The industrial metrology sector is an ever-changing landscape for 3D measurement professionals. In the thick of it you will find the Coordinate Metrology Society (CMS), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the UK's National Physical Laboratory (NPL)—each offering information on events, industry initiatives, surveys, educational materials, and other career-enhancing opportunities.
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To start, the CMS has just announced its online attendee registration is open for the Coordinate Metrology Society Conference (CMSC). Held at a different location each year, the CMS will host this year's event at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Murfreesboro, TN, from July 25–29.
The CMSC is known worldwide for its high-level, original slate of technical papers and presentations covering metrology trends, successful applications, innovations, R&D, and best practices. In addition, attendees will find an Exhibition Hall packed with experts, technology, and the world-famous CMS Measurement Zone. This conference can be a game-changing affair for metrologists looking for an answer to a problem, a chance to get current with technology, or the opportunity to rub elbows with veterans in the field. Registration is now open at https://www.cmsc.org/register.
Metrology certification
During CMSC 2016, the CMS will offer its proctored Level-One and Level-Two Certification examinations. In January, the CMS announced the availability of a new CMS Level-Two Certification program for laser trackers, the industry’s first hands-on performance examination for portable laser tracking systems used for large-scale, in-place measurement of aircraft, automobiles, ships, power generation systems, and more. The device-specific assessment will be conducted by CMS-authorized proctors in addition to the other examinations.
For those seeking any level of certification, the process should begin now if you want to take the exam in July. For detailed information on CMS Certifications, please download the CMS Certification Handbook, a 24-page guide covering the application process, how to meet eligibility requirements, preparation for the assessments, fees, and study resources. For additional information on these career enhancement programs, contact Randy Gruver, certification chair, at certification@cmsc.org.
Industry-driven coalition for advanced manufacturing
The Coordinate Metrology Society, in collaboration with UNC Charlotte, has established the PrecisionPath Consortium for Large-Scale Manufacturing. The industry-driven coalition is developing strategic roadmaps to solve common technology challenges faced by manufacturers of large, high-precision parts and assemblies. The PrecisionPath Consortium will hold its second working meeting Feb. 24 and 25 at the UNC Charlotte Center City building in downtown Charlotte, NC. The new project is funded by an Advanced Manufacturing Technology Consortia (AMTech) Grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department.
This working meeting will serve as a "Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis Workshop" for the collaborative team. This gathering is a continuation of their Planning and Visioning Council meeting held in late Oct. 2015 to discuss critical production challenges and metrology system attributes, and solidify the framework of the PrecisionPath Roadmap. Interested metrology professionals from the large-scale manufacturing community who can commit to attending PrecisionPath technical meetings and associated conferences in the next two years are invited to contact Ron Hicks, CMS Committee Chair, at ron.hicks@apisensor.com.
NIST kicks off Taking Measure blog
In January of this year, NIST director Willie E. May officially launched a brand-new NIST blog called “Taking Measure.” As May stated in a press release, “Taking measure is what we do at NIST, both figuratively and literally. We are constantly looking ahead to where science and technology are going so that we can figure out how to best serve our country. Our researchers are experts in measurement science, which is key to—among other things—making sure that you get the right dose of medicine, that car and computer parts built around the world fit together, and that we have the foundational knowledge we need to create new technologies.
“Through this blog, we’d like to share with you our excitement and passion for the work we do. I hope we can answer some of your questions about science and technology, and about why we do this work. This blog will give you a glimpse into our labs and show you where science is today and where it might take us tomorrow.”
The blog is intended to give readers a look at the people behind NIST’s rich history of scientific accomplishments. May also stated that only 2 percent of the 300 million people in the U.S. are employed in science and engineering. The chance to connect with these people is normally quite low, but this new blog introduces the public to some of the intelligent, inquisitive, and dedicated people who work at NIST and other places of research. Enjoy the first installments of “Taking Measure” at http://nist-takingmeasure.blogs.govdelivery.com/
NPL releases measurement survey
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the UK’s National Measurement Institute, recently released their 2015 Measurement Survey, which targeted more than 1,000 UK businesses to understand the use of measurement within their operations and the effect it can have. The participants included customers and non-customers of NPL and its key partners LGC, National Gear Metrology Laboratory, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, National Measurement and Regulation Office, and TUV. To view and download the results of the survey, visit http://www.npl.co.uk/publications/measurement-survey/
The organization also provides a plethora of publications on measurement topics and education materials as well. Visit their website at http://www.npl.co.uk.
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