Depth gages are used to measure the depth of holes, cavities, and other component features. They are available in various configurations, depending on the specific application. Depth gage categories include:

• dial depth gages
• digital depth gages
• depth micrometers
• thread depth gages
• flush-pin gages
• depth rules
• combination depth angle gages
• Vernier depth gages 

Types of Depth Gages

• Thread depth gages measure the depth of the thread surface in a hole.
• Flush-pin depth gages are go/no-go functional gages that rapidly assess the depth of the opening.
• Depth rules allow quick assessment. Typically, depth rules are used in applications where precision is not a high priority.
• Combination depth angle gages indicate the depth and orientation of a hole.
• Vernier depth gages have graduations engraved or printed onto a surface (linear or drum). The main scale provides an indication of the gaged dimension to a standard precision level (e.g., tenths). The Vernier scale also allows an increased level of precision (e.g., thousandths).

Specifications

Dial depth gages display data with a pointer or needle mounted in a graduated disc-dial. The dial indicates dimensions and positions around or from a reference point. Examples of depth gage graduations are 10-0-10, 45-0-45, 4-0-4, 50-0-50. Dial display design options include clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation, one or multi-revolution capabilities, and an analog amplifier. With dial depth gages, the analog amplifier provides a remote, electronic equivalent to the mechanical display. 

Features

Digital depth gages present meteorological data in numeric or alphanumeric form. They often have data output capabilities that use serial or other formats. Digital readouts are precise digital displays that are integrated into dimensional depth gages. Depth micrometers are another type of depth gage with a digital option. Typically, depth micrometers are used for precision dimensional gaging. They are made of a ground spindle and an anvil that is mounted in a tee-shaped frame. Micrometer depth gages are also available in both scale and dial varieties.

Related Information

CR4 Community—Depth of Micro Holes

CR4 Community—How to Measure Tapping Depth

IEEE Spectrum—The Gulf Spill's Lessons for Robotics

Image credit:

Mahr Federal Inc.