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Repeatability

Repeatability is the degree to which numerous measurements taken successively, under identical conditions, agree in outcome value. In other words, repeatability refers to how close a series of measurements of a single item or area are when taken in a row, using the same tool or machine, and when conducted by the same operator. Another term for repeatability is test-retest reliability; when you retest or re-measure an item or area, you get essentially the same output. When the same measurement is not achieved, therefore when a tool or device is not reliable, then we say that there is variability. Variability can be caused by the quality of the measurement tool being used, the lack of calibration of the measurement tool being used, the operator using the tool, or contextual factors like room temperature or stability of the item being measured. A repeatable measurement indicates that the operator will get the same measurement value each and every time the measurement is taken.

Measurement in and of itself is almost always a small portion of a bigger project. Whether you are checking alignment, size, irregularities, or standards of a part, that part will end up a piece of a bigger end product being built. Whether you are machining, assembling, cutting, or adjusting a part, that part will need to be incorporated into the bigger end product being made. Measurement may just be a small step in the creation of the final device, machine, or product, but if the measurements taken are not reliable then the eventual manufactured piece will not be reliable either. Variance in measurement will result in irregularities in the end product. Above almost all else, you want to have repeatability in your measurements to ensure you are taking precise measurements. In this way you are guaranteeing quality in your process and your outcome.

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