Dial Indicators & Zero Setters

Dial Indicators & Zero Setters

Dial indicators and zero setters are essential precision measurement instruments for machining setup, workpiece inspection, and machine alignment. They measure small displacements with high accuracy, allowing machinists to confirm runout, squareness, concentricity, and surface straightness to micron-level precision. AIMS Industrial supplies plunger-type dial indicators, lever-type test indicators, and zero setters from precision measurement brands.

Plunger Dial Indicators

Plunger (or spindle-type) dial indicators measure axial displacement — the contact point travels along the axis of the instrument body. The plunger mechanism converts linear contact point movement into rotary pointer movement on the dial face. Standard metric dial indicators read in 0.01mm increments with a 10mm travel range; high-resolution models read to 0.001mm. Plunger indicators are used in magnetic stands for checking runout on rotating components (shaft runout, chuck jaw runout), tramming machine table squareness, and verifying workpiece position in fixtures.

Lever Test Indicators (DTI)

Lever-type test indicators (Dial Test Indicators or DTIs) measure displacement perpendicular to the instrument axis via a pivoting lever contact. This configuration allows measurement in tight spaces and at angles impossible for a plunger indicator to access. DTIs are the preferred instrument for checking runout on bore surfaces, setting work in four-jaw chucks, and inspecting surfaces in confined areas of complex workpieces. Travel range is smaller than plunger indicators (typically 0.8mm), but resolution can be as fine as 0.001mm.

Magnetic Stands and Holders

Dial indicators require a stable mounting to be useful — a flexible arm magnetic stand that holds the indicator rigidly while allowing it to be repositioned quickly is the standard setup. Strong-magnet bases mount to machine tables, spindle housings, and any ferrous surface. The arm should be set as short and rigid as possible — long, extended arm configurations allow vibration to introduce noise into the reading.

Zero Setters for CNC Tool Length Measurement

CNC zero setters provide a precise, repeatable contact point for tool length measurement and workpiece offset setting on machining centres. A precision contact surface with a defined height allows the machine control to calculate tool length offsets accurately. Spring-loaded zero setters compress under light contact and provide a consistent reference height for every tool measured — repeatability is typically ±0.001mm, sufficient for most production machining work. Some zero setters include an electrical signal output for integration with machine control systems, eliminating the need to observe the indicator reading manually during tool setting.

Order from AIMS Industrial

AIMS Industrial stocks dial indicators, test indicators, and zero setters for workshop and CNC setup applications. For help selecting the right indicator or zero setter for your setup application, contact our team.