Blog

A height gage is a measuring instrument designed to measure the height of a workpiece. It features a slider and measuring stylus. These components move relative to a measuring scale that is attached to a beam. They move along a single vertical axis, which is nominally perpendicular to a reference plane. That plane is typically fixed on the instrument base. Today, height gages are a valuable asset when it comes to quality control. If you are looking to get one, you have come to the right place. In this post, you will explore different types of height gages and learn how they work!

Option A: Electronic / Digital Height Gages

The first option that you can consider is a digital or electronic height gage. Digital versions of height gages are divided into three distinct groups:

• Group one: Height gages in this group often feature data output, floating zero, absolute zero, and metric/inch conversion.
• Group two: Height gages in this group come with all the first group’s features. The accuracy of the tool, however, is a magnitude of order better. They may also come with additional features such as probe compensation, TIR, max/min, ID/OD measurement, and tolerance setting.
• Group three: Height gages in this group have all the features that were mentioned in the second group. These gages, however, feature a higher accuracy rating. Most of them also have the ability to store and generate programs, motorized touch probes, air bearings, and computer interfaces (enabling SPC). You can use these height gages to measure a part feature in two dimensions. You just need to rotate the workpiece. Technicians can use gages from this group if they wish to reduce the demand on their CMMs and when higher accuracies are required.

Option B: Mechanical Height Gages

Depending on your company’s budget and needs, you may also consider mechanical height gages. This type of height gage has been utilized in flat plate layouts for many years. The three basic types of mechanical height gages include:

• Digital counter height gages: The readings are clearer than Vernier scales and often feature dual-digit and dial counters. These features help decrease the time needed to lay out a part. The dual-digit counters can be used as a floating zero or set at the reference datum.
• Dial height gages: These gages are compact in nature and are often available in sizes below 300 mm or 12 inches. If you are looking to get a personal height gage, this option suits you better. What’s more, it can be easily stored in a machinist’s toolbox.
• Vernier height gages: These gages can feature one or two scales on the beam (both metric and inch). Their main advantage over other height gages is their height! They are available from six inches to six feet in height.

Now that you have a better understanding of the available types of height gages and their features, it is time to get one! If you can’t decide on which height gage to get, do not hesitate to contact Willrich Precision for advice.

Both dial and digital indicators have contact points. What is a contact point? It is essentially the point of interaction between your part and your tool. It is one of the most important parts of an indicator and comes in a great array of types. Depending on your current needs, these contact points can be replaced or altered in various ways. Let’s find out more about the different types of points (varying by shape) that indicators have.

Air gages are instruments that are used to measure surfaces by ejecting a stream of air onto the surface, which is then read by sensing nozzles. These sensing nozzles then transfer the readings to a calibrated scale. Air gages are exceptionally good at measuring internal diameters with high precision. The display end of air gages has evolved over time and now allows for digital readings. Modern air gages also have data ports that make it easier to download or transfer of data to computers and other analytical machines for more precise readouts.

Air gaging tools are an important part of a Quality Management System (QMS). Air gages allow a manufacturing process to determine if the quality of products being produced meets set standards. Let’s find out how you can go about incorporating air gages into your QMS.

Gaging is a form of measurement where the object under study is compared against a set standard (a gage) and its precision determined by the extent of its deviation from the gage. This is a contrast to direct measuring where a tool simply measures the object in a direct reading process. There are different forms of gaging of which air gaging is one of them. Gaging works well in environments where a high degree of precision and speed is required. In general, gaging processes are faster than conventional measurement processes and yield a high degree of precision. Within the gaging world, different approaches to gaging are utilized depending on needs and requirements.

Measuring surface finishes refers to the process of measuring the peaks and dips of a given surface, say on a product being produced. These measurements can give an idea of the performance of the product when it will go into use. For example, rougher surfaces have better adherence qualities although they are also more likely to wear faster than smoother surfaces. Depending on what is desired, manufacturers are able to measure and adjust surface roughness to fit some very precise standards.

Surface roughness testers measure the surface characteristics of an object. This is important because the surface dynamics determine the usability of that product as well as factors such as durability. For example rougher surfaces are more likely to corrode and be subject to wear and tear than smoother surfaces. On the other hand, smoother surfaces are less likely to adhere to each other than rougher surfaces. During the manufacturing process, these instruments measure the surface characteristics of the manufactured part and compare it to a required ideal. Readings from surface roughness testers are often measured in units symbolized as Ra.

Needles used to deliver fluids, fuel injection nozzles, and even aerosol cans are all examples of parts that use small holes for several reasons. Holes in nearly all of the aforementioned examples range from 0.1 mm to 1mm in diameter. To a layman, the holes may seem irrelevant. Experts will however tell you that in the medical field, that small holes used to deliver medicine or air to a patient can be the difference between life and death.  This means that precision matters a lot as far as these holes are concerned. Let’s find out how to properly measure them: