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Manufacturing consists of several stages: planning, designing, prototyping, fabrication, and post-processing. Measuring and product inspection is important to ensure that things go as planned. High-precision measurement tools are necessary to achieve the best results. They are critical in translating the design engineer’s vision into reality.
Dimension measuring instruments are devices that measure an object’s physical characteristics, like height, width, length, curvature, or angle. Measurement instruments are classified according to their operating principle. The common types of measuring devices are hand tools, pneumatic gauges, CMMs, optical devices, light-based devices, and vision-measuring machines.
Today, we will discuss 8 of the best dimensional measurement instruments your business can benefit from. Not only do they cover a vast number of applications, but they are also trusted by industry leaders. Every manufacturer has unique needs for precision, object delicateness, surface inspection, or transparency. From hand tools to measurement robots, we have you covered with this comprehensive list.
Top 8 Types of Dimensional Measurement Instruments
Vision-meetsystemen
Machine-based visual inspection has been around since the 1980s, but now it has developed into a full-fledged measuring technique. A vision measuring system comprises a CCD camera, lighting system, optical lens, and analytical software. The camera takes a picture of the workpiece, and computer software analyzes its dimensions. Depending on the type of software, vision measuring systems can perform 2D or 3D measurements.
Vision measuring systems can deliver high-precision results down to the micron level. They perform fast measurements but are limited to small-sized workpieces. Vision measuring systems are sensitive to external light and must be operated in controlled environments. They are valuable in the electronics, medical, and aerospace industries, which require high-precision measurement for small parts. Due to their fast work rate, they are suitable for factories with high output requirements.
Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs)
Coordinate measuring machines are specialized industrial devices that measure 3D dimensions. Their primary component is a probe that touches various workpiece parts to evaluate distances. It can be manual or automated. After assessing the points, the CMM constructs a point cloud for the workpiece. It consists of a point-based reproduction of the object’s surface. CMMs provide high precision, with most modern devices offering micron-level measurements.
There are different types of CMMs that are used for various measurement needs. Bridge CMMs are the most common and versatile. Gantry CMMs are designed for large machine parts and offer high precision, while horizontal arm CMMs suit applications that require lower precision. Cantilever CMMs feature a single pillar with a side-mounted arm. They can measure workpieces with complex geometries.
Due to their complex mechanical construction, CMMs are called industrial measurement robots. While most CMMs are contact-based, some offer optical or laser probes that do not need to contact the workpiece. CMMs can perform geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. They can recreate planar and cylindrical surfaces to inspect an object’s exterior.
Gereedschapsmeetmachine
Innovation in measurement has led to the development of complex machines. Tool measuring machines provide high-precision data on the dimensions of a workpiece. Software tools process the data collected by them. Several tool-measuring devices include CNC machines, 3D machines, infrared probes, and laser tools. They have different working principles, but they achieve the same results. Manufacturers choose between them according to the niche advantages they offer.
Infrared probing systems operate on light signals sent through a stylus. It measures a workpiece’s surface by coming in contact with it. Laser scanners and laser tool setters offer non-contact tool measurements. Laser tool setters can quickly detect tool wear and breakage, while laser scanners capture surface data during manufacturing. Like the infrared probing system, radio-wave probing systems provide in-process measurements using radio waves. Measurement devices, temperature devices, and tool setters establish a comprehensive manufacturing environment.
While measurement devices are suitable for quantitative analysis, they are unsuitable for making qualitative decisions. Software tools such as measuring software can analyze dimensional data and make complex qualitative reports. They make logging, retrieving, and translating data much easier.
Laser Distance Meter
A laser distance meter is a handheld electronic measurement device. It emits a laser beam and catches its reflection to determine the distance between two points. A laser meter is a fast, accurate, and non-contact method of measurement. Depending on the device, a laser meter can measure distances up to 100m. Modern laser meters come with several quality-of-life offerings like Bluetooth connectivity, a camera, and touch screens.
