I have only OJT for CMM programming (and everything else), no formal education/credentials. I plan on testing for a ASQ QA/QC Tech certificate in the fall/winter. Other than that, I have no idea what I can do to help myself get a "leg-up" in this field. I would like to advance in it, though, since I have found I enjoy it and I'm pretty decent at it so far. So, any career advice?
This is a really good question. The fact that there is no true certification for CMM users/operators (beyond OEM training) is a big drawback to both user's professional careers and employers alike. There is a program being undertaken by the Coordinate Metrology Society that is attempting to address this by developing a certification program. It's more focused on the portable end of things at the moment, but I could easily see it broadening to DCC machines as the value in it is seen. Al Metzel from NGC is giving a talk about it a the Hexagon 2011 conference. Here's the abstract:
Title: Taming the Wild World of Portable CMMs
Session ID 8109
Abstract: With the advent of Portable Coordinate Measuring Machines (PCMMs) such diverse fields as manufacturing, civil engineering, archaeology and forensics have added them to their toolbox and the number of operators has grown exponentially. There are two major ongoing efforts which will impact PCMM usage in the coming years.
Operator certification has been a legitimate, lingering concern among professionals for over a decade, and since 2008, at industry request, a subcommittee of the Coordinate Metrology Society has been developing a proposal for an accredited certification program.
Likewise, there are no independent equipment standards for most non-contact PCMMS. ASTM Committee E57, formed in 2006, to develop standards to addressing issues related to 3D imaging systems, such as laser scanners and optical range cameras.
It is the intent of this presentation to inform the attendees of the background, history, and progress of this undertaking, as well as receive input from the attendees.
Customer Speaker: Alan Metzel Quality Engineer, Northrop Grumman
Sub-Track: Metrology - Trends
Track: Metrology @ Hexagon 2011
Length: 30 minutes
This is a really good question. The fact that there is no true certification for CMM users/operators (beyond OEM training) is a big drawback to both user's professional careers and employers alike. There is a program being undertaken by the Coordinate Metrology Society that is attempting to address this by developing a certification program. It's more focused on the portable end of things at the moment, but I could easily see it broadening to DCC machines as the value in it is seen. Al Metzel from NGC is giving a talk about it a the Hexagon 2011 conference. Here's the abstract:
Title: Taming the Wild World of Portable CMMs
Session ID 8109
Abstract: With the advent of Portable Coordinate Measuring Machines (PCMMs) such diverse fields as manufacturing, civil engineering, archaeology and forensics have added them to their toolbox and the number of operators has grown exponentially. There are two major ongoing efforts which will impact PCMM usage in the coming years.
Operator certification has been a legitimate, lingering concern among professionals for over a decade, and since 2008, at industry request, a subcommittee of the Coordinate Metrology Society has been developing a proposal for an accredited certification program.
Likewise, there are no independent equipment standards for most non-contact PCMMS. ASTM Committee E57, formed in 2006, to develop standards to addressing issues related to 3D imaging systems, such as laser scanners and optical range cameras.
It is the intent of this presentation to inform the attendees of the background, history, and progress of this undertaking, as well as receive input from the attendees.
Customer Speaker: Alan Metzel Quality Engineer, Northrop Grumman
Sub-Track: Metrology - Trends
Track: Metrology @ Hexagon 2011
Length: 30 minutes
