There is a blur between the advances in metrology and the use of advances from other industries. But sometimes, combining the best of both worlds creates products that are simple for the operator to use while also being able to provide very complex measuring results.

Today, there are myriad ways to breathe new life into existing gages without the need to invest in new gaging. Users are familiar with the gages they have. They may be under quality control cycles, are easy to use, provide good results, and have proven themselves over time.

All types of gaging, whether it be hand tools, comparative gages, complex measuring stations or portable surface finish gages, have long gone digital.

Digitalization has changed our world as the internet and modern technology continue to shape the manufacturing industry. For example, the vision of Industry 4.0 shows that production systems and machines are required to be flexible and adapt with continuously changing manufactured products. That means production will be more individualized, flexible, and faster. 

The need for long-range height measurements has been around since the principles of lay out work became a fundamental requirement in machine shops. 

The precision length calibration process is very much like any length measurement process, but taken to a significantly higher level. Both processes are composed of the same elements.

Screw threads are one of those important elements of mechanical design that are often taken for granted but find usage in critically important applications.

As with every other function in modern manufacturing operations, inspection is subject to the management team’s efforts at cost control or cost containment. It is good business sense to maximize the value of every dollar spent, but it also means that hard choices must be made when selecting handheld gages.

Surfaces are designed into products to reduce friction, “store” lubricants, provide a high luster finish or be the proper texture to hold paint (but not show the actual surface of the paint). 

Air gaging has many advantages as an inspection method. It is quick and easy to use, and requires little skill on the part of the operator.