How to use the height gauge? Provide inspection and factory certification services

As a quality control (QC) specialist, proficiency in the use of various measuring tools during the inspection process is fundamental to ensuring product quality meets standards. Whether in routine inspections, factory audits, or supply chain verification, precise measuring tools play a crucial role. Dial height gauges, as common high-precision measuring instruments, are widely used in incoming material inspection, in-process inspection, and finished product inspection to measure critical dimensions such as height, flatness, and perpendicularity. Mastering their use is essential to becoming an excellent inspector.

1. Structural Overview

A dial height gauge primarily consists of a base, column, measuring arm, dial indicator (usually a dial or micrometer), fine-tuning mechanism, counter, and scriber. Its structural design balances stability and accuracy, making it suitable for systematic measurement of product dimensions in a variety of inspection environments.

2. Usage and reading specifications

(1) Usage

During the inspection or factory inspection process, standardized operation is the prerequisite for ensuring the accuracy of the inspection results:

A. Preparation: Before use, clean the measuring head with alcohol and perform the inspection procedure. Verify the function and accuracy of the dial indicator one by one according to the inspection items to ensure that it meets the inspection standards.

B. Installation and Zeroing: Securely mount the lever dial indicator on the height gauge's measuring foot. Typically, preload the indicator by approximately 0.15mm. Lower the measuring foot until the indicator contacts the inspection platform. Adjust the dial to "0" and return the height gauge counter to zero. After zeroing, raise the measuring foot so the indicator contacts the workpiece and ensure the indicator returns to "0." The value displayed on the height gauge now represents the actual deviation of the measured dimension.

(2) Reading method

During quality inspection, correct readings are key to ensuring reliable data:

A Initial operation: Align the measuring surface of the scriber with the reference surface of the workpiece, press the restart button of the up/down counter, and adjust the counter and the pointer reading plate to zero.

B. Moving measurement: Move the scriber to the point to be measured. Use the counter display and the position of the dial pointer to determine the distance moved. Note: The pointer turns right when rising and turns left when falling.

Example description (common data interpretation scenarios in inspection):

Example 1: If the counter displays "28" and the pointer turns right past the "0" position, the actual measured value is: 28 + 0.04 = 28.04mm.

Example 2: If the counter displays "28" and the pointer does not move to the left past "0", the actual value is: 28 - 0.04 = 27.96mm.

(3) Notes

During the factory or on-site inspection process, the following matters require special attention to ensure the fairness and accuracy of the inspection results:

• When reading the reading, keep your line of sight level with the scale to avoid parallax errors.

• Make sure the scriber and the clamping part are not loose to prevent measurement failure.

• When moving the height gauge, hold it in the correct position. It is strictly forbidden to push or pull the spindle directly with your hands to avoid affecting the accuracy and life of the equipment.

• If the base reference surface or the scriber claws are damaged, stop using the machine and hand it over to a professional repair organization. Self-repair is strictly prohibited.

• If the counter displays abnormality or malfunctions, it should be immediately deactivated and repaired. Regular calibration is the key to maintaining the reliability of inspection equipment.

3. Summary

For QC personnel, a dial height gauge is not only a valuable tool for daily inspection but also a crucial basis for determining product conformance to specifications. Mastering its correct usage and rigorously following the inspection and calibration process not only demonstrates professionalism but also directly impacts the effectiveness of quality control and the pass rate of factory audits. Continuously accumulating experience and standardizing procedures in daily inspections can continuously improve the accuracy and reliability of inspections, providing solid support for corporate quality assurance systems. At China Huibang Focus, we specialize in product inspection and quarantine, testing and certification, supplier background checks, audits, and factory inspections.