Precision engineering is engineering using a machine which manufactures parts that must be so specific and accurate that the human hand and eye cannot make them. The main specialities of the machine are its ability to make extremely tiny components with almost impeccable precision.

Precision engineering started off years ago in astronomy and sailing, was then adopted and developed by Swiss watch makers, and now is used in many different industries including computing, aerospace and tool making.

Due to economic and technological needs, these days precision engineering is as much about the improvement of the ‘precision-to-cost’ ratio as it is about being 100% accurate. Here are some interesting examples of precision engineering at work.

1. Computers and Mobile Phones

The explosion of increasingly minute computers, laptops, smartphones and mobile phones has only been made possible due to the development of accurate and tiny technological components. This has allowed engineers to develop more compact and reliable internal computers, and therefore progress new smartphone and computer technologies quicker and less expensively.

2. Telemedicine

This is the use of robots in medicine-usually to perform surgery. A surgeon can use a remote control system to carry out the surgery; meaning that the surgery is less intrusive to the patient as often the work can be done through a tiny opening. It is also likely to cause less internal damage when conducted in this manner. This precise technology can reduce the possibility of human error-slips of the hand, lapses in concentration, as well as cutting costs through often being able to carry out the surgery quicker and with less risk of post-surgical problems such as infections.

3. Michelangelo Hand

This is a fully robotic prosthetic hand that uses modern technology to develop an electronically actuated thumb, allowing the user to perform previously impossible tasks such as cooking, opening toothpaste tubes and ironing. Built in electrodes detect movements from the arm and wrist muscles and then process this data to enable the user to carry out these challenges.

4. Miniature Drone Helicopter

Armies have been using `drone helicopters’ for years. These are effectively robots which fly without having a human on board. They are usually used to carry out surveillance over enemy lines, but modern technology and advancements in precision engineering have made it possible for them to develop a miniature drone helicopter which weighs 16 grams and can be used almost un-noticed in surveillance over difficult and dangerous terrain.

5. 3D Printer

Small and intricate parts have helped develop and build the world’s first 3D printer. It is used in prototypes in many industries such as aerospace, architecture, medicine, fashion and many more. The model file is sent to the printer which then `prints’ putting down layers of liquid, powder, paper or sheet material into the formation that has been `sent’ to it.

There is no doubt that precision engineering has changed the potential of modern technology beyond recognition and companies such as this are able to produce work that just wasn’t possible in the past. Whether it is in the technology used to develop inventions, or in the actual building of prototypes and the finished article; precision technology has changed our world for the better.

Chris Mayhew finds engineering amazing, and is interested in industrial developments. He would recommend Griffiths Engineering for companies looking to purchase some precision engineered parts.