In the small world of 3D metrology, we all have heard the same questions in various contexts countered with some wildly different answers. This new column will explore these frequently asked questions, and address what is and what is not proper 3D metrology practice. Over the coming months, I will cover topics ranging from calibration to lasers to everything in between. The read will be quick, concise, and hopefully enjoyable, with the end goal of moving metrology conversations in the right direction.

My name is Shaun Wissner. I have been at this metrology gig for more than 15 years, working in nearly every position in this field from quality technician to manager in various industries. It was in the mid-nineties, when I was working in the light machinery industry, that I was introduced to my first coordinate measuring machine (CMM), a nice little tabletop manual machine with MicroMeasure III software. Then I got into foundry work (hot iron and aluminum) where I got my hands on a couple of automatic CMMs, much nicer than the manual unit but way more complicated and breakable.

 …