15 Micrometer Head Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for micrometer heads as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 15 micrometer head manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked micrometer head companies as of November, 2024: 1.Shars Tool, 2.WESTport Corporation, 3.OWIS GmbH.
Table of Contents
What Is a Micrometer Head?
A micrometer head is the part of the micrometer that moves and touches the object to be measured when the micrometer pinches the object. Typically, the head is moved by rotating a knob on the head part to pinch the object to be measured. In addition to being able to measure visually, many digital micrometer heads are now on the market. The tip is usually cylindrical, but there are also conical, spherical, flange-shaped, and other products.
Uses of Micrometer Heads
Micrometer heads are used for inspecting and maintaining industrial equipment and products and for dimensional measurement of test objects in laboratories and research laboratories. They are used for products that require higher precision measurements than those made with calipers, etc. When selecting a micrometer head, it is necessary to consider measurement accuracy, ease of error, whether it is a digital or analog type, and ease of maintenance. Note that micrometer heads measure by contact and are not suitable for measuring rubber and other materials whose shape is deformed by contact.
Principles of Micrometer Heads
The features of the micrometer heads are described below. The micrometer heads consist of a measuring section, spindle, mounting section, graduated sleeve, coarse knob, and fine knob. The rough and fine knobs are connected to the spindle by a gear, which causes the spindle to move following the rotation of the knob. Generally, the fine control knob is also equipped with a scale, enabling measurement of even finer amounts. In the mounting area, products are available with mounting methods such as tightening using screws, nuts, or mortises.
When taking a reading, the spindle moves the coarse knob to contact the object to be measured lightly. Then, by adjusting the fine control knob, the spindle is brought into complete contact with the object to be measured. The fine adjustment knob is a mechanism that prevents the spindle from advancing after making contact, allowing it to rotate until it makes complete contact. The measurement can then be made by examining the scale on the sleeve and the scale on the fine control knob.
Examples of Micrometer Heads Use
The micrometer heads are used for adjusting the movable range of multi-axis stages, etc., and for inspecting jigs for large quantities of parts that need to be inspected.
Micrometer Heads Clamp
The micrometer heads can be used as a clamp by using a stopper that matches the range of motion. Selecting a product with a clamp is also recommended depending on the product. Choosing a product with a clamp will prevent the loosening of the operation.
How to Fix the Micrometer Heads
The method of fixing the micrometer heads depends on whether the micrometer head mounting stem is a straight type or a nut type.
- How to fix a straight type: Use a split part on the bearing side and clamp it to the mounting shaft with a screw or the like. Pass the mounting shaft through the hole in the bearing side and fix it with a set screw.
- Fixing method for types with nuts: Pass the mounting shaft through the hole on the bearing side and secure with the nut attached.
Load Capacity of Micrometer Heads
The load capacity of micrometer heads varies depending on the conditions of use, such as mounting method, static load, or dynamic load, and whether the micrometer heads are used in operation or as a stopper. Therefore, there is no quantitative definition.
As an example, recommended load capacity limits are listed below.
Load capacity of micrometer heads
- Standard type (spindle pitch 0.5 mm): up to about 4 kg
- High-performance type spindle pitch 0.1 mm/0.25 mm: up to approx. 2 kg
- High-performance type spindle pitch 0.5 mm: up to approx. 4 kg
- High-performance type, spindle pitch 1.0 mm: up to approx. 6 kg
- High-function type Spindle pitch linear type: up to approx. 2 kg
- High-function type MHF for ultra-fine adjustment (with differential mechanism): up to approx. 2 kg
Static load by mounting method
- Tightening nut method: 8.63 to 9.8 kN (880 to 1000 kgf) or main unit breakage
- Slit-split fastening method: 0.69 to 0.98 kN (70 to 100 kgf) for falling off from the mounting bracket
- Screw fixing method: Damage to set screw at 0.69 to 1.08 kN (70 to 110 kgf)
List of 15 Micrometer Head Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- China
- Germany
- Lithuania
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L.S. Starrett Company
MICROMETER HEADS
Manufacturer Overview
L.S. Starrett Company is a manufacturer of precision tools and instruments established in 1880 and based in Massachusetts, United States. It specializes in manufacturing precision measuring tools like micrometres, callipers, bevel vernier protractors, dial indicators, and granite surface plates. The company is in compliance with the RoHS standards and has acquired several certifications, including ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 17025:2017, and ANSI/NCSL Z540.1-1994. Its manufactured products are utilized for metalworking, automotive, aviation, marine, and farm industries across America.
