more. But why not apply digital twin methodology in other manufacturing stages, such as quality control?

Taper Pipe Threads are one of the more challenging threads to produce and measure. The ASME B1.20.1-2013 Pipe Threads, General Purpose (Inch) is the current standard that covers both the part thread specifications and the gages for NPT, NPSC, NPTR, NPSM and NPSL threads.

Having conducted well over 700 audits, there are some patterns that have developed that are interesting to note.

Universal testers are essential to quality in many industries because they help engineers understand the performance of materials, components, and products under various loading conditions.

Materials testing is critical for the development and quality assurance of all products in the market, with some industries such as biomedical, aerospace, and automotive companies experiencing high volumes of testing throughput in addition to strict quality standards.

An organization should be at least at level 3, Defined Systems Approach, of the Management System Maturity Model to reap the rewards of a culture of excellence.

We discuss the basics of calibration, its importance, the different methods used for calibration, and the latest developments.

Styli and probe extensions can provide certainty for most measurements. Find the right tools made from the right materials for your quality needs.

While the caliper is a versatile tool, it is not one of the most precise. Skill is required for positioning and interpreting measurement results.

Pareto charts provide clarity and direction, helping quality control departments target and resolve key challenges.

Model-Based Definition (MBD) offers a modernized approach to implementing GD&T into electric motor production using 3D models instead of traditional 2D drawings.

Today, most surfboards are made with a CNC machine. 3D metrology laser trackers can assist with critical quality control safeguards to ensure the CNC machine is doing its job properly.

A Q&A with Reed Switch Developments Corp. president Debra Dahlin, and Engineering and QA Manager, Jeff Rosenbaum, to talk more about its holistic approach to quality.

What exactly is an audit? An audit is essentially a health check for your business processes. Picture a doctor’s visit, but for your company

As manufacturing and quality control becomes increasingly digital, auditing is increasingly enmeshed with technology and data analytics.

Materials testing ensures quality by subjecting materials and products to controlled conditions to evaluate properties and behavior under stress. Learn how mechanical, physical, and chemical properties are evaluated to determine suitability for different applications.

This article explores the transformative impact of incorporating rotary stages into coordinate measuring systems, enhancing their capabilities and the efficiency of the measurement process.

Don't cut corners on color-matching tools. Professional equipment has advantages that imitations can't match. Learn more in this article.

Manufacturing ERP software impacts every aspect of a business and enables automation and data-driven planning for operational efficiency, which is crucial for maintaining profitability in today's market.

Gage accuracy depends on product info. Thread form plating changes pitch diameter. Compensate for buildup to make correct pre-plate allowances. 60° UN threads change pitch diameter by 4x plating thickness.

Ensuring high quality in medical device manufacturing requires operational excellence, which optimizes efficiency and enhances product quality and compliance. Let’s explore some of the key elements and best practices.

As robots gain prevalence in manufacturing, emphasizing their safe use is vital. This includes understanding safety features, challenges, and best practices across all robot types, such as industrial, collaborative (cobots), autonomous mobile (AMRs), and humanoid robots, to navigate their complexities effectively.

Quality control in manufacturing and engineering relies heavily on compression force testing to determine material strength, durability, and stability. This article highlights the key uses and equipment needed for such testing.

Change is inevitable, and our greatest tool to deal with it is adaptability.

How is the ISO involved with Greenhouse Gasses (GHG)? Over the past 20 years or so, ISO has released a number of standards around GHG.

This month, I'm honored to speak at the ASQ Columbus (Ohio) Section’s annual conference on the theme "What is in Your Toolbox?" I'll discuss the seven basic quality tools I've extensively used over my 30+ years as a quality professional. Interestingly, unlike with my children, I do have a favorite among these tools.

Instead of telling people what to do, learn how to guide them to the best decisions. Read a preview and listen to the full podcast with Lisa Weis, President of EngageExcellence, LLC, who has taught a course on this subject many times and says it can change the way you lead, work, and parent.

Industry 4.0, or Technology 4.0, signifies the shift towards automation, data exchange, and advanced technologies like AI and IoT in manufacturing and beyond. Its value lies in aligning with organizational goals and strategic plans and enhancing employee efficiency, offering a comprehensive approach to modernizing operations across the board.

How did I end up working with medical devices? Reflecting on my career, it's been diverse. Three years ago, I was working on protein structure in research labs. I never thought I'd be in the world of quality later on!

Daniel Zrymiak highlights key threats to quality culture from his experience. Organizations must continuously check for these threats in operations and discussions, ready to respond appropriately.

Listen to this podcast featuring Harshala Patil, a Senior Quality and Reliability Engineer. In it, she discusses her journey into quality, the significance of quality across various industries, and what attracted her to the manufacturing sector.

In today's competitive industrial landscape, adhering to quality management certification and audit standards is vital for consistency and excellence, especially in sectors like aviation and defense. These standards drive improvement and build customer trust. Understanding the audit process is crucial, as preparation varies by audit type, enabling organizations to effectively meet auditors' expectations.

In a world where every minute matters, a car rental turns into a frustrating ordeal of delays and inefficiencies. Will I reach my important meeting on time, or will I be exposed to the 8 deadly wastes?

The Paris 2024 Olympics highlight global unity and the crucial role of metrology in ensuring accuracy and fairness in sports. Precise timing in events like track and swimming, accurate measurements in javelin and cycling, and monitoring environmental factors all contribute to the integrity of the Games and uphold competitive excellence.

I looked into national voices for manufacturing and visited the NAM (National Association of Manufacturers), which has about 14,000 member companies employing around 13 million people. NAM advocates for manufacturers at the government level and has been focused on bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. since 2020.

The NextGen Global Advocacy Committee addresses the needs of young professionals under 40 or with less than four years of experience through a framework of understanding, engaging, and preparing for leadership. Recognizing that Millennials and Gen Z value inclusivity, networking, and technology integration is crucial for organizations like ASQ to meet these evolving needs and maintain a competitive edge.

American manufacturing is making a comeback, fueled by billions in investments and new technologies. This reshoring not only boosts job quality and economic opportunity but also mitigates supply chain risks exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. But is there a catch?

Are you throwing away a significant portion of your budget without realizing it? How often do engineers, scientists, and analysts regenerate knowledge work—solving problems or similar problems that have already been solved?