The figure on the cover illustrates a typical distribution of spherical probe points selected by the control software for a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). The CMM is a metrology machine used to measure manufactured parts and uses a probe tip that can be brought into contact with a surface being measured in order to produce an (x,y,z) data point relative to the CMM origin. These points are usually used, in this case, for fitting spherical models to the data for metrology purposes. For more information about this technology see the paper by David Gilsinn, Bruce Borchardt, and Amelia Tebbe “Estimating Volumes of Near-Spherical Molded Artifacts” of this issue.

Cover illustration arranged by C. Carey.