The current complexity of machines means machinists are already busy — assigning them new, expanded SQL duties (such as gage identification) will require gages and processes to prioritize accessibility.
Digital indicators bring a wealth of benefits over dial indicators, but simply swapping one for the other can lead to problems in repeatability and process durability.
Dial indicators provide useful readings about tolerance ranges at a glance — but new users need to know how to set up these indicators before using them.
Long-wavelength waviness and short-wavelength roughness require a wide variety of instruments and parameters for proper measurement — and lower numbers aren’t always better.
Different thicknesses require different gage types during inspection — four common ones are handheld indicators, handheld micrometers, opposed air streams and gage blocks.