Measurements are taken at:

• Manufacturing stage - primarily to monitor process variation and to allow an operator to make timely adjustments to the machine so that tolerances are not exceed.
  
• Inspection stage - primarily to ensure the product meets specifications.

When dealing with any process it is important to link the information obtained from the process to continuous improvements.

Measurements taken during the manufacturing process use:

• Traditional hand tools - callipers, micrometers, plug gauges etc.
• In-line gauging - measurements using hard gauges to verify specific dimensions OR CMMs linked to a cell where the workpiece may be loaded by converyor or robot.

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