All Categories
History
This section provides an overview for linear gauges as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 10 linear gauge manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked linear gauge companies as of April, 2025: 1.DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH, 2.Mitutoyo Corporation, 3.Ono Sokki Technology Inc..
Table of Contents
A linear gauge is a measurement device that determines the displacement of an object. It utilizes optical methods to measure displacement, involving a moving slit attached to the object, two fixed slits, and a machine that converts the slit waveform into a pulse wave. The displacement is interpreted from the number of wave pulses, with accuracy dependent on slit spacing.
Linear gauges are primarily used in machine tool control across various industries, including automotive, home appliances, machinery parts, logistics, and research. Selecting the right gauge involves considering its accuracy, environmental suitability, and mountability.
In machine tools, such as lathe equipment and milling machines, linear gauges measure shaft rotation speeds and the travel of cutters and drills.
They are used to measure displacement under a constant load, such as in testing the strength of automobile bodies or doors.
Linear gauges function by detecting changes in light patterns caused by the movement of the object.
Displacement is calculated based on the light passing through the moving slit and its variation in relation to the fixed slits.
The gauge calculates the direction of movement by observing the phase shifts in the light pattern between the moving and fixed slits, outputting two square wave signals with a 90° phase difference.
A linear gauge comprises a detection part with a light source and slits and a counting section that transforms light waveforms into pulse waves.
The detection part includes a light source, two fixed slits, and a moving slit attached to the measured object. The fixed slits are offset to discern the movement direction of the moving slit. The output signal is either 4um or 40um per pitch, depending on the resolution type.
The counting section, consisting of a light-receiving element and a counter, multiplies the signal to achieve a measurement resolution of a quarter pitch.
Indication accuracy refers to the measurement error of the linear gauge, calculated over the entire length of the moving slit's travel.
Accuracy is affected by temperature. The linear expansion coefficient of the glass scale used in the detection section is considered to calculate indication accuracy at different temperatures.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
Sort by Area
Ono Sokki is a measuring instrument manufacturer focused on the tasks of applying digital technology to measurement applications, and has a proud history in that field, including development of Japan's first digital counter in 1954, and myriad products using digital technology. Our taste for innovation, however, is not limited to hardware; we provide not only measurement solutions but also to offer intuitive and integrated analysis software that matches the sophistication of modern technology.
HEIDENHAIN, founded in 1889 and headquartered in Traunreut, Germany, is a manufacturer of precision measurement and control equipment. Specializing in industries requiring precise solutions, the company offers rotary and linear encoders, digital readouts, touch probes, and motion controllers. These products serve sectors like manufacturing, electronics, and aerospace, ensuring enhanced precision and efficiency. The company holds ISO 9001 certification and is an EMAS-certified company, thereby meeting the demanding, globally recognized environmental certification standards of the European Union.
Mitutoyo was founded in 1934 and headquartered in Kawasaki City, Japan. The company is a manufacturer and seller of precision measuring instruments including software, optics, machinery, and electronics. The company is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited for calibration services for measuring instruments. The company’s product lines include Micrometers, Calipers, Calibration Equipment, Vision Measuring Systems, and many others. The company’s coordinate measuring machines and roundness/cylindricity measuring machines are sol in over 60 countries worldwide.
CITIZEN FINEDEVICE CO., LTD. is a Japanese manufacturer headquartered in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi. It was established in 1959 through the merger of three Japanese companies: Citizen Miyota Co., Ltd., Citizen Finetech Co., Ltd., and Citizen Seimitsu Co., Ltd. The company specializes in precise metal parts for automobiles and other products, including quartz oscillators and ceramic components. Production processes are supported by various technologies, such as precise metal part machining, thin-film technology, and sealing technology, catering to different applications. Since 2019, CITIZEN FINEDEVICE, along with its holding company CITIZEN Group, has actively implemented Responsible Minerals Procurement Policy and Environmental Policy.
SANTEST (STC) is a manufacturer of sensors, transducers, and other mechatronic products based in Osaka, Japan. Founded in 1953, the company's products are used in various industrial applications such as robotics, injection molding, hydraulic systems, and machine tooling. The company's product lineup includes pressure and magnetostrictive transducers for assessing process variables, servo valves for controlling flow rates or pressure ranges using electronic signals, and ultrasonic sensors for precise measurement using ultrasonic waves. STC also provides its clients with after-sales services such as calibration, maintenance, and repair.
