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This section provides an overview for precision levels as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 15 precision level manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked precision level companies as of December, 2024: 1.Sakamoto Electric Manufacturing. Co., Ltd., 2.Fowler High Precision, 3.Roeckle Inclination Measurement Systems.
Table of Contents
Precision level is used to check the level in the manufacturing process of precision instruments that require a high-level standard. The accuracy of precision levels is strictly defined by the JIS standard. Precision levels that measure the position of bubbles with a sensor to obtain the degree of inclination as a digital signal are also available.
Precision levels are used at manufacturing sites where high precision is required, such as in producing precision instruments, semiconductors, and displays. They are used before operating or installing machine tools and manufacturing equipment. They may also be mounted on equipment that requires a high degree of leveling for each operation. When selecting a precision level, it is necessary to consider measurement accuracy, resistance to vibration, whether it is a digital or analog type, suitability for the environment in which it will be used, ease of measurement, size, and other factors.
This section describes the measurement principle of a precision level. Precision levels consist of a container, which is precisely calibrated and guaranteed to be level, and a precision enclosure to which the container is attached. The container is slightly curved and contains a defined amount of liquid and gas. In the case of the digital type, an image sensor is built into the area where the bubbles are observed.
When measuring visually, the inclination of the area where the precision level is located is measured by visually checking where the bubbles are located on the scale on the container. In the case of the digital type, by processing the image acquired from the sensor, the degree of inclination is calculated by the built-in control board and shown on the display. It can also function as a sensor to maintain the level by transmitting the degree of inclination as an electrical signal to other connectable devices, performing feedback control, etc. Due to its mechanism, it may not function correctly in environments with a lot of vibration or high temperatures.
The structure and accuracy of precision levels are determined by the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS).
Precision levels are classified into three types according to their sensitivity. JIS defines the sensitivity of a level as one type (0.02 mm/m, approx. 4 seconds), two types (0.05 mm/m, approx. 10 seconds), and three types (0.1 mm/m, approx. 20 seconds). Sensitivity refers to the inclination angle required to move a bubble one scale interval, and the sensitivity indication is based on the height relative to 1 meter of the base.
For example, in the case of Type 1, a height of 0.02mm per meter of the base is detected on a single scale, and if a bubble moves one scale using a 300mm size level (Type 1: sensitivity 0.02mm/m), there is a difference in height of 6μm from one end of the level to the other.
Sensitivity is also expressed in terms of tilt angle (seconds). An angle of 1 second is 4.85 µm per meter.
Class 1 0.02mm/m = Angle 4 seconds = 0.00111°.
Class 2 0.05mm/m = Angle 10 seconds = 0.00277°.
Class 3 0.1mm/m = Angular degree 20 seconds = 0.0055°.
JIS classifies precision levels into Class A and B according to their performance (accuracy). The intersection of each performance is as follows. Accuracy is the overall goodness, including accuracy and precision (small degree of variation) of the value or measurement result expressed by the measuring instrument, and is the measurement variation. When a measurement is made, it takes the form of a measured value ± precision, with the actual value of the measurement objective included in the ± accuracy.
According to JIS, the accuracy is as follows.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Sakamoto Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd., established in 1951 and headquartered in Fukuoka, United States, is an industrial control equipment and instrument manufacturer and supplier. The company's products include limit switches, joystick controllers, and belt conveyor equipment. Its products extend to include horizontal sensors and digital spirit levels. It also provides precision machining services for custom parts as well as custom assembly services for components used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, food production-related products, and medical devices.
Fowler High Precision (FHP) is an American manufacturer of quality control and calibration equipment that was established in Canton, Massachusetts in 1946. From its main 78,000 sq ft manufacturing facility, the company produces various quality inspection devices including coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), micrometers, bore gauges, and optical measurement systems. Their facility compound includes a calibration laboratory and warehouse, which also stocks products from other brands such as Bowers and Baty and Sylvac. FHP products are primarily used by clients in the medical, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing automation sectors.
Precision Matthews Machinery Co., in Coraopolis, PA, is a manufacturer of precision machines. The company's product portfolio includes Lathes, Milling Machines including Bench Type Mills, Knee Mills, Manual, and CNC, ,Saws, precision components and Accessories. Their products are used in industries such as Automotive Manufacturing, Electronics and Semiconductors, Medical Equipment, Energy and Power Generation and Tool and Die Making. They also provide services including product selection, installation, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.
Geier & Bluhm, Inc., established in 1907 and currently a division of HJM Precision, Inc., is an American manufacturer based in Troy, New York, specializing in precision levels and vials. The company's product range includes circular, tubular, precision, machinist, plastic, and customized levels, complemented by glass and acrylic vials. These products find applications in the scientific and construction sectors. Notably, the company extends its craftsmanship to precision levels for government agencies, particularly in aerospace and military projects, including the development of specialized circular level assemblies used by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for the Apollo XII mission to the moon.
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.
