Mahr | Gaging Tips

The Long and Short on Depth Gages

Marketing Team

Depth gages are among the simplest of indicator gages, typically consisting of a short range indicating device mounted through a reference bar or plate. Though they may be simple, depth gages are used in thousands of critical applications to measure the depth of holes, counterbores, slots, and recesses, as well as heights or locations of some features. Depth gages can also cross the line between comparative gaging to direct measuring handtool. For longer depths, dial or digital calipers can provide capacities of 12" or more of range.

Depth gages are among the simplest of indicator gages, typically consisting of a short range indicating device mounted through a reference bar or plate. Though they may be simple, depth gages are used in thousands of critical applications to measure the depth of holes, counterbores, slots, and recesses, as well as heights or locations of some features. Depth gages can also cross the line between comparative gaging to direct measuring handtool. For longer depths, dial or digital calipers can provide capacities of 12" or more of range. The first depth gages consisted of a simple rule with a sliding perpendicular beam as the reference. As the needs for higher resolution and precision increased, these were largely replaced by vernier devices and micrometer depth gages. And while both verniers and micrometers have been replaced by digital versions, indicator depth gages provide even higher levels of accuracy, as well as increased speed of operation and lower dependence upon operator skill. As with almost all indicator gages, depth gages can be readily modified to suit particular application needs, especially to make high volume gaging tasks quicker. Depth gages are available with various styles of indicators, contact points, and bases. The simplest and most common depth gage has a flat base or anvil, a sensitive contact that retracts flush with the base, and a radiused contact point. This is an absolute gage, measuring the full depth of a feature, from zero out to the indicator's maximum range. No master is required: to zero the gage simply set the base on a precision flat surface. Different contacts can be used to tailor the gage to special applications. For example, by replacing the standard radiused contact with a needle-style contact, it is possible to measure surface pits, small holes and recesses, and etch depths. Extended contact points can be added to measure greater depths, or to turn an absolute measuring gage into a comparative gage. Such a gage can be mastered with gage blocks by holding one end of the base firmly on top of the stack, with the spindle as close to the stack as possible without interference. Special depth masters, however, are quicker and more reliable, and are thus more practical for production gaging applications. Special bases can also increase gaging efficiency. Counterbores may be gaged more easily if the indicator is offset from the centerline of the base. V-shaped bases are useful in applications where a standard flat base would interfere with the user's ability to locate a needletype contact in a small feature, such as a pit or an etched line. The V-base provides a wider viewing angle, but still has a narrow "flat" on the bottom to help orient the gage perpendicular to the part surface. The user first tips the V-base on the workpiece surface, locates the contact point in the feature, then "rolls" the gage upright until it rests on its flat. Custom anvils can be readily designed to conform to the shape of the workpiece. Take, for example, the aerosol can. This is a metal part that is literally under pressure, and so is liable to more potential failures than most types of containers. The depth of the crimp groove is a critical quality dimension that must be carefully monitored. Depth gages designed for this application with special bases that rest securely on top of the can have proven themselves ten times faster in use than generic calipers or digital depth gages. However when applications call for longer range, a wide variety of more generic digital depth gages have made these types of checks a lot easier to make. Most caliper style depth gages typically include a 6" caliper and a depth bar. But now there are calipers that have been specifically designed as depth gages which have the same type of reference bar seen on the dial indicator depth gage. These handtools will start at 6" in length and can be made to go to 24" or more. Just like the dial indicator version, different contacts are available for these gages to allow for a host of different measurements. Three basic contact types are available in this digital style depth gage. The simplest is nothing more than a 0.060" diameter pin. Another style incorporates two "hooks" machined into the measuring beam for measuring away from or towards the reference beam. Finally the most universal digital depth gage has an interchangeable contact point, very similar to the dial indicator. This allows for all the same applications as seen with the dial indicator version but with the added flexibility of significantly longer range. All of theses gages are portable or handheld designs, which implies bringing the gage to the workpiece. It is often convenient, however, to bring the part to the gage, especially if the part is small. Benchtop depth gages essentially turn the portable gage upside-down, and provide a wide flat reference surface—virtually a table—upon which the workpiece can be placed and manipulated. Parts can also be "explored" for flatness with this type of gage, by sliding the workpiece around on the table.



The simplest and most common depth gage has a flat base or anvil, a sensitive contact that retracts flush with the base, and a radiused contact point. This is an absolute gage, measuring the full depth of a feature, from zero out to the indicator's maximum range. No master is required: to zero the gage simply set the base on a precision flat surface.



When applications call for longer range, a wide variety of more generic digital depth gages have made these types of checks a lot easier to make. Most caliper style depth gages typically include a 6" caliper and a depth bar. There are also calipers that have been specifically designed as depth gages which have the same type of reference bar seen on the dial indicator depth gage.

 

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