The laser meter operates on the principle of speed to determine distance. It emits a laser pulse that travels at the speed of light and catches its reflection in its photocell. The duration elapsed between pulse emission and pulse return can determine the distance between two points.
A laser distance meter can be useful in many scenarios. It can conveniently measure linear distance, surface area, and volume. Among its convenience features is a memory card to store data, making it easy to determine the min/max value over a series of measurements. It can measure continuously while the device is moving, can also be used for angle measurement, and can indirectly and automatically complete distance measurement.
Vernier Caliper
The vernier caliper is one of the oldest scientific measurement tools. It was first described by Pierre Vernier at Brussels in 1631. It consists of a metal scale with two sets of jaws and a movable middle section known as the vernier scale. Vernier calipers can measure linear distances as well as dimensions of round objects. Reliable, portable, and inexpensive, vernier calipers are extremely handy.
Vernier calipers are highly precise and easily available, making them common in the industry. They are excellent at measuring small to medium-sized objects, delivering a precision of up to 0.01 mm. The main scale denotes the whole number, while the vernier scale gives the decimal value. Vernier calipers come with either a dial indicator or an LCD screen.
Micrometer
The micrometer is another scale-based handheld measurement tool. It provides high-precision measurements in workpieces like small tools and fittings. A micrometer is composed of a U-shaped frame with two ends – one called an anvil and the other a spindle. The spindle is attached to a handle-like component that contains the main and circular scales.
During operation, the object is fit between the U-frame. After this, you rotate the spindle, firmly clasping the object between the two faces. Naturally, the circular scale advances with the spindle. The number of screw rotations directly corresponds to the measuring distance. A micrometer can provide precision up to 0.001 mm. Like the vernier caliper, a micrometer has either a mechanical dial or an LCD screen.
Height Gauge
A height gauge is a mechanical tool that measures the height of objects. It consists of a base, post, sliding beam, scale, scriber, and fixing screw. Height gauges contain a vernier scale for manual measurements or an LCD panel that gives automatic readings. Height gauges come in different sizes to measure different kinds of objects. They vary in size from 6 inches to 6 feet. Height gauges accurately measure vertical distances in manufacturing, medicine, metalworking, and science.
Several types of height gauges are available with different utilities and advantages. Standard height gauges are equipped with a main and vernier scales with 0.02 or 0.05mm graduations. Digital height gauges have an LCD and are easier to read. They have a resolution of 0.01 mm. By pressing the “zero” switch, they can be set to 0 at any moment, making relative measurements easier.
Contour Measuring Instrument
Contour measuring instruments evaluate dimensions, surface variations, and roughness in objects. Surface profiling has become an important component of small-part manufacturing. The smallest deviation in roughness can cause problems farther down the production chain. Contour and roughness analysis ensures design consistency in batch processing. Contour measuring instruments can reduce cumulative errors in manufacturing. They can detect deviations in workpieces from the design data and label them as faulty based on pre-defined criteria. Contour measurement significantly decreases product inspection time and saves operational costs.
Contour measuring devices usually have a high-resolution gauge, workbench, column, and swing-arm system. The mechanical arm connects to a probe or stylus, which traverses the object’s body. Contour measuring devices perform measurements on the 3-dimensional coordinate system. The machine creates a 3D mapping and stores it on the disk. Computer software processes the 3D model. It can perform various functions like analyzing point fittings, rotating the object view, and controlling the magnification. The computer software also lets you conveniently store and reuse data.
Conclusie
We have outlined the most productive measurement tools in the industry, but the best one will depend on your use. Choosing the appropriate dimensional measurement instrument means taking into account several factors. Are you dealing with small or large parts? What are your batch sizes? How many products will you inspect per day? And finally, what are your budgetary restrictions? Answering these questions will make tool selection very easy. We assure you that one of the instruments in this list will fulfill your needs. Our experts are always available to guide you on your journey. Contact us for a professional consultation!