OVERVIEW

In common industrial usage, the term dimensional measurements designates processes for determining the linear and angular magnitudes of technical parts or of their specific features. These magnitudes are measured and expressed by standard units of length and angle. In an extended usage, dimensional measurements also refer to processes for assessing pertinent geometric characteristics that can affect both the reliability of the basic dimensional measurement and the functional adequacy of the part. Such measurements are concerned with deviations from an ideally regular form or from a surface that is theoretically smooth and has no distinguishable texture.

The basic purpose of dimensional measurements in production is to assure and to verify the agreement of the product with the specifications of the design. Although dimensional measurements in industrial applications may serve other purposes as well, for example, product and production engineering research or development, in the final analysis all these uses are contributory to a common goal: the economical production of parts in compliance with design specifications that are devised for assuring the proper function and service of the manufactured product.

For that reason a handbook on dimensional measurement prepared for engineers and technicians engaged in various areas of industrial production will serve its objectives best when it reflects product-mindedness by considering the measuring processes from the viewpoint of the ultimate purpose and practical applications.

Considering the continued advances in modern industrial production toward greater precision and more reliable function of its products, it is obvious that such pragmatic goals will...