Bowers Metrology

Frequently Asked Questions
Questions	Answers
Do you have an Agent/Distrubutor in my Country?	We have a worldwide network of agents and distributors . Please click here for details of your nearest contact. Alternativley you can contact our Customer Service Team here who will be happy to point you in the right direction.
Can I use a 20 – 25 mm XT measuring head with a 6-20 mm pistol grip?	No. You will need a 20-100 mm pistol-grip.
Can pistol-grip spring pressure be reduced for thin-walled parts?	Yes.
I have a measuring problem can Bowers suggest an appropriate solution?	We have Technical Sales Engineers who have been with us for many years, know our products inside-out and come from within the manufacturing industry. They offer measuring solutions to customers on a daily basis.
Can your gauges connect into other suppliers software and SPC systems?	Most digital Gauges these days have an output facility. The most common type of output is known as RS232. This means that you can connect with a cable the gauge directly into the back of a p.c. If the gauge is not RS232, then an interface box is required. We sell a bit of software called “wedge” that will take the data from the gauge and put it into ANY windows program.
How often should I re calibrate my gauges?	Re-calibration of gauges depends on your own specified cycles. Most companies run an annual re-calibration. This is so that the gauges are looked at at least once a year. If you use gauges more often and in a harsh environment, consider a more frequent re-calibration date. Conversely, if a gauge is only used once a year, its re-calibration requirement could be moved out to once every 2-3 years. It’s an individual company defined period.
Can I order one single special head to measure all the thread diameters within the range of the head e.g. : 25 – 35 mm if the pitch is the same ?	No. The number of thread diameters is limited due to the thread helix angle. More than one head will be required to cover the range.
What is the maximum depth I can measure at using the XT-Holematic Pistol-grip?	Max 3 metres depth, minimum 20 mm diameter using a special head with spherical anvils.
I need to get my gauge repaired/re-calibrated, where do I send it?	You must send your gauge back to your local distributor. Please click here for details. If you are in the UK please contact our UK sales office. Details can be found on the website at www.bowers.co.uk
I have an old gauge, can you repair or exchange it?	Gauges can be repaired – depending of course on their age and condition. We have a comprehensive repair facility here. If the gauge is beyond repair we will advise and details of new replacement items can be obtained from your local distributor, click here for details.
Do you accept gauges back for credit?	We do accept gauges back for credit but only for a few reasons. Incorrect supply, damaged in transit or ordered in error. We must be informed of any discrepancy within 30 days of date of invoice. We will not accept back any gauges that have been used, marked or engraved and goods ordered in error are subject to a 15% re-stocking charge.
How long after placing an order can I expect to take delivery?	If the item is a stock item and we have your order before 3:00 p.m. you can expect delivery the next working day. On non-stock items, the expected despatch date is put onto your order acknowledgement for your records.
What if I need to measure at depths deeper than 3 metres?	Bowers will quote for a special pneumatic system. Max depth 15 metres. Min diameter 50 mm.
I have a lot of old Air Gauges and display boxes, what can I do with them?	In many instances, we can re-furbish air gauging. We also offer a quick turn around on replacements and have a Digital Column that is compatible with every type of air plug and ring. Please contact us with your requirements.
The environment I need to measure in is very hostile, can you suggest a solution?	Often we can protect gauges or offer alternative methods of measurement. Please contact the sales office with your requirements. sales@bowersmetrology.com
Do I need an air filter or regulator with my air column and what pressure is required?	Yes you do, its best to filter the air to prolong the life of your gauges. Air columns require between 3 and 15 bar.
Can I swap heads from one XT display to another?	With limited accuracy and without certification on certain sized displays, XT Heads can be swapped. Be very careful because the wear may not match between one head and another. Check Linear accuracy with bottom and top limit setting rings.
Can special heads be used with analogue micrometers ?	No, with the exception of internal grooves. We can make dedicated analogue micrometers for groove measurement.
What is the most accurate Bowers bore gauging system?	There are 2 main types of accurate Bore Gauging. Contact and Non-Contact. The contact version is known as “Superbore” and has several advantages like a large measuring range per head. Non-contact is with Air Gauging where an Air plug is manufactured specifically for your internal dimension just under the bottom limit. Both systems can resolve to 0.001mm accuracy. Depending on the internal surface finish of the bore, material and wall thickness. Please contact the sales office for more details.
Can you use Mercer air plug and ring gauges on the new air column?	Yes, the new Column from Bowers will accept all the major manufacturers air plugs and rings.
The Bowers standard bore-gauging range goes from 1mm – 300 mm. I need to take 3-point measurements of a 375 mm bore. Is this possible ?	Yes. Bowers can make standard-type 3-point heads up to 500 mm on special request.
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