The classic measure of progress in precision manufacturing over
time is the Taniguchi diagram, Figure 1.2, which has appeared in a
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tainable” machining accuracies or preciseness over time. Here is the
interesting link between precision engineering and precision manufacturing.
Whereas precision engineers may focus on the size of an
artifact on a workpiece (and its role in the successful operation of a
precision instrument, perhaps), the precision manufacturing community
concerns itself with the creation of the artifact. Of course, precision
machines are needed to create precision components. Taniguchi
“high-precision,” and “ultra-high precision.” These cover the range
of processes from turning and milling machines (normal) to ion
beam machining (ultra-high precision.) They distinctions are, in fact,
the best tolerance on a feature that can be obtained by the process.