Advancing Metrology Training Worldwide

June 19, 2025 Industry Source 305 Views 0 Comments Technical Education

In an increasingly globalized and automated manufacturing environment, precision is not optional — it is fundamental. Yet precision in measurement is only as reliable as the people creating the data and those interpreting it. This is where AUKOM e.V., a non-profit association based in Germany, plays a unique and essential role. Advancing Metrology Training Worldwide.

Founded with the mission to standardize metrology education across industries and countries, AUKOM has issued over 60,000 training certificates worldwide. Today, AUKOM is represented in 33 countries and offers certified trainings in 23 languages, making it one of the most accessible and globally consistent metrology education systems. Its structured courses in coordinate metrology are used across Europe, Asia, and America by OEMs, suppliers, and training institutions alike. With a modular curriculum — ranging from basic understanding to advanced applications — AUKOM empowers professionals to speak a common language of measurement.

Supporting the Vision

To support this vision, AUKOM has developed a structured and internationally standardized training concept – the AUKOM staircase. This model is built on three progressive core levels:

1 AUKOM 1: certified basic training in industrial metrology

2 AUKOM 2: coordinate and form metrology

3 AUKOM 3: expert-level training with advanced strategies and case-based knowledge

These stages build on each other and represent the foundation of AUKOM’s training philosophy.

In addition to the core levels, AUKOM offers specialized modules called ‘Come Together’ courses, such as AUKOM GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and AUKOM SURF (Surface and Roughness Metrology). These courses can be attended independently, without completing AUKOM 1–3 beforehand.

The idea behind ‘Come Together’ is to bring professionals from different departments, such as metrology, design, manufacturing, and quality assurance, into one shared learning environment. By discussing real-world topics together, participants develop a mutual understanding of requirements, responsibilities, and technical interpretations, which improves communication and alignment across the entire production process.

Participants who complete AUKOM 1, AUKOM 2, and AUKOM GD&T receive the certification AUKOM Metrologist — a title that reflects strong, application-oriented competence in modern dimensional metrology. This qualification ensures a deep theoretical understanding of measurement principles and result interpretation — critical for ensuring reliable, comparable measurements.

AUKOM 3 represents the final stage of the core training program and offers advanced, in-depth expertise for those aiming to achieve the highest level of competence in industrial metrology. The course deepens both theoretical knowledge and practical application, making it ideal for experienced professionals who want to expand their qualifications and take on expert roles in quality assurance.

Surface Metrology: The Silent Contributor

One of the latest additions to the AUKOM portfolio is AUKOM SURF, a dedicated course on surface and roughness measurement. Despite its enormous influence on functional performance — from friction and wear to sealing and aesthetics — surface metrology often receives less attention than form or dimensional analysis.

AUKOM SURF changes that. From the origins of roughness measurement as production monitoring to modern functional tolerancing, AUKOM SURF introduces the learners to the physical foundations, evaluation parameters, and practical handling of surface measurements. The topics include basics of roughness measurements, the selection of the best measuring device, filtering, roughness parameters from the old and the new ISO standards (1302, 21920,25178) as well as, motif parameters and the qualification and calibration.

The course covers both 2D (profile-based) and 3D (areal) measurements, ensuring participants are equipped for current and future surface analysis tasks.

GD&T: From Symbols to Communication

Another core focus is Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing. (GD&T) The discipline that encompasses standards from both ASME and ISO (often referred to as GPS, or Geometrical Product Specifications). While many engineers may be familiar with the symbols, the understanding how to interpret and apply them effectively in real measurement contexts remains a significant challenge. Our course comprehensively covers GD&T following both ASME and ISO (GPS) guidelines, ensuring that participants gain a robust, practical understanding of these critical standards.

AUKOM recently extended its GD&T course from three to four full days — a decision driven by a core educational insight:
“GPS is a language. In a 2 or 3-day seminar, the trainer does most of the talking. In our 4-day seminar, participants have time to speak themselves — and learn through exchange with others.”
The expanded format allows for deeper interaction, collaborative exercises, and discussion of real-world scenarios. Creating a much more sustainable learning experience.

Neutral, Practical, and Globally Aligned

What makes AUKOM training unique is its vendor neutrality and application-oriented approach. The courses are not tied to specific software or hardware. Making them especially valuable for companies using a mix of systems. All content is structured according to internationally accepted norms and reflects the latest developments in industrial quality assurance.

Furthermore, AUKOM courses are increasingly used to bridge communication gaps between departments. Between design and quality. Between manufacturing and metrology.

Looking Ahead

As quality demands rise and product tolerances tighten, the need for well-trained personnel becomes more urgent. AUKOM e.V. is committed to supporting this evolution. By expanding its training offerings. Also by making them available globally in multiple languages and formats.

In today’s smart factories and digital twins, metrology is more than a technical discipline. It’s a common language that connects design, production, and verification.