THE FUTURE OF METROLOGY | World Metrology Day 2023
Every year May 20th is observed around the world as World Metrology Day. This special day is dedicated to honoring the science of measurement and recognising its immense impact on various aspects of our lives and industries. Metrology Day reminds us of the critical role accurate and reliable measurements play in ensuring quality, fairness, and innovation. This day also provides an opportunity to raise awareness about metrology’s significance and everyday presence in our routines. This guarantees accuracy and traceability in countless applications. In a virtual interaction by mojo4industry, experts from the metrology industry sector share their take on the Future of Metrology.
Manoj K S, Head Of Business Development – IQS Portfolio, ZEISS Industrial Metrology kicked off the discussion and said, “I consider automotive a prime market for metrology devices. I think we have a long way to go. Government must inculcate the ‘Make in India’ program. This program benefits all of us and all of us. Measure in India, talk about quality in India, establish standards, and follow international certifications and processes.”
He further added, “There are many activities as a fraternity we need to engage with our customers. It is encouraging to see that metrology in India is moving forward to the next level. Also, we have to note that any country’s economic progress and Industrial Development are very closely related to Industrial Metrology programs.”
Talking about metrology in India, he stated, “When we talk about industrial metrology programs, I think two countries come to mind: Germany and Japan. I don’t have to explain how they view industrial engineering and industrial quality.”
He further stated, “I think we have a long way to go in growing the metrology sector in the country. However, the industry is doing exceedingly well now, accepting many solutions in the upcoming domain.”
Rupesh Thakur, Sr. GM India – Portable CMM, Hexagon Metrology, while sharing his views on Metrology said, “The Indian market is very big. It’s a very big economy and one of the fastest-growing economies, and many leading manufacturers see India as a manufacturing hub. Earlier, China was the hub. Now they look at India as another manufacturing hub. Automotive industries are already there. Aerospace industries are coming up, and there is a lot of potential for the electronic market to come up, and medical devices too. Now when all these industries come to India, there will be a demand for measuring instruments, and that will boost Metrology.”
Talking about the Metrology market, he shared, “The Metrology market, at present, is very small compared to the world. Putting in a lot of focus on quality, delivery time, information about quality and reduction in cost, all this will have more focus on the Metrology products and the quality products what they are looking for and this will give us a very quick boost for the Metrology Market in India.
When asked about his opinion on metrology, Momin A. Y., Sr. Manager-CSD, Accurate Gauging & Instruments Pvt Ltd., said, “A big challenge is understanding dimensional metrology itself. Metrology is measurement. We talk about metrology as an industry that is boosted or admired. The automotive industry is a growing industry. That is the only segment appreciated. On the other hand, when real technologies are needed, there is some cost, some awareness, or another aspect of the challenges it is not appreciated.”
Talking about the Future of Metrology, he said, “We should think about how other areas can contribute to the metrology drive in India. It is a long way to go and we should start with education, which is my perspective and approach.”
Being the end-user, when asked about his perspective, Anand Das, Plant Head, RSB Transmissions (I) Ltd., said, “The Metrology industry is now growing at a 6 percent CAGR and expects it to continue. In the Asia Pacific region also, there is the highest demand in the coming years like it is growing day by day and in the automobile field also there is an expectation of growth from $70 million to $400 million within 5 years so there is a huge scope in the Metrology Market.”
Further, he stated, “In today’s world, all products are becoming more comfortable, safer, and of higher quality.” Consequently, our vehicle competencies are increasing, and all vehicle components, such as doors, panels, seats, etc, have reduced intolerance. Metrology markets face challenges. In this market, there is scope and potential.”
Futuristic Metrology Technologies
When asked about how metrology is evolving in RSB Transmissions manufacturing, Das said, “We practice TQM and TPM all day long.” From the top to the bottom all our quality-oriented, quality-focused employees from the head to the lowest person in our company practice TQM and TPM.”
“Our goal is to eliminate the root cause of quality problems. Instead of focusing on quality control, we eliminate the root cause from the process itself. In addition, we take initiative,” Das added.
Manoj said, “X-ray as a measuring tool is popular in the country. A futuristic scenario is when you throw a part into an X-ray machine and as it emerges you will know its dimensions, surface finish, etc. Optical techniques always grow. Measurements using optical techniques are the future.
Talking about the future of metrology Manoj added, “Software, data management, artificial intelligence, X-ray and dynamic optical techniques are areas where the future of metrology will be.”
Speaking about solutions, Thakur says, “Even we have solutions where you can interlink all the data, from design and engineering to manufacturing to metrology. So, all these data can be interlinked. This is so whenever you get any output from your Metrology product you can analyze what could be the reason why it has turned out wrong. Nowadays we don’t want to know whether the product is effective or not. You don’t want to produce a substandard product at all, so that is the main goal. It reduces rejection and increases machine throughput. Managing software and data will be the key.”
Adding to what is the future of metrology, Thakur said, “The production rate is increasing very high, so automation is one of the key factors which is going to drive in the future and that also of course many of the customers want automation to be done on the shop floor.”
