Measure diameters, angles, and other complex geometries—like an optical comparator—but without all the training. These gauges have an easy-to-use touch screen that guides you through taking measurements step-by-step. Extremely precise, they measure in the smallest increments of any height gauge in our offering, and they’re also our most accurate. Use them in machining and toolmaking to mark material before cutting it. To fly through big batches of work, program up to 50 types of repeated measurements.

From calibration reminders to calculation error alarms, these gauges have functions to make sure they give you accurate and consistent readings. Upon startup, they walk you through a scale check to detect traces of contamination that would cause errors. The air bearing system helps the slider glide smoothly up and down yet holds its spot steady when it’s time to measure. Rotate the screen to read it at the angle you need. Zero-position memory, also known as absolute (ABS) positioning, retains the measuring position even when the gauge is turned off.

With up to two months of storage to record actions and measurements, these gauges create an archive you can look through and identify trends. Connect them via Bluetooth to your phone, tablet, or other devices to remotely monitor and analyze data in real time. Otherwise, use the SPC data output to connect to a computer or data processor. To send data right into programs such as Excel, use a USB cord or RS-232 cable (both 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).

Optical comparators with edge detection increase accuracy and efficiency by reducing human error. No need to identify each edge yourself with the crosshair—these comparators register whether they are passing over your object's shadow or a gap, such as a hole or cutout.

Rotary vises (sold separately) give you a secure way to hold up and rotate objects.

Cabinets (sold separately) can serve as a stand for your comparator and as storage for lenses and other accessories.