Dimensional inspection is sometimes referred to as dimensional measurement or dimensional metrology and is a specialized field encompassing a broad range of applications from large, complicated parts such as jet engine turbines to extremely small parts with tight tolerances that are part of life-saving medical devices. In manufacturing, this object might be a prototype for R&D or a custom-made component for a new production line or even a finished product. Simplified, dimensional inspection can be seen as the process for comparing what an object actually is to what it is supposed to be, and uses quantifiable values to measure virtually any physical characteristics such as:

• Length, width, and height.
• Angles and perpendicularity.
• Roundness, flatness, and other geometric characteristics.
• Position.
• Shape profiles.
• Surface characteristics.
• Edge sharpness.
• Thickness and uniformity.

It’s critical to have viable and reliable means of accurately verifying your manufactured products and manufacturing processes. One of the primary ways to accomplish this is via an in-depth evaluation of the first piece from your production run — also called first article inspection. We take great care in comparing the actual condition of manufactured parts, components, tooling and dies to the nominal condition as expressed in 2D drawings, 3D Models,

• First Article Inspection: Element provides fast, accurate 1st article inspection and verification of your design and manufacturing processes, helping you maintain an aggressive time-to-market plan.
• Reverse Engineering: Element experts can take design models or new, modified or undocumented components and generate the engineering data files needed for precision reproduction.
• Mold Qualifications: Fragile or small parts are no problem for Element. Using special techniques and materials, our experienced inspection professionals are able to quickly provide accurate dimensions under the most adverse design conditions without destroying your part
• Process Capabilities: Studies In today’s competitive market, you need to continually monitor and improve your processes and services to meet your customers’ needs. Element offers the expertise, analysis, tools and data to help you develop a system that ensures continual improvement in quality and productivity.