Dimensional metrology

Part of our Metrology Research Centre, the dimensional metrology team traceably links measurements of size and shape to the International System (SI) units of length and angle. The team provides manufacturers and calibration laboratories with accurate, traceable measurements supporting the production of aerospace components, scientific instrumentation and biomedical equipment.

Our expertise

The dimensional metrology team has expertise in the areas of development and characterization of instrumentation for a breadth of dimensional measurement, calibration services, supporting national and global measurement quality systems with technical experts.

• Gauge block interferometer: Gauge blocks and length bars from 0.5 mm to 1 m
• Angle calibration facility: Optical polygons, angle gauge blocks and autocollimators
• Long-bed interferometer: Line scale, step gauges and end standards to 3.3 m
• Coordinate-measuring machine: Flexible measurement of linear dimensions, including ring, plug and step gauges, as well as ball bars and ball plates
• Form-measuring machine: Hemispheres, spheres, cylindrical standards

Our latest research

The team's recent research has focused on developing capabilities for diameter and form measurements on piston–cylinder pairs at the very low uncertainties required for primary pressure metrology. This work is an opportunity to develop uncertainty estimation techniques for global properties of complex 3D geometries. It also supports the NRC's mass and related quantities team's work on a 'dimensional piston'; an alternative method for the realization of pressure which will allow for the transition away from the mercury manometer as the primary pressure standard and reducing the need for a neurotoxic heavy metal.

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