When it comes to manufacturing and machining parts, one of the most critical aspects is ensuring that they are within tolerance and meet the required specifications. One of the common measurements that need to be taken is the perpendicularity of a part.
What is Perpendicularity?
Perpendicularity refers to the degree to which a part is at right angles to a reference plane or surface. It is essential for parts that need to fit together precisely, such as mating surfaces or components in a mechanical assembly. In this blog, we will explore whether it is possible to measure perpendicularity of a part using a regular height gauge.
What is a Height gauge?
A height gauge is a precision measuring tool commonly used in machining and manufacturing to measure the height of a part or surface relative to a reference plane. It consists of a base, a vertical column, and a measuring head that can be moved up and down the column. The measuring head typically has a probe or a scriber that can be used to make contact with the surface being measured.
Can a Regular Height Gauge Measure Perpendicularity?
Now, coming to the question of whether a regular height gauge can measure perpendicularity, the answer is both yes and no. A regular height gauge can measure perpendicularity to some extent, but it is not the most accurate method, especially for critical applications.
To measure perpendicularity using a height gauge, the part needs to be placed on a flat surface, and the gauge needs to be zeroed at a specific reference point. The measuring head is then positioned perpendicular to the surface being measured, and the reading is taken. The reading indicates the degree to which the part is perpendicular to the reference surface.
However, the accuracy of the measurement is limited by several factors:
1. A regular height gauge is not designed specifically for measuring perpendicularity, and the measuring head may not be perfectly perpendicular to the reference surface.
2. The flat surface on which the part is placed may not be perfectly flat, and this can introduce errors in the measurement.
3. The contact point between the part and the measuring head may not be precisely on the part’s centerline, leading to inaccuracies in the measurement.
Therefore, while it is possible to measure perpendicularity using a regular height gauge, it is not the most accurate method, especially for critical applications where tight tolerances are required. In such cases, specialized instruments such as surface plates, 2D Height Gauge, optical instruments, or coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) may be used to ensure accurate measurements.
The following video is also a great guide on what is the correct instrument to measure perpendicularity.
Thus, while a regular height gauge can measure perpendicularity to some extent, it is not the most accurate method for critical applications. Therefore, it is important to choose the right measuring instrument based on the application’s requirements to ensure accurate measurements and meet the required specifications.
Bombay Tools Supplying Agency Pvt. Ltd. can assist you in finding the right measuring instrument for your application, for more details please contact them.