Designing for higher precision is important in many different ways. Our computer-driven world depends on the successful design and manufacture of integrated circuits. Without the current precision design technology, the millions of transistors that can be placed on one tiny IC would be a mere pipe-dream However, current practices allow us to design machines that can place the image of a integrated circuit onto a silicon wafer. This would not be possible were it not for the ability to create machines with extremely low positioning uncertainties.

Precision Manufacturing concerns itself with improving the accuracy and surface quality of the products being produced. Processes today need to be able to have great repeatability. Thus, this mandates being able to machine a part to within nanometers of variation. This technology helps to prevent waste, increases interchangeability among similar parts, and allows us to push the envelope of current precision manufacturing technology.

The technology for producing high precision measuring instruments, or metrology, is essential. Without the capability for accurate measure, the pursuit of precision design and manufacturing is lost. This is the basic discipline behind the advancements being made today. Coordinate measuring systems and laser interferometers are some of the highly accurate measuring devices being used today.

Precision machine design has been a goal of mankind throughout history and has its eldest roots in ancient Greece. It was then that the value of having precise measures came to be realized. Devices such as the staff of Archimedes, Hero's dioptra, a precursor of the theodolite, and navigation devices like the astrolabe displayed the necessity for precision. The goal was far from met, however, because of inconsistencies in the graduations between instruments. Measurements from one device would not necessarily be reflected by those of another. Later, Swiss watch makers improved the science through the long development of mechanical clocks. Chronometers, born from the need for accurate time measurement in order to advance nautical navigation, had to be precisely constructed. Without such technology, navies would roam astray and detailed charts could not be made for shipping routes. Subsequently, the quest to build a better clock resulted in the study of materials, their properties, and the development of better, more specialized tools.

With the improved technology researched by the watch makers emerged a new class of instrument makers. They in turn led to a revolution in machine tools and interchangeable parts. The grail of interchangeability was long sought, though. Eli Whitney, the inventor of the cotton gin, attempted to do this with his line of muskets contracted to the US government in 1801. Unfortunately, his attempts never really produced anything truly interchangeable. One of Whitney's French peers, Honore Blanc, was successful in creating interchangeable musket locks, but was unsuccessful in getting his government to accept the notion. Thus his work was dissolved in bankruptcy after his death.

Eventually, interchangeable parts technology was adopted by several companies. This spurred a race to create better implements of measure. In the process, improved vernier calipers and machinist rules were created. Better measurements mean better products. The quest continues today, through research at the University of Kentucky and elsewhere, to further refine precision manufacturing technology.