As startup businesses succeed, they continue to grow. While there are many ways for small businesses to expand, it’s up to each of them to decide how they will do so. If you want to focus on increasing your business’s efficiency, one of the best ways to do that is by improving how you measure your products. Fortunately, there are many gages that help businesses perform this task.
However, having the right gage for your needs is essential to ensuring that your products are manufactured to the highest quality standards. Explore the different types of gages for measuring the size of products and discover how you can best utilize each.
Mechanical Gages
The first main group of gages is mechanical gages. These are the traditional choice for measuring product sizes. These gages typically include a scale or dial and an indicator that moves along the scale to display the measurement. Because of this design, these gages are simple to use and require no power source, making them suitable for a variety of applications.
Micrometers
Micrometers are a common choice for measuring the thickness or diameter of small parts with precision. They use a screw mechanism that moves the spindle toward the anvil or a fixed reference surface. You can adjust the spindle and anvil for different types of measurements, such as depth measurement with a depth micrometer.
Dial Indicators
Dial indicators are versatile gages used to measure the relative position of a part. They can indicate either the distance of displacement or variations in position as you measure the part. Many companies use dial indicators in conjunction with other gages or fixtures to measure different dimension variations.
Calipers
Calipers are another type of mechanical gage. They are versatile measuring instruments that can measure both internal and external dimensions. They come in various types, such as vernier, dial, or digital. The choice of caliper type depends on the level of precision required, as well as personal preference.
Electronic Gages
There are also various electronic gages available. These gages are modern alternatives to traditional mechanical options. They typically use sensors to measure displacement or variations in dimensions. Some benefits of electronic gages are their increased precision, ease of reading digital displays, and the ability to export measurements to computer software, which is a significant component in these types of gages for measuring the size of products.
Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs)
CMMs are advanced measurement systems that can measure the geometric characteristics of parts with high precision. They use a probe that travels along three axes (X, Y, and Z) to capture the coordinates of discrete points on the part’s surface. CMMs are an excellent choice for complex, high-tolerance parts that require accurate measurements.
Air Gages
Air gages are a unique type of measuring instrument that uses controlled air pressure to measure dimensions. They consist of a measuring head, a metering unit with pressure gauges, and an air supply. As air flows between the measuring head and the part, the metering unit measures the back pressure resulting from the gap between the two. Air gages are non-contact and can provide precise measurements with excellent repeatability. Just make sure you know the dos and don’ts of choosing an air gage before you decide to buy one.