Marposs S.p.A. is headquartered in Bentivoglio, Italy. The company serves industries such asa aerospace, semiconductors, machine tooling, and biomedical as a manufacturer and as a service provider. The company’s products vary by industry but include tools for gauging, profiling, and monitoring, as well as data management systems and machines for testing and automation. The company’s services include after sales service, customer training, original spare parts, retrofit and upgrade of existing machinery, and project management consulting services.
Ono Sokki is a Japanese electronic measurement equipment manufacturer with over 70 years of history. Since 1954, as the first company in Japan to develop digital tachometer for jet engines, we have been active as professionals in automotive testing, as well as mechanical acoustics and vibration analysis. Our expertise led to the development of Japan's first box-type FFT analyzer. We provide industry-leading high-precision instruments with comprehensive support, backed by reliable calibration and maintenance services.
Magnescale Co., Ltd., established in 1969 as Sony Magnescale Co., Ltd. and headquartered in Tokyo, is a manufacturer specializing in encoder scales used extensively in the Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machine tool industries. The company offers a range of products, including the Magnescale lineup of magnetic scales for rotational and linear position measurement. Additionally, they develop the Laserscale lineup, utilizing hologram technology and semiconductor lasers as light sources to achieve measurement resolutions at the picometer scale. These scales exhibit position and angle control, as well as environmental resistance to severe conditions such as temperature changes and air pressure fluctuations.
Unipulus is a manufacturer of sensors and measuring instruments that was established in 1977 in Tokyo, Japan. The company specializes in precision equipment for measuring a wide range of factors such as durability, tension, and rotational force. Its products include force gauges that test material quality, load cells that measure compression, and torque meters. The company also offers customization, repair, and calibration services for customers needing additional support. Some of its notable clients include Komatsu, Olympus, and Kyoto University.
Ranking as of April 2025
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH |
20.0%
|
2 | Mitutoyo Corporation |
16.0%
|
3 | Ono Sokki Technology Inc. |
12.0%
|
4 | Magnescale |
12.0%
|
5 | CITIZEN FINEDEVICE CO.,LTD. |
12.0%
|
6 | Marposs |
8.0%
|
7 | SANTEST CO., LTD |
8.0%
|
8 | Ono Sokki |
4.0%
|
9 | Coretech Co., Ltd. |
4.0%
|
10 | Unipulus |
4.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the linear gauge page as of April 2025. 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 (%) |
---|---|---|
![]() |
6 | 66.7% |
![]() |
1 | 11.1% |
![]() |
1 | 11.1% |
![]() |
1 | 11.1% |
168 products found
168 products
SANTEST CO., LTD
2150+ people viewing
Last viewed: 14 minutes ago
Very Fast Response
Magnetic distortion linear sensor GY series that measures straight line displacement [Rod shape] <All -in -one series> Integrated controller ■ Mag...
10 models listed
SANTEST CO., LTD
660+ people viewing
Last viewed: 8 hours ago
Very Fast Response
Magnetic distortion type linear sensor GY series that measures straight line displacement [Rod shape] <Compact by controller> ■ Magnetic distortio...
4 models listed
SANTEST CO., LTD
730+ people viewing
Last viewed: 4 hours ago
Very Fast Response
Magnetic distortion type linear sensor GY series that measures straight line displacement [Rod shape] <High performance by controller> ■ Magnetic ...
8 models listed
SANTEST CO., LTD
920+ people viewing
Last viewed: 20 hours ago
Very Fast Response
Magnetic distortion -type linear sensor GY series that measures straight line displacement [Linear profile shape] <all -in -one type> Controller in...
7 models listed
CITIZEN FINEDEVICE CO.,LTD.
230+ people viewing
Last viewed: 7 hours ago
■Robust With the adoption of a double bearing structure, it has passed over 200 million sliding cycles in durability tests that apply loads vertica...