Obishi Keiki Seisakusho, established in 1949 in Osaka, Japan, is a manufacturer of precision test and measurement equipment. The company specializes in manufacturing automatic measuring equipment, ultra-precision masters, precision spirit levels, surface plates, angle plates, and deflection testers. These efficient equipment are used in multiple industries such as automotive, electronics, aerospace, and research and development for the purpose of precise measurements, quality control, and testing the performance of the products. The precision equipment is made of granite and ceramics, ensuring efficient handling and performance in harsh environments such as heat.
Roeckle Inclination Measurement Systems was established in 1924 and is based in Denkendorf, Germany, as a manufacturer of spirit levels. The product portfolio of the company includes horizontal spirit levels, crank pin spirit levels, cross-levels, brench-type precision levels, and aluminum spirit levels. The spirits offer precise measurements and alignments, ensuring the level and accuracy of structures and machinery, which is valuable in manufacturing settings for quality control. The products also ensure the flatness and alignment of surfaces and components, ultimately enhancing safety and precision across diverse applications. The company serves various industries, including construction, engineering, manufacturing, woodworking, and metalworking.
WYLER AG was established in 1928 and is based in Winterthur, Switzerland, as a manufacturer of inclination-measuring electronic instruments, sensors, and software. The product portfolio of the company includes BlueSYSTEM modular, nivelSWISS-D, Clinotronic S, nivelSWISS-D, and BlueLEVEL-2D, among others. The products excel in machine part alignment and precision flatness measurements on surface plates and are indispensable for tasks like overseeing the safe operation of cranes handling delicate cargo, providing optical guidance for object alignment, and maintaining level working platforms through programmable alarms. The company serves various industries, including construction, automotive, aerospace, railway, shipbuilding, and printing.
Level Developments, a company founded in 1987 and based in Croydon, Surrey, United Kingdom, is an original equipment manufacturer and retailer of leveling and angle measurement instruments. The standard product list of the company includes inclinometers, instrumental levels, circular levels, and vials. More products offered include tilt switches, workshop levels, bent vials, ball, and bubble inclinometers used in various market segments, including medical devices, construction, robotics, military, and aerospace & defense industries.
Gaging.com, based in Las Vegas, Nevada and established in 2002, is a distributor of standard and custom measuring tools, gages, and industrial supplies. Its comprehensive product range includes air gages, calipers, depth gages, gage blocks, height gages, as well as indicators, micrometers, precision levels, and ring gages. These are vital tools used to accurately measure dimensions, distances, and other critical parameters. These tools are essential for ensuring product quality, maintaining precision in various processes, and verifying compliance with industry standards. The company also offers free tech-support and ensures that all products come with the standard manufacturer's warranty.
Toolsavings, LLC is based in Chicago, Illinois and is a supplier and distributor of industrial supplies for both individual and corporate customers. Toolsavings offers an extensive catalog spanning over 10 categories such as Cutting Tools, Toolholding, Air and Power Tools, Fasteners, and Measuring Instruments from brands such as 3M and Destaco. Cutting tools include drills, reamers, and saws. Toolholding includes boring heads, retention knobs, and sawholders. Air and Power Tools includes blow guns, grinders, and tire gages. Fasteners includes screws and pins. Measuring instruments includes calipers, microscopes, and squares.
Dieter Schmid Werkzeuge GmbH, established in 1999, is a reputable online retailer and supplier based in Switzerland, specializing in hand tools and woodworking accessories. The company provides a comprehensive range of precision tools, measuring instruments, abrasives, and various equipment for woodworking enthusiasts, craftsmen, and professionals. Dieter Schmid Werkzeuge GmbH offers an array of products that cater to the specific needs of its diverse clientele. The company is known as a go to choice for individuals in search of long lasting tools suitable for precise work and craftsmanship due to its strong materials, wide range of products, and easy-to-navigate online interface.
Accusize Industrial Tools was born in Toronto, Canada in 2008. Accusize is a distributor of measuring tools, cutting tools, and machine tools for metalworking companies. A portion of offerings that Accusize offers includes collet blocks, expanding arbors, air tools, power tools, die maker tools, annular cutters, bore gages, boring bars, boring heads, BT40 tooling, CAT40 tooling, calibration, layout, & machine setting tools, calipers & attachments, carbide inserts, end mills, force gauges, and metrology and material testing equipment.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sakamoto Electric Manufacturing. Co., Ltd. |
15.0%
|
| 2 | Fowler High Precision |
10.6%
|
| 3 | Roeckle Inclination Measurement Systems |
8.8%
|
| 4 | WYLER AG |
7.5%
|
| 5 | Geier & Bluhm |
7.5%
|
| 6 | Precision Matthews Machinery Co. |
7.5%
|
| 7 | Gaging.com |
6.6%
|
| 8 | Mitutoyo America Corporation |
6.6%
|
| 9 | Obishi Keiki Seisakusho |
6.6%
|
| 10 | Starrett |
6.2%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the precision level page as of December 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
|
5 | 38.5% |
|
Japan
|
3 | 23.1% |
|
Germany
|
2 | 15.4% |
|
Switzerland
|
1 | 7.7% |
|
United Kingdom
|
1 | 7.7% |
|
Canada
|
1 | 7.7% |
Intaniya Co., Ltd.
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