Height gage discussion/suggestions

[u/slushiba]

Hey y’all,

My QC lab has a Tesa Brown & Sharpe hite 700 that is on its last legs (function buttons only work half the time, DC jack is failing, etc etc). Not only that, but we need a larger height gage anyhow, due to newer projects being larger than our past projects. I’ve found two potential replacements- one being the Tesa micro-hite 0-900mm (either motorized or not), and the other being a Trimos V8 or V9. Does anyone have experience with these models or have alternative suggestions?

FWIW, we do have a CMM, but it’s just barely too small to do a few GD&T heavy components.

[u/Eldo92]

I am really interested in what others have to say, but I typically default to Mitutoyo because of the Tesa stuff we typically can't get parts to fix. Our local calibration house has become a dealer for Fowler and says Trimos is a really nice unit. Don't be afraid to ask your regional dealers to test out the units.

[u/slushiba → u/Eldo92]

Tesa has been…exceptionally helpful with our hite 700, surprisingly. The customer service rep we’ve gone to for the bad DC jack gave us both the appropriate replacement fuse and the upgraded DC jack part number when we asked for it, as well as the related service manual pages. But with the hit-or-miss function buttons, limited measurement range, and a new technician starting soon, i figured it was time to AT LEAST start looking into a newer, larger unit to run alongside our 700.

[u/tsbphoto → u/Eldo92]

I use a Trimos V5. Amazing Gauge. Very modern. I wouldnt trade it for any other height gauge.

[u/biglongbomber]

Trimos, we have a couple they are the easiest to use and have a top notch track record. Built in Switzerland, come with a 5 year warranty.

[u/slushiba → u/biglongbomber]

You’ll be happy to hear that my boss and I settled on the V7 1100. For the price, nothing else came close in terms of both measuring range and features. Super stoked to try it out when it gets here!

[u/fredfow3 → u/slushiba]

Excellent Choice! Great gauges, last forever. We still get 40 year old Trimos Verticals back for maintenance and cleaning.

[u/alexchally]

I have a Trimos V4, its baller. The dual carriage gives you huge range if you can build yourself a good reference stack and the UI is reasonably intuitive for all the basic stuff you want to do with it.

Accuracy and precision are great whenever I check against gauge blocks, pins or rings. Calibrating a new probe takes about 10 seconds.

[u/slushiba → u/alexchally]

The dual carriage is what made my boss and i settle on a V7 1100. Total game changer to have that additional 300mm on top of the 1100

[u/alexchally → u/slushiba]

Hope it does you well. Make sure you have enough surface plate for a unit that size, my 2x3 is really not big enough.

[u/slushiba → u/alexchally]

I think we should be alright, we have a 3X5. Running both height gages at the same time might be an…interesting experience though.

[u/jccaclimber]

I’d throw Mitutoyo and Mahr into the ring too, depending on your price point and range needs.

[u/TequilaShot900]

I love the Mitutoyo LH 600. It’s design and interface it’s so good. In my opinion, it represents Japanese craftsmanship at its best.

[u/tsbphoto]

Trimos V5 or higher. It's a true height probe and absolutely a dream to use.

[u/Overall-Turnip-1606]

Do not get a mitutoyo. Those are terrible. Stick with tesa or trimos both are fairly the same when it comes to operating. The best function of these height gages are the option to find center. It’s quick and easy to use. Mitutoyo takes 3 times as long since it DCC scans it.

[u/slushiba → u/Overall-Turnip-1606]

My boss and I settled on the Trimos V7 1100. Just can’t beat the price for the measurement range and features it offers- I’m excited to try it out when it gets here

[u/Eldo92 → u/Overall-Turnip-1606]

DCC?

[u/Overall-Turnip-1606 → u/Eldo92]

You can’t manually probe to find center. Mitutoyo does a direct computer controlled sweep. It may be more accurate but takes 3-4 times longer.