SANTEST CO., LTD
510+ people viewing
Last viewed: 8 hours ago
Very Fast Response
Magnetic distortion type linear sensor GY series that measures straight line displacement [Linear profile shape] <Controller -by -type> ■ Magnetic...
4 models listed
SANTEST CO., LTD
420+ people viewing
Last viewed: 2 hours ago
Very Fast Response
Magnetic distortion linear sensor GY series that measures straight line displacement [Flexible rod/resistant pressure (70MPa) rod]. The pipe thickn...
6 models listed
SANTEST CO., LTD
370+ people viewing
Last viewed: 6 hours ago
Very Fast Response
Magnetic distortion -type linear sensor GY series [flexible rod] that measures straight displacement. Because it is not a normal rod type (SUS), it...
SANTEST CO., LTD
400+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
Very Fast Response
Magnetic distortion -type linear sensor GY series that measures straight line displacement [Explosion -proof type] <integrated controller> ■ Magne...
2 models listed
SANTEST CO., LTD
1000+ people viewing
Last viewed: 14 hours ago
Very Fast Response
Magnetic distortion linear sensor GY series that measures straight line displacement [Controller] ■ Magnetic distortion type displacement sensor "...
6 models listed
SANTEST CO., LTD
320+ people viewing
Last viewed: 3 hours ago
Very Fast Response
■ GYTB-SA type probe is a terminal-type level meter with a built-in GYSE-A probe element in the sensor. ・ The analog output has a high resolution ...
Coretech Co., Ltd.
110+ people viewing
Precisely measure displacement by pressing the tip of the push rod against the displacement part.
Ergo Japan Co., Ltd.
160+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
Precisely measure displacement by pressing the tip of the push rod against the displacement part.
NK Works Co., Ltd.
160+ people viewing
Last viewed: 21 hours ago
■Product overview HEIDENHAIN products develop and manufacture length gauges, digital display counters, etc. It is mainly used in high-precision mac...
Coretech Co., Ltd.
180+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
There are three types: built-in position display, external position display, and signal output method. Precisely measure displacement by pressing t...
POSITAL -Fraba
550+ people viewing
◾️The multi -purpose linear sensor The draw wire sensor is also called a cable pull sensor, and is designed to measure a straight distance using a...
10 models listed
POSITAL -Fraba
620+ people viewing
Last viewed: 17 hours ago
◾️The multi -purpose linear sensor The draw wire sensor is also called a cable pull sensor, and is designed to measure a straight distance using a...
10 models listed
POSITAL -Fraba
660+ people viewing
Last viewed: 23 hours ago
◾️The multi -purpose linear sensor The draw wire sensor is also called a cable pull sensor, and is designed to measure a straight distance using a...
10 models listed
POSITAL -Fraba
690+ people viewing
◾️The multi -purpose linear sensor The draw wire sensor is also called a cable pull sensor, and is designed to measure a straight distance using a...
10 models listed
POSITAL -Fraba
820+ people viewing
◾️The multi -purpose linear sensor The draw wire sensor is also called a cable pull sensor, and is designed to measure a straight distance using a...
10 models listed
POSITAL -Fraba
740+ people viewing
Last viewed: 17 hours ago
◾️The multi -purpose linear sensor The draw wire sensor is also called a cable pull sensor, and is designed to measure a straight distance using a...
10 models listed
POSITAL -Fraba
760+ people viewing
Last viewed: 6 hours ago
◾️The multi -purpose linear sensor The draw wire sensor is also called a cable pull sensor, and is designed to measure a straight distance using a...
10 models listed
POSITAL -Fraba
830+ people viewing
Last viewed: 8 hours ago
◾️The multi -purpose linear sensor The draw wire sensor is also called a cable pull sensor, and is designed to measure a straight distance using a...
10 models listed
POSITAL -Fraba
980+ people viewing
Last viewed: 18 minutes ago
◾️The multi -purpose linear sensor The draw wire sensor is also called a cable pull sensor, and is designed to measure a straight distance using a...
10 models listed
POSITAL -Fraba
1040+ people viewing
Last viewed: 3 hours ago
◾️The multi -purpose linear sensor The draw wire sensor is also called a cable pull sensor, and is designed to measure a straight distance using a...
10 models listed