Measurement strategy for geometrical verification : A state-of-the-art study, analysis and development of working methodology framework

Abstract: Geometrical and dimensional metrology is used to verify that manufactured and assembled products satisfy the defined geometrical requirements and thereby the functional requirements. The dimensional measurement planning operation is carried out to define how the measurements are going to be collected and it has to consider the reliability, uncertainty and economics of the measurement procedure. The thesis work has been performed to map the current knowledge regarding measurement strategies and principles and to develop recommendations regarding a framework which defines how the measurement planning work should be carried out. The purpose of the work was thereby to perform a state-of-the-art study to map the available theoretical and empirical measurement strategies and principles. The purpose was also to test the impact of the strategies in a measurement experiment in order to validate the methodology. To fulfil the purpose of the work, a literature review and a case study was initially performed. The literature review investigated the available academically knowledge and the requirements defined in international standards regarding the measurement planning work. The case study mapped the methodologies and principles which were used in industry through contextual research and qualitative interviewing. The majority of the case study was carried out at Saab Aeronautics but to obtain a wider understanding of the topic a survey were also conducted where additional manufacturing companies were participating. The outcome of the case study and the literature review were thereafter merged and further analysed though the measurement analysis. The case study and the literature review shown that there existed several different methodologies and guidelines regarding how the work should be and was performed. Some of the factors which were further investigated were the impact of the number of measurement points, distance between the measurement points, uncertainty of the strategy and the considerations connected to the selection of the geometrical features. The measurement analysis provided insights regarding the impact on average, minimum-, maximum deviation and the variance due to the amount and distribution of the inspection points. The findings were presented as a resulting outcome of the recommended measurement strategy framework methodology. The methodology of analysing the impact of the measurement strategy was therefore implemented into the recommendations regarding the measurement planning framework. The purpose of the framework is to offer a reliable, standardized and traceable measurement planning process where knowledge sharing and continuous improvements are possible to implement. In addition to the analysis of the measurement planning strategy the most important findings to consider in the adjacent process steps were investigated and presented. These findings are presented to enable a broad understanding of the requirements throughout the measurement process at Saab Aeronautics. The knowledge obtained in the literature review, case study and the measurement experiment was included in the measurement strategy framework which was the delivery of the thesis work.