Skip to main content

An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory Fiscal Year 2008 (2008) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

Precision Engineering Division
Pages 18-21

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 18...
... ; • New equipment that the division has acquired, augmented, put to use, and developed for improved capability in establishing new and forward-looking calibrations and measurement service capabilities; • The generation of a significant number of new capabilities, artifacts, procedures, publications, and standards -- all to make significant improvement in order to meet its mission and the needs of its customer base. TECHNICAL MERIT RELATIVE TO STATE OF THE ART All of the PED programs reviewed by the panel push the state of the art in their areas.
Read the entire page →
From page 19...
... Current infrastructure strengths are as follows: • Line scale interferometry capability, • Calibrated atomic force microscopy, • New full-wafer scanning electron microscope capability, • A second Moore coordinate measurement machine, • Roundness measurement capability to under ±5 nm, • New Taylor-Hobson form and finish measurement instrumentation, and • Laser-interferometer-based calibration methods for spherical-coordinate large-scale three-dimensional measurement devices (laser trackers) traceable to the SI.
Read the entire page →
From page 20...
... Examples include the following: • Measurement of fiber-optics standard lengths, • Noncooperative target measurement in the 60 meter laboratory, • The ability to measure submillimeter features on the M48 with very low uncertainty and high traceability to the SI, and • New national calibration artifacts and calibration methodologies for spherical coordinate metrology devices (e.g., laser trackers) and for ballistics measurements.
Read the entire page →
From page 21...
... • Opportunities exist for exploring alternative cost structures for the calibration and measurement services -- for example, machine charges, consumables charges, service center charges, and activity-based cost accounting.
Read the entire page →

Key Terms

  • dimensional metrology
  • opportunities exist
  • engineering division
  • ped programs
  • reference materials

  • precision engineering
  • measurement machine
  • calibration methodologies
  • measurement services
  • standard reference

  • calibration services
  • advanced measurements
  • atomic force
  • equipment suppliers
  • measurements laboratory

  • qualified staff
  • uncertainty requirements
  • ballistics measurement
  • maintaining strong
  • measurement uncertainty

  • budget issues
  • adequate capital
  • currently benefits
  • hoc opportunities
  • calibration artifacts

  • meter laboratory
  • contractor personnel
  • using contractor
  • programs reviewed
  • key equipment


    • This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
    More information on Chapter Skim is available.