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Dimensional Metrology Hands-on Workshop

The basic principles of dimensional metrology are the same for nearly every calibration made in typical labs. This seminar teaches these principles for the case of the most typical dimensional measurement instrument, the Universal Length Measuring Machine. This is a 3 day hands on workshop based on characterizing the most common measuring machine in dimensional calibration labs, the Universal Length Measuring Machine.

The class size is limited to 12 metrologists who will work in 3 groups of 4.

Each group will do all of the studies:

-make the measurements

-enter the data into analysis spread sheets; and

-evaluate the data.

Who Should Attend:

The workshop is intended for calibration laboratory personnel at all levels. There will be technical staff there to teach how to use the measuring machine and explain each experiment.

Studies: The workshop will consist of a number of experiments and short presentations on the techniques and analysis methods. The studies planned are:

  • Thermal studies of the machine and its environment throughout the 3 days
  • Geometry of the contacts using optical flats, balls, cylinders and blocks
  • Scale calibration using gage blocks, cylinders and rings
  • Measurements of sub-pitch interpolation errors in the encoder system
  • Calibration of contact forces
  • Elastic Deformation
  • Thermal Soaking times
  • Gage Geometry Effects
  • Uncertainty budgets
  • R&R on end standards
  • R&R on cylinders
  • R&R on ring gages
  • Other things we think of, and of course you can suggest any topic you are particularly interested in.

There will also beshort tours of our labs and time to discuss your laboratory uncertainty with NIST staff. Bring pictures of your laband your uncertainty budgets if you would like an in-depth discussion.

The workshop runs from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM ET each day.

If you are not registered, you will not be allowed on site. Registered attendees will receive security and campus instructions prior to the workshop.

NON U.S. CITIZENS PLEASE NOTE: All foreign national visitors who do not have permanent resident status and who wish to register for the above meeting must supply additional information. Failure to provide this information prior to arrival will result, at a minimum, in significant delays (up to 24 hours) in entering the facility. Authority to gather this information is derived from United States Department of Commerce Department Administrative Order (DAO) number 207-12. When registration is open, the required NIST-1260 form will be available as well.

*New Visitor Access Requirement: Effective July 21, 2014, Under the REAL ID Act of 2005, agencies, including NIST, can only accept a state-issued driver's license or identification card for access to federal facilities if issued by states that are REAL ID compliant or have an extension. Driver's licenses from nine states and territories are not compliant and will not be accepted as identification. Click here for a list of alternative identification and further details>>

Created September 25, 2015, Updated May 13, 2016