The time had come to open the envelope. But Stephan Schlamminger, a physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), wasn’t sure he wanted to know the secret number that was inside.

Quality Digest interviewed Kevin Atkins, product manager for Geomagic Freeform at Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence Division. Atkins has more than 25 years of experience in 3D modeling and sculpting.

When the Coordinate Metrology Society (CMS) gathers for the 42nd annual conference this July in Dallas, one of the most anticipated talks won’t be about machining tolerances or inspect

In high-volume manufacturing, inspection often struggles to keep pace with production. That challenge becomes even greater when the material itself is naturally variable and the defects aren’t always easy to define consistently.

The modern metric system—known as the International System of Units, or SI—is a model of consistency and logic. But in some cases, the logic seems to break down.

What would you do if a 240-kg iron rock older than the Earth landed outside your house?

In various industries (or in your shop), there are numerous parts that make use of very small holes.

On paper, material testing looks like one of the most controlled and reliable parts of a construction project. Samples are collected, standardized procedures are followed, and results are documented with precision. Everything points toward certainty.

Aircraft are routinely exposed to damage from bird strikes, lightning strikes, hailstorms, collisions with ground support equipment, or debris on the runway.

Pottery is a metaphorical gold mine for archaeologists. Well-preserved ceramics offer a rare glimpse into the lives of past societies, their cultures, traditions, and how they expressed status. When analyzing such finds, stamps and inscriptions are often key.