How to Measure Surface Straightness?

How to Measure Surface Straightness?

Engineering verifying the surface straightness tolerance requires precision equipment and skill from quality personnel. There are two main methods to perform surface straightness measurements.

Dial Gauge

Dial gauges, or height gauges, are the standard equipment for manual straightness measurement. The dial’s contact point is placed against the surface after properly securing the gauge and then slid across the desired 2D line of measurement.

It is important to ensure that the dial is calibrated, set to zero, and the plunger is slightly pressed in before the measurement begins. Following these standard operating procedures guarantees precision measurement.

If the variation of the dial along the entire measurement length is within the defined tolerance limits, the part passes quality control.