Our metrology department

Located in our manufacturing plant in Botevgrad, Bulgaria, our metrology department is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, repeatability, traceability, and reliability of all measurements used in the design, validation, manufacturing, and qualification of thermal printing systems and mechanisms. The department provides the measurement foundation that enables process capability, product conformity, regulatory compliance, and contiuous improvement across the product lifecycle.

1. Measurement system governance & traceability

The metrology team establishes and maintains a controlled measurement system, including:

  • Calibration and verification of all inspection, test, and measurement equipment.
  • Traceability to national or international standards.
  • Calibration intervals, status labeling, and recall systems.
  • Measurement uncertainty evaluation and documentation.
  • Control of out-of-tolerance conditions and impact analysis.

2. Measurement System Analysis (MSA)

The department ensures measurement systems are fit for purpose, including:

  • Gage R&R (Repeatability & Reproducibility) studies.
  • Bias, linearity, and stability analysis.
  • Acceptance criteria definition for critical measurements.
  • Approval and release of measurement methods prior to production use.

Special focus is placed on Critical-To-Quality (CTQ) characteristics such as:

  • Platen roller runout and hardness.
  • Head-to-platen gap and pressure distribution.

3. Product & process measurement support

Metrology supports engineering and manufacturing through:

  • Dimensional, optical, electrical, and surface measurements.
  • Support for First Article Inspection (FAI) and PPAP activities.
  • Development of inspection methods for new designs and processes.
  • Correlation between laboratory measurements and production inspection.
  • Definition of inspection plans and sampling strategies.

4. Advanced measurement technologies

The department develops and maintains expertise in advanced metrology techniques, including:

  • Optical and vision-based measurement systems.
  • Surface roughness and wear measurement.
  • Thermal and electrical parameter measurement.
  • Non-contact and in-line measurement solutions.

These capabilities are critical for validating print quality drivers, and high-density heater arrays.

5. Support for design verification & validation

Metrology provides measurement integrity for:

  • Design Verification Testing (DVT).
  • Product validation and lifetime testing.
  • Reliability and wear studies.
  • Environmental and stress testing measurements.
  • Data integrity and result traceability for technical documentation.
REQUEST A QUOTE

6. Manufacturing process control & SPC enablement

The metrology department enables effective process control by:

  • Defining measurement methods for SPC implementation.
  • Supporting Cp/Cpk studies with validated data.
  • Ensuring measurement repeatability in production environments.
  • Auditing shop-floor measurement practices.
  • Supporting root-cause analysis with high-confidence data.

7. Nonconformance, risk & change support

Metrology supports quality risk management through:

  • Measurement impact assessment for nonconforming product.
  • Support for Corrective And Preventive Actions (CAPA).
  • Evaluation of measurement changes during ECOs.
  • Risk assessment of new measurement equipment or methods.

8. Environmental & sustainability support

Where applicable, metrology supports environmental objectives by:

  • Measurement of energy, material usage, and waste-related parameters.
  • Verification of environmental monitoring equipment.
  • Data integrity for environmental reporting and improvement programs.

9. Competence, training & continuous improvement

The department ensures:

  • Competency-based training for metrology personnel.
  • Qualification of operators using measurement equipment.
  • Standardization of measurement practices.
  • Continuous improvement of accuracy, efficiency, and automation.

A Reliable Partner for Precision Measurement and Quality Control

Our Strengths

  • Advanced measurement technologies and expertise
  • Support across design, validation, and production
  • Strong data integrity and analysis
  • Full traceability and compliance

Your Benefits

  • Reduced variability and defects
  • Improved process capability and product consistency
  • High accuracy and repeatability in product performance
  • Confidence in measurement data and validation results



Discover the other departments in our manufacturing plant in Botevgrad, Bulgaria

ENGINEERING

Turning innovation into reliable, manufacturable, and high-performance printing solutions.

PLASTIC INJECTION

High-precision molded parts designed for reliable, durable, and high-performance industrial applications.

QUALITY

Quality, compliance, and operational excellence at every stage.

SUPPLY CHAIN

Smart sourcing and reliable material flow across global supply chain and operations.

LOGISTICS

Secure storage, precise handling, and reliable delivery flows.

Get the best thermal printer for your needs

Contact APS today to learn more about our thermal printers and how we can create a custom solution to meet your specific requirements.

GET YOUR CUSTOM QUOTE