Any business dealing with distances and quantities uses measurement. Whether it's meteorologists determining the amount of rainfall, architects surveying the land or schoolteachers explaining the Pythagorean Theorem, your business needs the correct measuring devices to perform these tasks. While simple measuring jobs use simple devices like rulers and compasses, others require complex industrial devices like calipers and micrometers.
Calipers allow engineers and other professionals to measure more precisely. Pressure gauges are essential to safely store gas and liquids. Other measuring devices use lasers and electronics. Consider the following when selecting the correct measuring products:
1. Identify the type of measurement needed, such as distance or volume.
2. Choose either U.S. units, metric units, or both for your measurement tools.
3. Buy devices that are specific for measuring solids, liquids or gases.
4. Evaluate electronic devices for more precise measurements.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Locate measuring devices for high pressure and temperature storage
Businesses that store liquids and gases at high pressure need pressure gauges. Such products are often volatile, and must be stored at an exact temperature and pressure. Measuring that temperature and pressure is a must.
I recommend: Omega Engineering sells multiple types of pressure gauges in sizes from two to six inches, in analog or digital format.
Ashcroft manufactures several pressure gauges in analog and digital reading, along with thermometers, pressure and temperature switches,indicators and test gauges.
Find industrial measurement gauges like micrometers and calipers
Measuring while constructing with wood and metal requires other specific measurement gauges. Metalworkers, woodworkers and mechanical engineers need calipers or micrometers that help them read measurements more precisely than basic rulers. Micrometers can then hold those measurements in place.
I recommend: Medford Tools and Supply has multiple types of industrial measurement devices from Chicago Brand, including digital and vernier calipers, dial indicators and micrometers. Their micrometers can read in analog or digital.
Empire has a supply of measuring tools, including leaf feeler and ID gauges, and dial or digital calipers.
Purchase laser measurement tools to accurately determine distances
Laser distance measurement devices are very helpful for jobs requiring precise measurements. The lasers in these machines can determine distances to the exact decimal point, measure around obstacles and calculate angles very efficiently, simplifying your work. While such devices are costly, their efficiency and speed can make up for the expense.
I recommend: Professional Equipment has several laser distance measuring products, at a wide range of prices. Many of them advertise as being easier to use than tape measures.
DigitalMeasuringTools.com carries laser meters and measuring instruments from manufacturers like Sonin, Leica and TLM.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Watch out for measuring devices that only use metric or U.S customary units, and not both. While metric units may be easier to calculate, there are still American businesses that won't use them. Most measuring devices should include both systems.
The official source of Measurement is the Measurement page at Business.com
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