SCALING NEW HEIGHTS

THE NEW ‘VERTEX 800’
VERTICAL MEASURING SYSTEM
FROM ELEY METROLOGY

One of Britain’s last remaining independent manufacturers of metrology products has just launched a new and innovative product. Building on the success of the best selling Micro Vertex height gauge, Derby based Eley Metrology has developed a worthy addition to their well regarded range of measuring machines.

The main distinguishing feature of the VERTEX 800 is that it is driven completely by air bearings. This non-contact drive mechanism, unlike conventional mechanical bearings, eliminates cyclic error, and also lowers the contact pressure of the probe. Furthermore, due to the ‘self-cleaning’ properties of air bearings, there will be minimal wear and tear.

Another unique feature is the patented frictionless counter balance. Designed around a unique ‘air pocket’ it eliminates the need for a conventional counterbalance weight which would have the disadvantage of encountering friction in the operation of the gauge, with negative effects on accuracy.

Like the Coordinate Measuring Machines manufactured by Eley Metrology the new VERTEX does not utilise ‘error mapping’ typically used to correct errors in the straightness of the column. Error mapping a height gauge is intrinsically flawed as the ‘map’ depends on the probe being a specific distance from the column, aswell as squareness issues if a conventional indicator is employed.

The new VERTEX is perpendicular to less than 4 microns at the front and 5 microns at the side, without the use of error correction. The user can therefore check straightness using a standard dial indicator; unlike conventional height gauges the user doesn’t need an expensive transducer probe to hook up to the height gauge itself.

One of the core features of the VERTEX is also unique amongst height gauges. The central column is made from a triangular spindle, whereas conventional gauges often use a square column due to the fact that this is intrinsically easier to manufacture. However, the metrological properties of the triangular shape are well known, with its ‘3-point’ location system there are great benefits for accuracy and stability.

Adjustment of the squareness of height gauges has traditionally been a problem, in so far as they have always been adjusted at the bottom. This means that they not only have to be tipped over, but the slight adjustment the bottom leads to a larger magnified error at the top. If the air bearing feet are lapped to attain squareness this often affects the performance of the air bearing itself.

Eley Metrology has solved this problem with their new ‘spherical clamping system’, which incorporates a unique ‘ball-joint’ at the bottom, so that by loosening this the engineer can then adjust squareness by simply adjusting screws that are at the top of the gauge.

It has not been unknown on old gauges for the column to actually bend due to the force of over tightening the adjustment screws at the bottom. The VERTEX incorporates a spherical ‘expansion bearing’ at the top so that no force is unduly placed on the column which would otherwise compromise accuracy. The end result is a stress free, floating column, adjusted from the top for easy maintenance.

The new VERTEX incorporates many useful features as standard equipment. For example: a built in air cushion for ease of use and a ‘blue tooth’ connection for printing to any printer without inconvenient wires. Constant probing force, collision protection and a frictionless magnetic drive system all add to the list of features.

A positive pneumatic carriage lock means that the carriage and base are independently controllable and can be locked individually for scribing and/or straightness checks. It also aids safe transportation of the gauge.

The new VERTEX is designated an ‘800’ because unlike other gauges of a similar height, it can truly utilise the full height of the column by using it’s dual probe holder.

Due to its mechanical accuracy the VERTEX can use the 800mm measuring range in the same measurement routine, without re-datuming the probe. It maintains accuracy throughout the 800mm because the probe is held by a 3600 circular clamping force which maintains the ‘true centre’. Furthermore, the probes are located with a patented probe timing system for repeat positioning.

The VERTEX has a steel incremental scale, more durable than glass scales. It has a built in battery pack for at least 8 hours of normal use, and is delivered with a UKAS certificate of accuracy. The new ‘panel’ is an LCD screen with ‘soft keys’. This means that the panel is completely wipeable, making it useful for shop floor situations.

The base of the new VERTEX has some useful features, for example it is the only gauge with air bearings of such accuracy that it can measure with the air on. This reduces wear to the granite table through constantly moving the parts, which indeed may be heavy and cumbersome, so again Eley have made it easier for the user!

The base also has a pair of precision chrome-carbon reference spheres, for measuring cones, angles and straight edges, with point-contact. Completing the range of features is a pair of ‘trimming weights’ on the carriage for balancing heavy probes.

Eley Metrology has also added some useful operational devices to the new VERTEX, such as the ‘quick key’ function; within easy reach of the handle, these keys enable the user to repeat a measuring cycle without using the keyboard. There is also a part programme function that enables the user to recall a sequence of measurement prompts.
Eley Metrology is the UK’s largest independent manufacturer of coordinate measuring machines, height gauges and metrology standards. Eley Metrology also writes measurement software for both CMMs and Optical measuring machines. They are the UK agent for De Meet video/optical CMMs, and for a range of products including fixturing kits; EZset tool pre-setters and 3D laser scanners. Their service department can supply a range of services including calibration, repair, upgrade, retrofit and sub-contract inspection.

For any enquires about the above products and services, please contact our Sales & Marketing Manager, on 01332 367475 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .