| Numbers to know | What |
|---|---|
| 0.03µm | repeatability with the Lab Concept Nano. It's the most repeatable bench in the line |
| 22kg | THV portable bench Full calibration capability in a field-ready package |
| 3 min | Typical calibration cycle Per gage on HC series versus weeks waiting for outside labs |
| 10m+ | Maximum measuring range HC3 and HC4 handle large parts and long-range gages |
Horizontal Calibration Benches
A full range from portable to the most accurate horizontal calibration bench in the world
Calibrate gages in-house:
traceable, fast, and on your schedule
Stop sending gages out and waiting weeks to get them back. Our Fowler Trimos horizontal calibration benches bring traceable, ASME B89.1.2-compliant capability directly into your shop or lab — in a fixed bench, a portable field unit, or the most accurate calibration instrument available anywhere.
The workhorse of the calibration lab.
The HC series is the core of any serious in-house calibration program. Three models; HC3, HC4, and HC5, share the same platform, software, and accessory ecosystem. The choice between them comes down to accuracy requirements and measuring range.
Every HC bench produces traceable calibration results compliant with ASME B89.1.2 and integrates with QMSoft and Indysoft gage management software for complete audit-ready documentation.
Thread gage calibration is one of the most valuable and often overlooked capabilities of the HC series. Using a T-ball probe, you can calibrate thread ring and thread plug gages on the same bench you use for plain gages. That eliminates a whole category of gages that previously had to be sent out for calibration.
Common concerns when using gage blocks for calibration
Stacking
Stacking twenty gage blocks to reach a 20" dimension takes time, care, and still introduces compounding uncertainty at every interface.
Large Blocks
Large gage block sets are expensive, fragile, and require their own careful storage and calibration schedule.
Different Operators
Different operators stack differently — resulting in inconsistent gage settings and subtle variation in parts that shouldn't vary.
Temperature Concerns
When production runs hot and gages need to be reset multiple times per shift, the 15-minutes-per-setup tax becomes a real throughput problem.
Did you know?
Here are 8 Common gage types you can calibrate - more than you might realize
1
Ring Gages
Go / no-go and setting rings
2
Thread Gages
Thread plug & thread ring gages
3
Dial indicators
Drop & test indicators
4
Snap gages
Some With appropriate accessories
5
Plug gages
Plain and tapered plug gages
6
Taper gages
Internal and external taper
7
Cylindrical gages
Various cylindrical formats
8
Conical standards
Conical thread ring & plug
Software & traceability
HC benches run computer-based calibration software with a visual analog display that helps operators find true reversal points — the max/min of an internal or external bore — with confidence. The software supports measurement in 3 planes across 2 axes, following ASME B89.1.2 calibration methods.
Calibration records flow directly into your gage management system, giving you a complete audit trail for every gage in your inventory.
Fowler Trimos HC Series Horizontal Calibration Bench Lineup
HC3
Entry calibration tier
The starting point for manufacturers ready to bring gage calibration in-house. The HC3 covers the widest range in the line — up to 3,050 mm — making it the right choice for shops with large-format gages and a broad gage inventory.
BMPE 0.2 + L(mm)/500 µm
Repeatability (2s) 0.1 µm
Resolution 0.0001 mm
Measuring range 0–3,050 mm
Ref. temperature 20 ± 0.5 °C
Shop the HC3 (Coming Soon)
BMPE 0.2 + L(mm)/500 µm
Repeatability (2s) 0.1 µm
Resolution 0.0001 mm
Measuring range 0–3,050 mm
Ref. temperature 20 ± 0.5 °C
HC4
Mid-range calibration tier
The HC4 steps up accuracy and resolution for calibration labs with tighter tolerance requirements. If you're calibrating gages used in aerospace, medical device, or precision automotive applications, the HC 4 gives you the confidence margin you need — at full range up to 3,050 mm.
BMPE 0.3 + L(mm)/2000 µm
Repeatability (2s) 0.1 µm
Resolution 0.00001 mm
Measuring range 550–3,050 mm
Ref. temperature 20 ± 0.2 °C
Shop the HC4 (coming soon)
BMPE 0.3 + L(mm)/2000 µm
Repeatability (2s) 0.1 µm
Resolution 0.00001 mm
Measuring range 550–3,050 mm
Ref. temperature 20 ± 0.2 °C
HC5
High-accuracy calibration tier
Built for calibration labs that can't afford uncertainty in their uncertainty budget. The HC5 is the right choice for labs running ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation or serving customers with the most demanding precision requirements — with the tightest BMPE and repeatability in the HC line.
Measuring range BMPE 0.1 + L(mm)/2000 µm
Repeatability (2s) 0.05 µm
Resolution 0.00001 mm
Measuring range 350–1,050 mm
Ref. temperature 20 ± 0.2 °C
Shop the HC5...
Measuring range BMPE 0.1 + L(mm)/2000 µm
Repeatability (2s) 0.05 µm
Resolution 0.00001 mm
Measuring range 350–1,050 mm
Ref. temperature 20 ± 0.2 °C
The Fowler Trimos THV portable horiztontal calibration bench
The Trimos THV is a 22 kg portable calibration bench built for calibration service providers who work on-site and manufacturers who need a compact, capable bench without a dedicated lab. Traceable results. ISO 9000 compliant. Ready to travel.
Two types of customers. One bench that works for both.
The THV serves two distinct needs and we typically see different stories for each type of customer. Start with whichever matches your situation.
Take your calibration capability on the road
CALIBRATION SERVICE PROVIDERS
If you're a calibration lab or service provider, your customers don't always want to ship their gages to you — and in some industries, traceability requirements mean calibration has to happen on-site. The THV was designed for exactly this workflow.
At 22 kg, it's the only Trimos calibration bench built to travel. Pack it, bring it to your customer's facility, acclimate it, and calibrate. Ring gages, plug gages, thread gages, indicators — full certification capability without a permanent lab setup.
For service providers, expanding on-site capability directly expands your customer base and your billable scope. Customers who previously couldn't use your services because you couldn't come to them.
Expand the scope of customers you can serve and the types of on-site calibration work you can take on without investing in a second fixed lab location.
At 22 kg, it's the only Trimos calibration bench built to travel. Pack it, bring it to your customer's facility, acclimate it, and calibrate. Ring gages, plug gages, thread gages, indicators — full certification capability without a permanent lab setup.
For service providers, expanding on-site capability directly expands your customer base and your billable scope. Customers who previously couldn't use your services because you couldn't come to them.
Expand the scope of customers you can serve and the types of on-site calibration work you can take on without investing in a second fixed lab location.
Bring calibration in-house without dedicating a full lab
MANUFACTURERS — IN-HOUSE CALIBRATION
For manufacturers who are cost-sensitive about the in-house calibration investment, or whose space doesn't support a full HC bench setup, the THV offers a practical entry point. It handles the most common gage types — plug gages, ring gages, thread gages, and indicators — in a package that fits on a bench top.
The THV doesn't need a dedicated calibration room. With a reasonable acclimation period, it performs reliably in a clean workshop or controlled area. For shops that send gages out today and are ready to bring that process in-house, the THV is a lower-commitment first step with real calibration capability.
Reduce external calibration costs and gage downtime without the footprint, infrastructure, or investment of a full in-house calibration lab.
The THV doesn't need a dedicated calibration room. With a reasonable acclimation period, it performs reliably in a clean workshop or controlled area. For shops that send gages out today and are ready to bring that process in-house, the THV is a lower-commitment first step with real calibration capability.
Reduce external calibration costs and gage downtime without the footprint, infrastructure, or investment of a full in-house calibration lab.
22kg
Portable enough for a single technician to carry, set up, and operate with no installation crew, no special infrastructure
Same day
Gages calibrated on-site are returned to service the same day with no shipping lag, no downtime while waiting for results
Expanded Scope
On-site capability opens customer segments and service types that a lab-only model can't reach
Reduced Annual Calibration Costs
Predictable, annual maintenance cost for the THV typically far less than the external calibration spend it displaces
THE BUSINESS CASE
Where the THV pays for itself
For calibration service providers, the math is straightforward: every on-site calibration visit you couldn't take before the THV was revenue left on the table. Customers who need on-site services; regulated manufacturers, facilities with equipment that can't leave the building, sites that want their own traceability chain, are all accessible with a portable bench.
For manufacturers, the calculation is about recurring cost reduction. Sending gages out for calibration is a recurring line item; service fees, shipping, gage downtime, duplicate inventory. The THV turns that into a one-time capital investment with a finite payback period.
Annual calibration service for the THV itself runs approximately $5,000–$6,000 which is a predictable, manageable cost that is typically far less than the recurring external calibration spend it replaces.
THe Lab Concept Nano Series
The Ultimate in Calibration Lab Accuracy & repeatability
The Trimos THV is a 22 kg portable calibration bench built for calibration service providers who work on-site and manufacturers who need a compact, capable bench without a dedicated lab. Traceable results. ISO 9000 compliant. Ready to travel.
LAB CONCEPT NANO · PREMIUM TIER
The last word in calibration accuracy
For the rare application where standard calibration bench accuracy isn't enough, the Lab Concept Nano exists. It's a fully automated, motorized XYZ calibration bench built for the highest-precision manufacturing environments and advanced calibration labs where measurement uncertainty is measured in fractions of a micron.
The Nano automates the entire calibration process. Measure a ring gage, plug gage, or thread plug with a single click. The bench handles positioning, reversal detection, and data capture without operator input. The result is faster throughput and significantly reduced operator-to-operator variability.
Motorized XYZ axis
Fully automated positioning eliminates manual probe placement and reversal hunting
One-click calibration
Ring gages, plug gages, and thread plugs measured automatically — start to finish
Sub-micron accuracy
0.03 µm repeatability and 0.000001 mm resolution designed for national labs and accredited calibration providers
Integrated dual-sensor temperature compensation
Real-time thermal correction — the only bench in the line with active temperature compensation
Complete Horizontal Calibration Bench Specification Comparison
| Specification | HC Series | THV — Portable | Lab Concept Nano | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | HC 3Entry calibration | HC 4Mid accuracy | HC 5High accuracy | THVPortable calibration | Lab Concept NanoLab precision |
| Accuracy & Measurement | |||||
| BMPEMax permissible error at reference temp | 0.2 + L/500 µm | 0.3 + L/2000 µm | 0.1 + L/2000 µm | 0.2 + L/250 µm | 0.07 + L/2000 µm |
| Repeatability (±2S)Consistency across repeated measurements | 0.1 µm | 0.1 µm | 0.05 µm | 0.1 µm | 0.03 µm |
| ResolutionSmallest detectable increment | 0.0001 mm | 0.00001 mm | 0.00001 mm | 0.00001 mm | 0.000001 mm(1 nanometer) |
| Resolution (switchable)Available resolution steps | 0.001 / 0.0001 mm | 0.001 / 0.0001 / 0.00001 mm | 0.001 / 0.0001 / 0.00001 mm | 0.001 / 0.0001 / 0.00001 mm | 0.001 / 0.0001 / 0.00001 / 0.000001 mm |
| Measuring Range | |||||
| Measuring rangeExternal / nominal | 0–3,050 mm (0–120") |
550–3,050 mm (20–120") |
350–1,050 mm (14–42") |
100 mm ext. 100 mm int. 50 mm absolute |
350 mm / 600 mm / 1,100 mm(3 configs) |
| Physical & Setup | |||||
| Measuring forceContact force applied to gage | Adjustable | Adjustable | Adjustable | 0–4 N adjustable | 0–12 Nsoftware controlled |
| Carriage / axis drive | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | CNC / Motorized XYZ |
| Orientation | Horizontal (fixed) | Horizontal (fixed) | Horizontal (fixed) | 0°–90° adjustable | Horizontal (fixed) |
| Portability / weight | Lab fixture | Lab fixture | Lab fixture | 22 kg — field portable | Lab fixture (heavy) |
| Max part weightSupported on measuring table | — | — | — | — | 60 kg |
| Environment Requirements | |||||
| Reference temperatureRequired for rated accuracy | 20°C ± 0.5° | 20°C ± 0.2° | 20°C ± 0.2° | Acclimation requiredcontrolled area preferred | 20°C ± 0.2°tightest requirement |
| Humidity | 50% RH | 50% RH | 50% RH | Reasonable control | 50% RH |
| Temperature compensation | No | No | No | No | Yes — dual sensor, integrated |
| Suitable for clean room | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Software & Connectivity | |||||
| Display / interface | Computer-basedWinDHI, TFT touchscreen | Computer-basedWinDHI, TFT touchscreen | Computer-basedWinDHI, TFT touchscreen | PC or display unitWinDHI software | PC-controlledWinDHI, fully automated |
| Gage management software | QMSoft / Indysoft | QMSoft / Indysoft | QMSoft / Indysoft | QMSoft compatible | QMSoft / Indysoft |
| Connectivity | RS232 / USB | RS232 / USB | RS232 / USB | PC / display unit | RS232 / USB / DDE |
| Visual reversal aidHelps identify true max/min | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes — automated |
| Calibration standard compliance | ASME B89.1.2 | ASME B89.1.2 | ASME B89.1.2 | ISO 9000 | ASME B89.1.2 |
| Capabilities | |||||
| Ring gages (plain) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plug gages (plain) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Thread gages (ring & plug) | Yes ¹ | Yes ¹ | Yes ¹ | Yes ¹ | Yes ¹ |
| Dial indicators & test indicators | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Snap gages / depth gages | With accessories | With accessories | With accessories | No | Yes |
| Gage blocks / gauge bars | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Automated measurement cycle | No — manual | No — manual | No — manual | No — manual | Yes — full CNC automation |
| Use Case | |||||
| Typical environment | Controlled lab | Controlled lab | Controlled lab | Field / on-site | Lab / NMI |
| Best for | In-house calibration, general gage inventory | Aerospace, medical, higher-tolerance calibration | ISO/IEC 17025 labs, highest-accuracy calibration | On-site service providers, space-constrained shops | NMIs, accredited labs, ultra-high-precision mfg. |