Dimensional inspection in the metrology lab

A drawing of the part — excerpts with the relevant characteristics are fine — or the CAD model, plus quantity and the desired scope of inspection. Send the drawing or CAD by email to info@csl-imt.ch — confidentiality. You normally receive a personal reply within one working day.

Yes. Contract metrology, measurement services and dimensional inspection describe the same service: you supply the part and drawing, we measure in the metrology lab and you receive the inspection report.

Quotes are effort-based, and the quote stands before the work begins. The effort splits into setup costs — reviewing the drawing, defining the measurement strategy and fixturing, and for series the CMM program — and the cost per part. Repeat measurements of the same parts are therefore cheaper than the first measurement. For recurring lots there is the CSL Quality Gate.

Typically 3 to 5 working days after the parts arrive. A substantial part of this is acclimatisation to 20 °C in accordance with ISO 1. That time cannot be shortened — the planning can: call +41 55 511 50 85 and we will check immediately whether an express measurement within 24 hours is feasible.

A measurement report as PDF with an inspection sketch: every characteristic is numbered and linked to its measured value, and each characteristic carries a documented conformity assessment based on the agreed decision rule and taking measurement uncertainty into account where applicable. Measurement uncertainty is stated where determined. For suitable CMM measurements, uncertainty is evaluated in accordance with ISO 15530-3 using calibrated workpieces or measurement standards. For multiple parts, an Excel matrix of all dimensions is included. A 30-minute results review is part of the service.

The scope of inspection is agreed before the order — complete to the drawing or limited to the function-relevant characteristics. We verify geometrical tolerances to ISO GPS and ASME Y14.5; for each characteristic we choose the appropriate method, from tactile CMM measurement to CT evaluation. If a characteristic cannot be verified as specified, or the drawing is contradictory, we contact you before measuring — not first in the report.

Yes, that is what it is made for: independently produced, every result traceable to the drawing, measurement uncertainty stated where known. For disputed dimensions we carry out an independent arbitration measurement — with an assessment of the deviations and the known measurement uncertainty.

No. CSL is not accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. Our laboratory operates under an ISO 9001-certified quality management system and uses calibrated, traceable equipment, interlaboratory comparisons and documented uncertainty evaluations where applicable. If an accredited report is required for your application, we clarify this before accepting the order.

Both. In the metrology lab in Wohlen we measure at reference temperature in accordance with ISO 1 in a temperature-controlled measuring room (class 3 with reference to VDI/VDE 2627, mean temperature 20.3 °C) with a free choice of method — decisive for the tightest tolerances. If the part cannot be shipped or you lack capacity, our metrology engineers come to you: on-site measurement. You can also drop off parts directly at our premises.

Yes. On request we sign a non-disclosure agreement before the quote, you transmit drawings by email, and the parts are returned with the report. Details: confidentiality.