Precision engineering is a discipline that involves the design and manufacture of machines and components that meet precise specifications [1]. It is the process of designing a machine or instrument with a level of accuracy that is orders of magnitude smaller than the size of the object being measured or moved [2]. Precision engineering is also the body of knowledge, wisdom, and techniques used to design such a machine or instrument [2]. In other words, precision engineering is the design and building of machines, tools, and other equipment that need to be very accurate and exact [3].
Precision engineering is of great importance in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and electronics. It allows for the creation of highly specific and complex parts that can be mass-produced quickly and cost-effectively [4]. Precision engineering can also improve the quality and reliability of products and processes [5]. The degree of precision used is determined by the features of the part being produced, including its shape, form, holes, grooves, undercuts, tapers, and threads [6].
Techniques and tools used in precision engineering include displacement laser interferometers and optical encoders as feedback sensors in manufacturing industries [7]. The use of these tools and techniques has revolutionized the manufacturing industry, allowing for higher accuracy and repeatability in the production of parts and components [8]. As engineering has continuously developed over the years, new techniques and processes have arrived and changed the way parts and tools are made [9]. A precision engineering company will design and engineer components, machinery, equipment, and systems for a large range of uses and industry sectors [10].
Precision engineering plays a crucial role in high-quality production and manufacturing across various industries. With the help of precision engineering, complex and specific parts can be mass-produced quickly and cost-effectively [1]. This is particularly important in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical, where precision and accuracy are essential. Precision engineering allows for high-integrity and dimensional accuracy in the production process, resulting in high-quality products [2]. It has transformed modern manufacturing by enabling the creation of complex and high-specification parts with exceptional levels of accuracy, which was not possible with traditional manufacturing methods [3].
Precision engineering has also been found to increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness in production processes. With precision engineering, there is a reduced risk of human error, which results in fewer inspections and faster production speeds [4][2]. The use of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines in precision engineering has led to increased productivity rates, leading to higher production rates and lower costs per part [5][6]. Therefore, incorporating precision engineering into production processes can lead to significant cost savings and increased efficiency.
Advancements in technology and innovation are also driven by precision engineering. The development of precision technologies has enabled the testing of new scientific theories and the commercial exploitation of these theories [7]. Precision engineering is paramount in the field of sustainable energy, where it stimulates the advancement of various technologies that are needed to address the challenges of climate change [8][9]. Overall, precision engineering plays a vital role in driving technological innovation, which has far-reaching impacts across various industries and sectors [10].