This section provides an overview for test indicators as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 14 test indicator manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked test indicator companies as of November, 2024: 1.Starrett, 2.KÄFER MESSUHRENFABRIK GMBH & CO. KG, 3.Noga Engineering & Technology Ltd..
Table of Contents
A test indicator is a so-called lever-type dial gauge.
The measuring element at the tip moves up and down per displacement, amplifies the displacement using the principle of leverage, and the amount of displacement is converted into rotational movement of the needle to display the indicated value on a dial scale.
Depending on the shape and orientation of the display plate, there are standard, inclined, vertical, and horizontal types. There is also a universal type in which the dial scale can be oriented in any direction. The scale ranges from 0.01 mm to 0.001 mm per graduation, and the measuring ranges are large and small.
Test indicators can be used not only for dimensional measurement but also for measuring flatness and parallelism by measuring several points on the plane of the object to be measured. It can also be attached to a machine tool's spindle to measure the rotary axis's runout. The runout value is used for various purposes, such as centering the rotary axis.
Test indicators are available from various manufacturers in terms of the direction of the scale plate, length of the measuring element, etc. This allows for the selection of optimum suitability for the application and situation.
The test indicator has a built-in displacement amplification mechanism called a movement, a combination of gears inside the main frame. A measuring element attached to the movement is outside the main frame, and the measuring element moves up and down to measure the displacement.
The displacement of the measuring element is amplified in the movement using the principle of leverage. It is converted into the rotational movement of the needle through repeated amplification by a combination of gears. The amplification is so significant that displacement can be measured in increments of 0.001 mm. However, because of the substantial amplification, the range measured is as minimal as 1 to 2 mm, and the needle will swing beyond this range. Forcibly applying displacement while the needle is out of range can cause a malfunction.
The length of the measuring element must be adjusted according to the model and displacement. Therefore, if a combination not included in the manufacturer's lineup is used, the accurate measurement value will not be displayed even if it is possible to install it successfully.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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NBK America LLC, founded in 2015 and based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, is an American manufacturer and a subsidiary of Japan's Nabeya Bi-tech Kaisha, specializing in mechanical components. Their product range includes couplings, like miniature shaft couplings for precision machine tools and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, special screws, such as vacuum application screws and other machine components. NBK offers finite automaton (FA) solutions, including wireless positioning units for production lines and setup operations. NBK provides machine component servicing, such as vibration resistance treatment and laser engraving. Services for couplings and special screws include coupling stainless steel screw alteration and screw length adjustment.
The L.S. Starrett Company was founded in 1880 and is headquartered in Athol, Massachusetts. The company is a manufacturer of industrial, professional, and consumer measuring and cutting tools to customers globally. The company has three general product segments: precision hand tools, gage blocks, and surface plates. Precision hand tools include depth gages, micrometers, squares, and over 15 other types of handheld measuring tools. Gage block offerings include individual blocks, sets, and accessories.
Mitutoyo America Corporation was founded in Aurora, Illinois in 1963 by Mitutoyo Corporation of Japan as its American sales, marketing, and service subsidiary. The company provides parts service, manufacturing, and turnkey solutions for metrology equipment for aerospace, alternative energy, automotive, semiconductor, and other industries. The company’s product offerings include coordinate measuring machines, sensor systems, test equipment, and vision measuring equipment customized for customer needs. The company’s services include calibration and repair, installation, contract part programming, and training and education for operation as well as calibration.
Gem Instrument Co., headquartered in Brunswick, Ohio, is a manufacturer of precision measuring instruments. Their product range includes swivel clamps, magnetic bases, as well as dial indicators, and calipers. These instruments play a crucial role in providing accurate measurement, alignment, and positioning solutions to ensure product quality, process efficiency, and regulatory compliance for manufacturing, assembly, and service industries. Gem Instrument Co. also caters to the specific requirements of customized precision products.
Teclock, founded in 1950 and based in Okaya, Nagano, Japan, is a distinguished manufacturer of precision measuring instruments. Its instruments has a high dimensional accuracy with a smallest scale of 0.0005mm. Its product lineup includes dial indicators, lever testers, thickness gauges, depth gauges, and calipers. The company also offers height gauges, stands, handy durometers, and micrometers. The company also provides a Cloud-based IoT measurement solution, enabling the seamless digitization and analysis of measurement data.
