Reaching new heights: CMM Inspection

Measuring machined parts on a surface plate has long been a tedious job, one that requires mastery of dial indicators, a pocket calculator and an adjustable height gage that most in the industry refer to as a “Cadillac gage.”

But several metrology providers offer a more sophisticated way to quickly and accurately check hole diameters, the distance between part features, centerlines and more. The tool is called an electronic height gage, and it has made Cadillac gages about as popular as whitewall tires.

There’s a ‘night-and-day’ difference between inspecting parts with an electronic height gage (left) and traditional Cadillac height gage.

“If you’re still measuring the old-fashioned way, an electronic height gage will change your world,” said Anthony Dilorio, regional manager at Fowler High Precision Inc., Newton, Mass. “As an example, checking even a simple diameter with an indicator and Cadillac gage requires you to sweep the bore for the low spot, find that value on the Cadillac, jot it down, repeat the process for the top of the hole, then subtract the first value from the second. With an electronic gage, you sweep the top, sweep the bottom and you’re done. It’s a night-and-day difference.”