Smart Metrology: The Next Step in Speeding up Development Cycles (Part 1)

Applying metrology–the science of measurement–to the art of medical device design.

All businesses and market segments embrace continuous improvement, some at faster rates than others. Rapid prototyping has made significant advances over the past 10 years by embracing three-dimensional models, high-speed machining, modular tooling, new steel alloys, and many more innovations. These innovations have reduced lead times while keeping costs in check. While the healthcare industry has made use of these technologies, demands on component and assembly validation have increased as well, resulting in an increase in the timeframe for validating molds that often exceeds the time needed to build the mold. There are, however, new technologies and processes that original equipment manufacturers can adopt to help streamline the validation cycle. One area of focus should be metrology.

Metrology is the science of measurement. Metrology includes all theoretical and practical aspects of measurement.

There are three aspects of metrology that I will address in this series of articles: product characterization, gauge development and repeatability, and metrology equipment and standardization. Each of these aspects must be considered individually and holistically in order to streamline the validation process, avoid schedule delays or redo loops, and lower developmental costs.

Read the full blog here: http://medicaldesign.com/design-engineering/smart-metrology-next-step-speeding-development-cycles-part-1