Users of steel castings establish performance requirements for specific characteristics of the castings based on the planned use. They express tolerance for variation in those characteristics to the producer of the castings. One issue which should never be taken for granted in considering capability and tolerances is the ability to measure with accuracy and precision (repeatability and reproducibility). This chapter discusses the methods for measuring accuracy and precision. It describes the variation of process characteristics, capability indices in general use, and factors related to process performance and tolerance specification.

Circuit edit has been instrumental to the development of focused ion beam (FIB) systems. FIB tools for advanced circuit edit play a major role in the validation of design and manufacture. This chapter begins with an overview of value, role, and unique capabilities of FIB circuit edit tools for first silicon debug. The etching capabilities of circuit edit FIB tools are then discussed, providing information on chemistry assisted etching in silicon oxides and low-k dielectrics. The chapter also discusses the requirements and procedures involved in edit operation: high aspect ratio milling, endpointing, and cutting copper. It then provides an introduction to FIB metal/conductor deposition and FIB dielectric deposition. Edit design rules that can facilitate prototype production from first silicon are also provided. The chapter concludes with a discussion on future trends in circuit edit technology.

Casting quality and consistency need to be carefully controlled. This chapter discusses the procedures that describe the process and product quality controls. In addition, it provides information on quality assurance programs.

Most steels that are hardened are subjected to a subcritical heat treatment referred to as tempering. Tempering improves the toughness of as-quenched martensitic microstructures but lowers strength and hardness. This chapter describes the microstructural changes that occur during tempering and their effect on the mechanical properties of steel. It also discusses the effect of alloying elements and the formation of oxide colors.