The Metrology Handbook, Second Edition

Throughout history, manufacturing has made huge leaps thanks to improvements in measurement. Much of what designers or manufacturers do is accomplished through the use of accurate calibration and measurements. The study of metrology and calibration fills immense volumes of literature that forms a vast body of technical knowledge from which professionals are challenged to absorb. Developed as a practical reference for metrology and calibration professionals, The Metrology Handbook provides a foundation for understanding basic metrology and calibration principles and practices, and is appropriate for those with intermediate or advanced experience seeking to increase their knowledge. This book is a collection of valuable information compiled by experts in the field to serve as a single resource for metrology and calibration professionals. The supplemental CD-ROM contains acronyms and abbreviations, a glossary of terms, tables and formulas, and common conversions. Sponsored by ASQ s Measurement Quality Division, this handbook serves as an excellent desktop reference for calibration technicians, supervisors, managers, quality inspectors, auditors, those in calibration and/or testing laboratories, consultants, and teachers. Whether you re changing disciplines in your career field, helping to becoming certified to a new or different standard, accepting more responsibilities as a supervisor or manager, training your fellow calibration practitioners, or using it to prepare for ASQ s Certified Calibration Technician (CCT) exam, this handbook provides the information, guidance, and knowledge to help you achieve your goals Cover 1 Title Page 4 CIP data 5 Table of Contents 6 List of Figures and Tables 8 CD-ROM Contents 10 Foreword 12 Preface 14 Acknowledgments 16 Part I: Background 18 Chapter 1: History and Philosophy of Metrology/Calibration 20 Part II: Quality Systems 34 Chapter 2: The Basics of a Quality System 36 Chapter 3: Quality Standards and Their Evolution 42 Chapter 4: Quality Documentation 50 Chapter 5: Calibration Procedures and Equipment Manuals 54 Chapter 6: Calibration Records 60 Chapter 7: Calibration Certificates 64 Chapter 8: Quality Manuals 68 Chapter 9: Traceability 74 Chapter 10: Calibration Intervals 80 Chapter 11: Calibration Standards 86 Chapter 12: Audit Requirements 104 Chapter 13: Scheduling and Recall Systems 108 Chapter 14: Labels and Equipment Status 110 Chapter 15: Training 114 Chapter 16: Environmental Controls 118 Chapter 17: Industry-Specific Requirements 124 Chapter 18: Computers and Automation 150 Part III: Metrology Concepts 160 Chapter 19: A General Understanding of Metrology 162 Chapter 20: Measurement Methods, Systems, Capabilities, and Data 170 Chapter 21: Specifications 188 Chapter 22: Substituting Calibration Standards 206 Chapter 23: Proficiency Testing, Measurement Assurance Programs, and Laboratory Intercomparisons 214 Part IV: Mathematics and Statistics: Their Use in Measurement 234 Chapter 24: Number Formatting 236 Chapter 25: Unit Conversions 250 Chapter 26: Ratios 270 Chapter 27: Statistics 276 Chapter 28: Mensuration, Volume, and Surface Areas 296 Part V: Uncertainty in Measurement 312 Chapter 29: Uncertainty in Measurement 314 Part VI: Measurement Parameters 330 Chapter 30: Introduction to Measurement Parameters 332 Chapter 31: DC and Low Frequency 334 Chapter 32: Radio Frequency and Microwave 356 Chapter 33: Mass and Weight 382 Chapter 34: Dimensional and Mechanical Parameters 396 Chapter 35: Other Parameters: Chemical, Analytical, Electro-optical, and Radiation 406 Part VII: Managing a Metrology Department or Calibration Laboratory 420 Chapter 36: Getting Started 422 Chapter 37: Best Practices 426 Chapter 38: Personnel Organizational Responsibilities 438 Chapter 39: Process Workflow 444 Chapter 40: Budgeting and Resource Management 450 Chapter 41: Vendors and Suppliers 452 Chapter 42: Housekeeping and Safety 456 Appendix A: Professional Associations 460 Appendix B: ASQ and Certification 464 Appendix C: Acronyms and Abbreviations 472 Appendix D: Glossary of Terms 486 Appendix E: Common Conversions 502 Bibliography 528 Author Biographies 538 Index 544