Metrology Consultation
AC Metrology helps manufacturers identify and resolve measurement challenges and machine set-up issues, from inconsistent results and time-consuming inspection processes to component stability and fixturing problems.
We provide end-to-end support, from initial diagnosis and practical recommendations through to the design and manufacture of bespoke CMM fixtures, tooling, inspection solutions and machine set-up fixtures. Our solutions are focused on improving measurement efficiency, streamlining inspection processes, reducing machine downtime and maximising productivity.
Our services are available to manufacturers throughout the UK and Ireland.
Problems we help with
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Measurement repeatability: results that vary between operators, machines or set-ups
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Inspection methods: methods that are slow, inconsistent or don’t measure what the drawing actually needs
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Machine set-up: getting inspection and production equipment set up so it measures and assembles reliably and efficiently
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Fixturing and work holding: precision assembly fixtures to help build machines and components efficiently and repeatably as well as CMM fixtures for those parts that move, distort or can’t be located repeatably
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Measurement system analysis: MSA and Gauge R&R studies, scoped to your process, to show how much of your measured variation comes from the measurement itself
Bespoke CMM fixtures and tooling
A good fixture holds the part the same way every time, without distorting it, and lets the CMM or gauge reach every feature it needs. We design and make bespoke CMM fixtures, inspection fixtures, set-up fixtures and tooling in house, around your parts and your machines, from concept and technical design through to manufacture.
How a consultation project runs
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Talk it through. Tell us what’s going wrong or what you need to achieve.
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Investigate. We look at the parts, the drawings, the equipment and the current method, on site where needed.
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Recommend. You get practical options, with what each would involve.
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Design and make. Where a fixture or tooling is the answer, we design it, make it and help you put it into use.
Who you’ll work with
Consultation is carried out by AC Metrology’s own engineers, who bring 20+ years of combined experience in UK dimensional metrology, including field service work on CMMs and horizontal arm machines. We primarily work with Eley CMMs running TrueMeasure or PolyWorks software, and we can support most other CMM brands. The same team calibrates surface plates and supplies bespoke granite plates and machine bases.
Metrology consultation FAQs
What is measurement system analysis (MSA)?
MSA is a set of studies that show how much of the variation in your measurements comes from the measuring process (the gauge, the operator, the method and the environment) rather than from the parts. It’s a requirement in automotive and common in aerospace.
What is a Gauge R&R study?
Gauge R&R is the most common type of MSA study. It measures repeatability (the variation when one operator measures the same part several times) and reproducibility (the variation between different operators), and compares the result with the part tolerance.
Do you design and make CMM fixtures?
Yes. We design and make bespoke CMM fixtures, inspection fixtures and tooling around your parts and machines, from concept through to manufacture.
How does a consultation project start?
With a conversation. Call or send us an enquiry explaining the problem, and we’ll suggest the next step, whether that’s a site visit, a review of your drawings and data, or a quote for a fixture.