First, a little history. The alternating current field measurement (ACFM) nondestructive testing technique was developed in the ‘80s to detect and estimate penetration depth of fatigue cracks in underwater welded tubular intersections of offshore oil platforms. 

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced approximately $187 million in funding, including $48 million of cost share, for 55 projects in 25 states to support innovative advanced manufacturing research and development.

A paper released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) addresses the importance of renewable energy in mitigating climate change and the challenges posed by the global energy crisis. It emphasizes the need to improve energy efficiency in response to increased energy consumption worldwide.

Manufacturing Institute now accepting nominations for annual STEP Ahead Awards.

National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) President and CEO Dennis Darby released a joint statement on NAFTA.

SHE requirements are standards and practices to ensure the safety and health of employees, clients, and the public, and to protect the environment. They arise from legal regulations, industry standards, and best practices to minimize occupational hazards and environmental impacts.

A quality management system program ensures that products and services meet predefined standards, customer expectations, and company-wide benchmarks. One key principle is "first time right," addressing errors immediately at every step.

Accurate assessments of military and defense assets, especially ballistics, are crucial for battlefield success. Advanced CT X-ray nondestructive testing (NDT) and robotic systems integration have revolutionized inspections, enhancing quality control and safety.

Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, is crucial for producing complex, accurate parts with minimal waste. Ensuring the quality of raw materials and finished metal parts is essential for its success. This paper emphasizes the need for compositional analysis and strict quality control in AM.

A new device from Q-Mark allows users to quickly position CMM adapter plate mounting cubes to any angle.

Mahr Federal has introduced a new addition to their growing family of optical shaft measurement systems.

The 5790B AC Measurement Standard is an ac voltage and current measurement or transfer standard designed for the most demanding calibration applications.

British coordinate measuring machine (CMM) manufacturer LK Metrology, Castle Donington, has announced the release of the latest version of its measurement, programming, simulation, analysis and reporting software.

QT9 Software launched QT9 QMS Version 16.0, adding two new modules and numerous improvements to its quality management software (QMS).

NDT and RVI offer non-damaging, cost-effective surface inspections with advanced imaging. Enhanced tools like video borescopes and PTZ cameras improve critical inspection capabilities for industries like aerospace and power generation. Smaller, sophisticated camera sensors enable comprehensive inspections across industries.

Amusement parks offer thrilling experiences, but safety is crucial. Nondestructive testing (NDT) plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of rides through meticulous inspection without causing damage.

Quality training is crucial for success in rapidly evolving industries like additive manufacturing, welding, and nondestructive testing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Women are increasingly sought in manufacturing, a field now prioritizing inclusivity and diversity. Employers recognize that diverse perspectives boost creativity and morale, and they are actively showcasing opportunities for success in this dynamic industry.

Reed Switch Developments Corp. (RSD), a woman-owned manufacturer in Racine, WI, specializes in magnetic reed switches and sensors. Recognized as last year’s Quality Plant of the Year, RSD has achieved a 25% increase in sales year-to-date, leveraging in-house technical expertise and automation to manage growth amid rising costs and economic uncertainty.

Serving as the Chair of the ASQ Inspection Division has been a remarkable journey of leadership, collaboration, and growth. It has been both a privilege and a responsibility to guide the division through strategic initiatives aimed at empowering our members and elevating the quality profession.

In our ever-changing world of global business, quality is a cornerstone of success. Organizations striving for excellence cannot afford to overlook Total Quality Management (TQM), a management philosophy centered on the continuous improvement of processes, products, and services through the involvement of all employees. 

A bad boss creates more bad bosses.

Getting authority is easier than keeping it.

Design of Experiments (DOE) helps improve products and processes more efficiently, providing a comprehensive understanding of influences on the end result.

Quality starts with requirements. Conformance to requirements is important, but not enough. The quality of the requirements is equally critical. An effective quality management system ensures that requirements are not only present and up to date, but also adequate for creating quality.

Front-office operations offer strategic opportunities for continuous improvement. Automating tasks can maximize effectiveness, free up senior employees, and lead to significant improvements in productivity and profitability.

We explore two critical applications of AI and ML in quality management: predictive quality analytics and automated quality inspections.

Manufacturers thrive in a competitive market by prioritizing customer needs: price, quality, and delivery. However, long-term success hinges on quality, which ensures products perform as expected from manufacturing through to post-sale. While price is influenced by costs and market dynamics, and delivery by productivity, quality is key to building trust and customer loyalty.

The automotive industry is innovating to produce safer and more efficient vehicles. Quality standards are vital, as small defects can lead to serious safety issues. Digital twins and augmented reality (AR) are transforming quality management. This article explores their impact and associated challenges.

As electric vehicles (EVs) reshape the automotive industry, manufacturers are pressured to enhance processes and achieve first-time quality. The demand for sustainable transportation requires a rethink of production strategies, with a focus on establishing a one-piece flow—ensuring each unit moves through the line without interruptions. This efficiency is vital for meeting consumer expectations and setting industry benchmarks.

3D measurement tools offer incredibly precise and accurate measurements. However, using them correctly requires specialized knowledge, and integrating them into current processes can be quite complex.

This article discusses the connection between surface finish and factors like friction, wear, and fatigue life. It explores how precise surface finish measurements improve product reliability and analyzes the evolving measurement technologies.

Manufacturers are facing stricter regulations and quality standards. Portable CMM arms help maintain exceptional quality control as they navigate these requirements.

The manufacturing industry relies on precision for safety and performance. Shaft measurement instruments are crucial for ensuring the functionality of mechanical systems.

Michelle Banger, Managing Editor of Quality, talks with Matt Noonan. He's the Quality Manager of Pratt & Whitney Measurement Systems, Inc.

Automation requires precise data and careful attention to uncertainty, especially in longer processes with less human involvement, according to Chris Gordon from Optronic Laboratories.

I kept waking up at 7:47 and also noticed the same time on the clock in the evenings. When I mentioned it to my niece, she said it happens to her too, at a different time of the day.

Traditional manufacturing often results in waste of materials and energy due to imprecise measurements. 3D measurement technology enables precise measurement, early issue detection, and process adjustments, reducing waste and costs.

The push for smaller, more complex device components has spiked the need for precise, non-damaging metrology, with 3D X-ray microscopy (XRM) leading the way. This technology offers high-resolution measurements critical for quality control in the electronics and manufacturing industries.

Digital connectivity is a driving feature of our lives. While invaluable in our personal lives, it also has the potential to transform manufacturing processes. In many cases, this has already taken root. But in one area – 3D measurement activities – it has so far not been used to the fullest.

As emerging technologies like AI and robotics capture attention, foundational engineering principles remain crucial. Essential for innovation, these include material science and control theory. ASME’s Y14.5 Standard on geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) is key for advanced manufacturing.