Metrology Resource Recommendations? 1

[rothwem]

I am a metallurgist with 4.5 years of experience, and for the last 8 months, I've been managing the met-lab at a large automotive component manufacturing plant. The lab checks the quality of induction hardened and carburized parts at machine set-up and regular production checks. I also do the failure analysis of warranty returns and other special projects. I manage 20 people, but I after 8 months, I've got the leadership structure arranged so that the workload is more or less manageable, and the technical part is right up my alley with my education (MSE bachelor's degree) and prior experience.

Just when everything was starting to go well, the manager of the Metrology lab quit. In the infinite wisdom of the upper management, they've decided that I should manage that lab as well. I turned down the job, so instead of making me the permanent manager, I'm the "interim" manager. Brilliant, right? The managing part isn't too bad; I've got a great group in there with a ton of experience. My issue is that I know nothing about metrology. I've used calipers obviously, but when people start talking about DOPs and spline gauges and Calypso software, it’s like they're talking Greek.

Can anybody recommend a metrology seminar, short course, or reading material that I can use so that I at least know what they're talking about? I'm hoping this is a temporary thing (it better be or I'm leaving) but I don't want to screw anything up in my time managing.

Cliff Notes for the TLDR crowd:
-Woefully under experienced metallurgist is running a metrology lab
-Doesn't know anything about metrology
-Needs to get up to speed quickly, would appreciate recommendations for resources to do that.

 

[KENAT]

Not suggesting you need to repost this question but if/when you have more specific questions somewhere like forum286 might be a good place to start. All the best.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

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(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[GregLocock]

I was tempted to suggest The Weather Channel of course, but resisted.

I don't know of any resources but since you have a great lab there why not ask your guys?

Cheers

Greg Locock


New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376

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[Ron]

Good advice, Greg.
Also, great minds think alike...partly cloudy with a 50% chance of rain...it might rain, but then it might not

 

[Maui]

Give these guys a call:

http://www.gleason.com/cms/en/163/services-training

Maui

http://www.EngineeringMetallurgy.com

 

[MikeHalloran]

Rule One in a metrology lab:
Don't put your coffee cup on the surface plate.

Corollary:
If anyone does so, and it doesn't start a fight, you don't have a real metrology lab.

In fact, ask your guys to explain all the rules while you record them doing so. Do preserve and transcribe the result. Use it to prepare a cautionary speech for visitors about what not to do or touch. Since you seem to have a good relationship with your guys, they shouldn't perceive any of that in a negative way.

I agree with Greg; the resource you need is right there.




Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA