Find the exact edge of a workpiece without math or guesswork to quickly align your machining setup. Unlike most edge finders, these indicators don't require you to monitor the contact point's position and then add or subtract its diameter. When the display shows zero, that's your edge. These indicators move along three axes, so you can also use them to measure part dimensions, check surface flatness, and locate the centers of holes. The display swivels, eliminating the need to lean into your machine or set up mirrors to measure the back of your part.

Insert these indicators into your CNC or manual milling machine, adjust the set screws at the top to calibrate them, and they're ready to go. To stop the indicator from breaking, the contact point has a ceramic body that fractures if it collides with your part. Just screw on a new contact point to replace it without having to re-calibrate.

By projecting a magnified shadow or image of your part onto a screen, these optical comparators give you an easy way to measure and inspect its precise features. They work similarly to overhead projectors, but with fixed magnification to preserve proportions. Because of how easy they are to set up and use, they’re a staple in most machine shops. They shine light from above, so they’re best for inspecting flat parts, such as gaskets and O-rings. Unlike traditional optical comparators, these comparators are compact to fit easily on a benchtop.

To use these comparators, choose profile or surface lighting. Profile lighting creates a shadow of your part, which you can use to plot points for precise measurements. To plot each point, move the stage the part rests on until the point lines up with the crosshair on the projector screen. For precision, the stage moves in increments thinner than a sheet of paper. Surface lighting makes these comparators work like an illuminated magnifier, blanketing the part with even light to reveal scratches, dents, and other surface flaws.

Save the measurements you’ve gathered for later by exporting the data as a text file using an RS-232 cord (not included).

Measure and inspect precise features by projecting a magnified shadow or image of your part onto a screen. These optical comparators work similarly to overhead projectors, but with fixed magnification to preserve proportions. Because of how easy they are to set up and use, they’re a staple in most machine shops. From o-rings to castings, they work to inspect parts with simple or complex geometries. They shine light from the side, so unlike vertical comparators, your part can be held from underneath for stability. Unlike traditional optical comparators, these comparators are compact to fit easily on a benchtop.

To use these comparators, choose profile or surface lighting. Profile lighting creates a shadow of your part, which you can use to plot points for precise measurements. To plot each point, move the stage the parts rests on until the point lines up with the crosshair on the projector screen. For precision, the stage moves in increments thinner than a sheet of paper. Surface lighting makes these comparators work like an illuminated magnifier, blanketing the part with even light to reveal scratches, dents, and other surface flaws.

These comparators come with a variety of features to streamline your inspection process. For a quick way to compare manufactured parts to designs, set desired dimension and tolerance limits. You can also create a program that guides anyone using the comparator on what steps to follow, so each part is inspected the same way. To save everything for later, print the data or export it as a spreadsheet or text file to a computer with a USB or RS-232 connection.

Changing the magnification is as easy as twisting the current lens until it pops out and twisting in a new lens (sold separately).