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WESTport Corporation
Micrometer Heads
Manufacturer Overview
WESTport Corporation., founded in West Islip, New York in 1989 is a manufacturer of Precision Fixed Limit Gages used in Aviation and Aerospace industry. The company's product portfolio includes Thread Plug and Thread Ring Gages, Cylindrical Plug and Ring Gages, Custom Design and Build Gages, ACME Gages, and Air Gages. They provide services such as Onsite Services, Gage Repair, and Hardness Testing of products. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation.
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Starrett
MICROMETER HEADS
Manufacturer Overview
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.
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Mitutoyo America Corporation
MICROMETER HEADS
Manufacturer Overview
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.
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Titan Tool Supply, Inc.
Micrometer Heads
Manufacturer Overview
Titan Tool Supply was founded in 1952 and operates out of Buffalo, New York. Titan Tool Supply is a supplier of optical instrumentation for research & development, quality control, and other professional industries. Titan Tool Supply’s product lines include borescopes, microscopes, illumination devices, and micro finishing. Titan Tool Supply also offers video systems and magnetics solutions. Titan Tool Supply offers customers a 10-day approval program that allows customers to trial products in their workplace to verify satisfaction before purchase.
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Shars Tool
MICROMETER HEADS
Company Overview
Shars Tool is an American wholesale distributor of industrial equipment and machinery that was established in 1978 in Saint Charles, Illinois. The company stocks various hand and power tools, abrasives, and cutting tools, as well as machinery like mills and lathes. They also offer material handling equipment like carts and bins, as well as safety accessories like goggles and gloves. Shars Tool chiefly serves client companies and businesses in the metalworking, DIY, home maintenance, and hobby markets, as well as select e-retailers such as LittleMachineShop.com.
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Newport Corporation
Micrometer Heads
Company Overview
Newport is a division of MKS Instruments, Inc. that was incorporated in 1961 and headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts. The company is a manufacturing company that serves the specialty industrial, advanced electronics, and semiconductor industries. The company markets its products through Spectra-Physics, MKS Instruments, Richardson Grating, and other brands. Their product categories include motion, optomechanics, optics, and vacuum instruments. Product categories include lasers, MKS vacuum & gas solutions, laser diode controls, and tables & isolation systems.
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AppMet, Inc.
Micrometer Heads
Company Overview
AppMet, Inc was founded in 1993 in North Charleston, South Carolina. AppMet is a calibration and testing company offering dimensional, physical & mechanical, and electronic & electrical calibration services in climate-controlled laboratories as well as on-site calibrations when possible. AppMet is ISO/IEC 17025 as well as Full Service ISO-99001 certified. Electronic calibrations are made with all types of electrical and electronic test equipment from analog multimeters to RF spectrum analyzers. Physical and mechanical calibrations and tests are performed with equipment ranging from analytical balances to vacuum gages. Dimensional calibrations are performed with equipment ranging from 1-2-3 blocks to angle plates to thickness gages.
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OWIS GmbH
Micrometers
Manufacturer Overview
OWIS GmbH, located in Staufen, Germany, is a manufacturer of various types of beam handling systems, optomechanical components, and related products. The company fabricates system rails, mounting cubes, optic holders, and flip mirror holders. It also produces adjusting screws, rotation and swivel stages, actuators, vacuum-compatible products, and cleanroom-compatible products. It is able to design its products for applications in high vacuum, ultra-high vacuum, and extremely high vacuum. It has been appreciated in measurement and testing technology, research and science, the semiconductor industry, biotechnology and medical technology, and image processing and sensor technology for decades.
