Dimensional Metrology Into The Millennium

This paper covers some of the aspects of dimensional metrology likely to be important in the new millennium. Dimensional metrology will need to keep pace with manufacturing industry's rapidly advancing requirements forever more thorough inspection of parts. Although CMMs will attain higher speeds and data collection rates, holistic techniques will surely become increasingly important. Taking account of the influences of the thermal environment, both for the measuring system and the part to be measured, will remain a constant challenge to accurate measurement. Finally the "soft" aspects of dimensional metrology, such as operator training, understanding part specifications and uncertainties, software and measurement strategies will need special attention for the future.