Height gages come in many shapes and sizes, and have shown incredible improvement in their technology over the past few decades. Due to these factors, as well as their regular use in precision measurement, height gages are one of the most versatile tools you can have in your possession. Height gages are used either to mark an item at a particular height for later work, or to determine the specific height of a particular object. Using a base plate, typically made of granite, along with an adjustable clamp and scriber, the height gage will determine the vertical size of almost any part. Beyond its basic function, the height gage comes with numerous advantages that set it apart from other precision measurement tools, and we would like to outline some of those for you today.
Height gages can be mechanical or electrical, and each type comes with certain benefits. The three most standard mechanical height gages are Vernier height gages, dial height gages, and digital counter height gages. Vernier height gages can make measurements up to 6 feet in height, making them ideal for larger jobs. Dial height gages are usually for smaller measurements of less than 12 inches, but are therefore great as a transportable tool that is easy to store. Finally, digital counter height gages are easy to read, decrease measurement time, and allow for the setting of a floating zero point. Electrical height gages come in three main groups, each with increasing level of accuracy, depending on your measurement needs.
One of the main advantages of height gages is that even the lower end gages offer a range of abilities and accuracy, allowing them to be flexible for your needs. While height gages come with a wide range of features and precision levels, at every grade they are fine tools that could include a simple indicator or a built-in calculation device. Whether you are looking for inclusion of a pneumatic gliding system, a height gage that is more lightweight, that is more durable, that has manual or digital adjustments, or any other specific features, there is a height gage that will match your necessary criteria.
Another advantage of height gages is their extreme precision and accuracy in every measurement they take. The standard being referenced, the instrument itself, and the gage operator all open up opportunity for error. However, the modern day height gage has been built with an incredible degree of resolution. This works to prevents from any potential error on the part of the machine. Additionally, whereas height gages used to be made of material such as cast iron as a means of creating weight and stability, height gages today are made of lightweight materials that do not sacrifice accuracy.
A final important advantage of the height gage is its electronic and wireless capabilities. The output on these tools is easier to read and more precise in its measurement. Furthermore, some height gages can even be programmed to adjust for potential error caused by differences in the squareness and straightness of a measurement. As long as the surface plate is thoroughly cleaned and buffed, electronic height gages are also able to set a zero point that is as close to error-free as is imaginable. These amazing wireless tools also record and transmit digital information concerning any measurements, allowing for easy record keeping and statistical processing. Height gages even sometimes come with motorized probes that automatically determine the correct placement.
Height gages are one of the most versatile precision measurement tools around. They are available in numerous shapes and sizes, and they come with a huge range of capabilities and prices. Whatever your measurement needs, there is a height gage for you.