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Optics Focus
Micrometer Heads
Manufacturer Overview
Optics Focus, founded in Beijing, China, is manufacturer of optic mechanics, Photoelectric Instruments and Motorized Positioning Stages. The company’s product portfolio includes laser optics such as laser diode modules, laser beam expanders, and laser mirrors, optoelectronic devices, Optical Filters, and Prisms and Mirrors. Their products are used for laser cutting, medical devices, and research applications. They serve markets such as Telecommunications and Networking, Medical and Healthcare, Industrial Automation, Consumer Electronics and Environmental Monitoring. The company also offers customer services that include technical support, training and customized services.
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Habasit
Digital Micrometer Head
Manufacturer Overview
Habasit, established in 1946 in Basel, Switzerland, is a manufacturer and supplier of quality synthetic power system and conveyor belts. The company offers different products, including fabric-based conveyor belts, plastic modular belts, power distribution belts, which find applications across various industries, enabling efficient power remittance, material handling, and processing. Habasit's aim is to enhance the quality, reliability, and productivity of its customers' industrial processes. They achieve this through unmatched expertise, precision engineering, and delivers quality products and services worldwide.
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MPositioning Co., Limited
Micrometer Heads and Others
Company Overview
MPositioning Co., Limited, based out of in Guangzhou, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of micro positioning devices and accessories. The company's main products are its range of micro positioning stages, such as manually positioned, motorized, and multi-axis positioning models. It also offers heavy duty manual lab jacks, precision linear stages, and adaption components that offer digital positioning readouts. These products are used in laboratory and clean environments for staging devices and instruments for a wide range of applications, including precision measurement, photonics, and lasers, as well as used in industrial automation applications.
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EKSMA Optics, UAB
MICROMETER SCREWS
Company Overview
EKSMA Optics, UAB, established in 1983 and based in Vilnius, Lithuania, is a manufacturer and supplier of precision optical components, optical systems, and similar products. The company fabricates optical components, nonlinear and laser crystals, and electro-optics and laser electronics. It also produces laser line components, opto-mechanical components, and optical systems. It uses electron evaporation, ion assistance deposition, thermal evaporation, and advanced ion beam sputtered technologies for the deposition of coatings on optical and crystal elements.
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Techni-Tool, Inc
Micrometer Heads
Distributor Overview
Techni-Tool, Inc, founded in Worcester, PA, in 1959 is a distributor of test and measurement equipment. The company's product portfolio includes bottles and dispensers, hand and power tools, power distribution units, first aid kits and audio devices. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company also provides services including national distribution, product selection, customized services, technical support and customer service.
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Micrometer Head Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shars Tool |
20.0%
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| 2 | WESTport Corporation |
16.0%
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| 3 | Newport Corporation |
12.0%
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| 4 | OWIS GmbH |
8.0%
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| 5 | EKSMA Optics, UAB |
8.0%
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| 6 | AppMet, Inc. |
8.0%
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| 7 | MPositioning Co., Limited |
4.0%
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| 8 | Optics Focus |
4.0%
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| 9 | Mitutoyo America Corporation |
4.0%
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| 10 | Starrett |
4.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the micrometer head 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
- Starrett: 1,800
- OWIS GmbH: 50
Newly Established Company
- WESTport Corporation: 1989 (35 years ago)
- Thorlabs Inc.: 1989 (35 years ago)
- EKSMA Optics, UAB: 1983 (41 years ago)
Company with a History
- Starrett: 1880 (144 years ago)
- L.S. Starrett Company: 1880 (144 years ago)
- Mitutoyo America Corporation: 1963 (61 years ago)
Micrometer Head Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
- L.S. Starrett Company
- WESTport Corporation
- Starrett
- Mitutoyo America Corporation
- Titan Tool Supply, Inc.
- Shars Tool
- Thorlabs Inc.
- Newport Corporation
- AppMet, Inc.
Global Distribution of Micrometer Head Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
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9 | 69.2% |
China
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2 | 15.4% |
Germany
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1 | 7.7% |
Lithuania
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1 | 7.7% |
