Qu'est-ce qu'une colonne de mesure

Une colonne de mesure est un instrument universel utilisé dans les ateliers pour mesurer rapidement et précisément les dimensions des pièces mécaniques. Cet instrument polyvalent est essentiel pour la fabrication, l'ingénierie et le contrôle de la qualité.

Les colonnes de mesure sont principalement conçues pour mesurer les hauteurs, les longueurs, les distances, les diamètres et l'équerrage des pièces. Leur principal succès dans l'atelier est dû à leur facilité d'utilisation et à leur rapidité de mesure.

Il existe différents types de colonnes de mesure, qui peuvent être sélectionnés en fonction des besoins, des applications et du budget de l'entreprise.

What Is a Height Gauge Used For?

A height gauge is primarily used to measure the position of features on a workpiece relative to a reference surface.

Typical height gauge measurements include:

• Height measurements
• Distances between features
• Diameter measurements of cylindrical features
• Centerline measurements
• Thickness measurements
• Squareness and perpendicularity
• Angles and cones with advanced 2D height gauges
• Marking out precise dimensions on a workpiece

The exact measurement capabilities depend on the height gauge, measuring probe and accessories being used.

How Does a Height Gauge Work?

A height gauge works by moving a measuring probe along a vertical measuring axis. The instrument is placed on a precision surface plate, which provides the reference plane. The workpiece is placed on the same surface. The operator then positions the measuring probe against the feature to be measured. The height gauge determines the distance between the reference surface and the measured feature.

Modern electronic height gauges provide a digital measurement display and, depending on the model, additional functions such as data transfer, measurement guidance and programmed measurement sequences.

What Can You Measure With a Height Gauge?

A height gauge is a versatile dimensional measuring instrument. Depending on its configuration, it can be used for:

Height and Distance Measurements

The most basic application is measuring the vertical distance between the reference surface and a feature on the workpiece. This includes measuring steps, shoulders, surfaces, grooves and other features.

Diameter and Centerline Measurements

A height gauge can measure cylindrical features such as holes and shafts. The measurement can be used to determine the diameter and centerline position of a feature.

Some Trimos height gauges include dedicated functions designed to make diameter and centerline measurements faster and easier.

Squareness and Perpendicularity

A suitable indicator or electronic probe can be used to check the perpendicularity of a feature relative to the reference surface. This is useful when inspecting machined components where the orientation of a surface or feature is important.

2D Measurements

Advanced 2D height gauges extend the capabilities of a conventional height gauge. Depending on the instrument, 2D measurement functions can include diameters, centerlines, angles, cones, perpendicularity and other geometric measurements.

For example, the Trimos V7 and V9 provide graphical assistance for 2D measurements, including diameter and angle measurements.

Scribing

A height gauge can also be fitted with a scriber or suitable marking insert to transfer precise dimensions onto a workpiece. This makes height gauges useful not only for inspection but also for preparation and marking-out operations in workshops. Exemple: Trimos V1

What Are the Different Types of Height Gauges?

Height gauges are available in different configurations depending on the required measurement capabilities and working environment.

Manual Height Gauges

Manual height gauges use operator-controlled carriage movement.They are well suited to straightforward dimensional measurements and workshop inspection.

Digital Height Gauges

Digital height gauges use an electronic measuring system and digital display, making measurements easy to read and record. Modern digital instruments can also provide data interfaces for transferring measurements to external systems.

Motorized Height Gauges

Motorized height gauges use powered carriage movement to simplify positioning and repetitive measurements.

Some instruments combine manual and motor-driven movement, allowing the operator to select the most appropriate mode for the application. The Trimos V5, for example, combines manual and motor-driven carriage displacement.

1D Height Gauges

A 1D height gauge is primarily designed for measurements along the vertical measuring axis. It is suitable for common height, distance and dimensional inspection tasks.

2D Height Gauges

A 2D height gauge provides additional measurement capabilities beyond a simple vertical height measurement.

Depending on the model, it can perform measurements such as diameters, centerlines, angles and perpendicularity, often with graphical assistance.

Where Are Height Gauges Used?

Height gauges are used wherever accurate dimensional inspection is required. Common applications include:

• Machine shops for checking machined components
• Quality control for verifying dimensions and tolerances
• Manufacturing for in-process and final inspection
• Toolrooms for measurement and scribing
• Metrology laboratories for precision dimensional measurement
• Engineering for prototype and component inspection

One of the advantages of a height gauge is that it can be used close to the machining or production area, allowing operators to perform many measurements without sending every component to a dedicated CMM or metrology laboratory. Trimos positions its height gauges for both workshop and laboratory use.