Shinwa Rules Co. was founded in Niigata, Japan, in 1971. Shinwa Rules Co. develops a variety of measuring products including calipers, thermometers, hygrometers, laser optical apparatuses, and sheet heating elements. Above these, Shinwa develops metallic rulers and squares. Additionally, Shinwa operates as an OEM supplier for special calibrations and machine tools, special surface fabrication, and etching on metallic parts.
KÄFER MESSUHRENFABRIK GMBH & CO. KG is a German manufacturer of precision measuring instruments that was established in 1932 and is headquartered in Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany. The company produces a wide range of precision measuring instruments, including dial gauges, depth micrometers, and comparators.KÄFER MESSUHRENFABRIK also produce a number of accessories including contact points, magnetic holders and stands, measuring tables bases for depth gauges. Its products are used by a number of industries, as diverse as manufacturing, machine building, and automotive industries. The company also provides a range of services, including calibration service, repair service, repair instructions, international standards certification and maintenance.
Hangzhou Allendale Limited, founded in 2003 with headquarters in China, is a manufacturer and supplier of a portfolio of engineering, metrology, ultrasonic tooling, craft, and storage tools and equipment. The company's products include metrology tools, digital readout systems, soldering tools, ultrasonic cleaning tools, and data acquisition systems. Hangzhou Allendale Limited serves various industries, including automotive, processing plants, electronics manufacturers, and home appliance markets, as well as serving tradespeople with on-site tools. Examples of Hangzhou Allendale Limited’s products include soldering irons and soldering iron stations, power electric sheet metal nibblers, and aluminum storage cases.
Noga Engineering & Technology Ltd., a company founded in 1980 and headquartered in Nesher, Israel, is a manufacturer of deburring systems, holding systems, and cutting fluid applicators. The company specializes in precision engineering solutions, particularly metalworking and cutting tools. Its main products include deburring tools, hole deburring systems, and hand-deburring tools. Noga's tools find applications in various industries, such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. While specific ISO certifications may vary, Noga Engineering adheres to international quality standards, ensuring the performance of its products.
Verdict Gauge Limited, a company established in 1938 and headquartered in England, is a manufacturer specializing in metrology devices. The company offers dial test indicators such as imperial, metric, metrinch, rapid, and the G series. It also provides the verdict gauge that features career companionship, a college helper, and a workshop essential. The company’s product range ensures precision engineering to offer quality. The company’s products are utilized by hobbyists and professionals alike and can be found in independent garages and the facilities of global blue-chip companies.
Mahr GmbH, Providence, RI, in 1888 is a manufacturer of dimensional metrology equipment from simple handheld gages to technically advanced measurement systems for form, contour, surface finish and length. The company's product portfolio includes electronic precision pointers, Touch control buttons used for sensitive measuring tasks, Length measurement technology & components used for electrical linear encoders and Calibration & setting machines. Their products are used in industries such as Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology, Medical and laboratories. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, Engineering Support, New Product Design and Development and Custom Manufacturing.
Established in 1992, and based in Haryana, China, Nath Tools Company is a manufacturer and supplier of Milling & Grinding Accessories and Clamping & Holding Elements that are used for machining processes in various industries. The company provides Milling Accessories, Revolving Center, CNC Accessories, Drill Machine Delux model, and, Drill Press Vice Unigrip. They also offer Bench vices, Precision vices, Vernier Caliper, and Drill chucks that have applications in Mining, machinery manufacturing, and, construction industries.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Starrett |
16.1%
|
2 | Noga Engineering & Technology Ltd. |
12.9%
|
3 | Mitutoyo America Corporation |
12.9%
|
4 | Mahr GmbH |
12.9%
|
5 | KÄFER MESSUHRENFABRIK GMBH & CO. KG |
9.7%
|
6 | Verdict Gauge Limited |
9.7%
|
7 | Gem Instrument Co. |
9.7%
|
8 | INSIZE India |
3.2%
|
9 | Nath Tools Company |
3.2%
|
10 | Teclock |
3.2%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the test indicator page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 4 | 30.8% |
Japan | 2 | 15.4% |
Germany | 2 | 15.4% |
China | 1 | 7.7% |
Israel | 1 | 7.7% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 7.7% |
Singapore | 1 | 7.7% |
India | 1 | 7.7% |