Exploring the Impact of Teaching Metrology in Manufacturing Processes in Mexico

Abstract

The technologies of materials production with applications in various fields including food, automotive and aerospace, have begun to settle in several clusters in Mexico. Some examples of this type of manufacturing processes are adhesive, additive, thermal projection and nanotechnology. On the other hand, the implementation of the concept of industry 4.0 has brought a new way of organizing the production ways. This has generated a demand of qualified personnel with the ability to identify elements that help to provide quality criteria for lots of pieces or single pieces manufactured under the processes described above. personnel must comply the following competencies: knowledge in manufacturing process, testing and metrology. In Querétaro, México universities such as Universidad Politécnica de Santa Rosa Jáuregui (UPSRJ) and Universidad Aeronáutica en Querétaro (UNAQ) have implemented a strategy to meet this needs. This strategy includes the teaching of courses related to metrology, standardization and conformity assessment applied to the manufacturing processes. UPSRJ has a bachelor degree in Industrial Metrology Engineering, where students can have a specialized educational program in the science of measurements. While at UNAQ students can have selected measurement courses for aerospace sciences as part of the aerospace engineering master program, according to the requirements of NADCAP. A relevant situation is that several graduates of both institutions are already working in the industry in charged of the quality of manufacturing processes. These graduates already understand the importance of using the uncertainty and sensitivity of the measurements as innovative parameters for the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes.