Mechanical Engineering Technician how-to

How to Measure a Part

Accurate measurement catches errors.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Accurate measurement catches errors. In short: clean; select; zero, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Clean the part.

  2. Select the right tool.

  3. Zero the tool.

  4. Take multiple readings.

  5. Compare to the drawing.

  6. Record results.

Safety reminders for mechanical engineering technicians

  • Wear eye and hearing protection
  • Guard test rigs
  • Follow lockout/tagout
  • Use tools safely

Prototype · CAD · GD&T · Tolerance · Data acquisition · Strain gauge: see the full mechanical engineering technician glossary.

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