Manufacturing processes of discrete parts have increased in complexity and productivity with a simultaneous tightening of dimensional tolerances.
Computers, which have been at the forefront of this dramatic manufacturing evolution, are now being applied in the dimensional quality control function. These applications include simple error and tolerance calculations as well as
more sophisticated data storage, adaptive control, statistical error analysis, and optimizing routines. Computers are being dedicated to discrete component process control as well as used on a time-sharing basis. This paper explores the development and application of computerized measurement techniques to acquaint the technical manager-process planner with this new and growing field.
