Hands-on activity demonstrating different in-process measurement methods

Purdue Polytechnic Columbus, School of Engineering Technology, 4444 Kelly Street, Columbus, Indiana, USA

Abstract

Purdue Polytechnic Columbus is one of ten statewide extensions of Purdue University and is located about an hour south of Indianapolis in an economic region dominated by manufacturing. Just less than 40% of the workforce in this 10 county region is directly employed by the manufacturing industry. The primary employer in the region is diesel-engine manufacturer Cummins, Inc. but there are many others including Toyota, Honda, Faurecia, NTN Driveshaft, Valeo, and Aisin. Most of the manufacturing industry is related to automobile production. Purdue Polytechnic Columbus is unique among higher education institutions due to a partnership with diesel-engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. that has led to an environmentally-controlled metrology lab located within the university facility. This puts Purdue Polytechnic Columbus in a unique position to develop and offer training and education programs targeted to local industry and local education institutions. There have been many recent reports of shortages of trained metrology personnel. As a university, Purdue Polytechnic Columbus has developed many programs to engage young people in the STEM disciplines to foster interest in manufacturing and engineering careers. This work attempts to develop a hands-on activity that emphasizes the importance of measurement within the broader context of assembly-line manufacturing. Participants create multiple assembly lines to produce a simple fixture, utilizing various measurement tools to increase quality and improve efficiency. The last effort employs go/no-go gauges to illustrate the value of those tools in manufacturing to improve quality and efficiency.