Abstract: A method and system are provided for automatically identifying non-labeled, manufactured parts. The system includes an electronic storage device to store templates of a plurality of known good, manufactured parts. Each of the templates includes a part profile and a set of features. Each of the features includes a range of acceptable values. Each of the templates has a part identification code associated therewith. A first subsystem optically measures a profile and features of a part to be purchased. The system further includes a processor operable to compare the profile and the features of the part to be purchased with the profile and corresponding features of each of the stored templates to identify a template which most closely matches the profile and features of the part to be purchased and to generate and transmit an identification signal representing the part identification code for the part associated with the most closely matched template.

Abstract: At least one measurement coil of an eddy current part inspection system is oriented relative to a track surface so that the longitudinal axis of the magnetic field generated by the at least one measurement coil is skewed relative to the track surface so as to be substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of a part on the track surface which can move thereon through the at least one measurement coil.