Engineering guides

Practical Guides for Precision Engineers

Written by engineers who have specified and used this equipment on the shop floor. No marketing copy — just straight answers to the questions that matter.

Metrology7 min read

How to Choose a CMM: A Practical Guide for Engineers

Bridge, gantry, horizontal arm or portable — choosing the right CMM configuration depends on your part envelope, tolerance requirements and throughput. Here's how to think through the decision.

15 July 2026Read guide

Quality Control6 min read

Gauge Calibration Intervals: How Often Is Often Enough?

AS9100, IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 all require calibrated measurement equipment — but none of them tell you how often to calibrate. Here's how to set intervals that are defensible and practical.

20 June 2026Read guide

Metrology6 min read

Understanding Surface Roughness: Ra, Rz and What the Drawing Actually Means

Ra is the most common surface roughness parameter but it's not always the most useful. Here's what Ra, Rz and Rq actually measure, when to use each one, and how to specify surface finish correctly on engineering drawings.

10 May 2026Read guide

CNC Machinery7 min read

CNC Tolerances and Inspection: Closing the Loop Between Machining and Measurement

The gap between what a CNC machine can hold and what your drawing calls for is where scrap and rework live. Here's how to align your machining capability with your inspection strategy.

5 April 2026Read guide

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