Horizontal Measuring, Setting & Calibration Benches
Measure, set, and calibrate gages in-house easily with confidence & traceabiliity
There's a better approach to calibration
Most shops and calibration labs reach a point where the old school methods of calibration ends up costing more time and money than it should. Does any of this sound familiar?
- Sending gages out for calibration means days or weeks of downtime and recurring service fees every cycle
- Stacking gage blocks to set a gage takes 15 minutes and introduces more uncertainty with every added block
- Managing calibration across hundreds of gages, tracking due dates, coordinating pickups, is a time sink that grows with your gage inventory
- Calibration service providers need portable, capable equipment to perform on-site work, but most benches aren't built to travel
Most of our customers that have made the purchase of a Fowler Trimos horiztonal bench tell us that they wish they had done it sooner. The typical payback time on this investment is surprsingly short. Customer overcome recurring operational challenges. Having a horizontal bench makes your operation faster, more consistent, have less downtime, all with greater accuracy & repeatability.
6 Reasons to add a horizontal bench to your inspection workflow
1. From 15 minutes to 1 min
From blocks to bench. It's a no-brainer. Time is money. Rid your shop of repetitive inspection tasks
A gage setup that took 15 minutes with gage blocks takes under a minute on a Trimos horizontal — for any size in the bench's range.
2. Same day turnaround
In-house is fastest calibration
Gages that used to leave the building for weeks can be calibrated in 20 minutes — on your schedule, with your documentation. Keep your production flowing.
3. Full traceability
Documented, auditable results
Integrated software supports ASME B89.1.2 standards and connects to gage management systems like QMSoft and Indysoft — so every result is traceable.
4. Proficiency in Hours Not Weeks
Train new staff easily
New operators are productive within a few hours. Full proficiency typically comes within a few weeks — no specialized metrology background required.
5. Any length range, even beyond 10m
Continuous scale range
A continuous linear scale means no range limitations and no switching references mid-measurement. As large as your application demands. Have something
6. Expand Your Range
Increase scope for service providers
For calibration labs, a Trimos bench expands the types of gages you can service — opening new customer segments and recurring revenue.
Which bench fits your workflow?
Setting Bench No-brainer: Set Gages faster than using gage blocks
HS3, HS4, HS5, HS6
The HS series replaces gage block stacks with a continuous measuring scale so setting a dial bore gage, beam gage, or micrometer takes under a minute instead of the typical 15 minutes. That means faster setups, better accuracy, less operator variability.
Check out the Setting Bench Lineup...
"Stacking blocks to set a bore gage is slow, and the more blocks we stack, the less confident we are in the result."
Calibration Benches bring gage calibration in-house
HC3, HC4, HC5, Lab Concept Premium
The HC series gives manufacturers and calibration labs a fast, traceable way to calibrate ring gages, plug gages, thread gages, indicators, and more — right at your bench. Integrated software supports ASME standards and connects to your gage management system.
Check out the Calibration Bench Lineup...
"We send hundreds of gages out every year. The cost and downtime are adding up."
Portable Calibration: Take it on the road or across the campus
THV
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.
Check out the THV and other Calibration Benches...
A simple breakdown of the types of benches
| Capability / use case | HC series Calibration bench |
HS series
Setting bench
|
THV series
Portable calibration
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary use | In-house gage calibration | Gage setting & zeroing | Portable / on-site calibration |
| Calibration capable | Yes — traceable to ASME B89.1.2 | HS 6 only | Yes |
| Best for | Mfg. shops & calibration labs with large gage inventories | Production floors setting bore gages, micrometers, beam gages | Calibration service providers & space-constrained shops |
| Typical environment | Controlled lab (20°C, 50% RH) | Shop floor — tolerates more variation | Field / on-site (with acclimation time) |
| Software integration | QMSoft / Indysoft gage management | Standalone touchscreen | Computer-based with visual reversal aids |
| Gage types supported | Ring gages, plug gages, thread gages, indicators, tapers | Bore gages, beam gages, micrometers, swing gages | Ring gages, plug gages, indicators, cylindrical |
| Models available | HC 3, HC 4, HC 5, Lab Concept Nano | HS 3, HS 4, HS 5, HS 6 | THV series |
The Complete Horizontal Bench Family Lineup
HS3 Setting Bench
MOTORIZED · WORKSHOP SETTING
The newest addition to the HS line offsers a motorized setting bench designed for rapid setting and zeroing of variable-dimension gages directly on the production floor. ISO-compliant calibration capable. Instant startup, rugged electronics built for industrial environments.
HS4 Setting Bench
MANUAL · FULL-RANGE SETTING
The HS4 covers the widest range in the HS line up to 3050 mm, making it the go-to for manufacturers setting large-bore gages, beam gages, and micrometers on large-scale parts. Manual carriage with fine adjustment for precise positioning.
HS5 Setting Bench
MOTORIZED · FULL-RANGE SETTING
Same range and accuracy as the HS4 but with a motorized carriage for faster, more consistent positioning. If your operators are setting gages frequently throughout the shift, the HS5's motorization reduces fatigue and speeds up the workflow meaningfully.
HS6 Setting Bench
SETTING + CALIBRATION CAPABILITY
The HS6 does everything the HS 4/5 do but steps into calibration-grade territory. Tighter repeatability (0.2 µm) and a dramatically lower measuring force (3 N vs. 15 N) make it suitable for calibration tasks as well as setting. The bridge between the HS and HC lines.
HC3 Calibration Bench
Air cushion, Extendable range
The HC3 is the starting point for shops bringing gage calibration in-house. It delivers traceable, repeatable results on the most common gage types; ring gages, plug gages, thread gages, and indicators, at a price point that makes in-house calibration accessible.
HC4 Calibration Bench
Dual-mode, Greater Height
The HC4 steps up accuracy and resolution for calibration labs and manufacturers with tighter tolerance requirements. If you're calibrating gages used in aerospace, medical device, or precision automotive applications, the HC4 gives you the confidence margin you need.
HC5 Calibration Bench
Greater accuracy, squareness
The HC5 is built for calibration labs that can't afford uncertainty in their uncertainty budget. The highest accuracy in the HC line, the HC 5 is the right choice for labs running ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation or serving customers with the most demanding precision requirements.
Lab Concept Nano
The most accurate horizontal bench in the world
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.
Motorized, Bluetooth Standard
THV - Portable Calibration
The only motorized model in the precision shop tier. Lowest measuring force in the entire lineup (0.2–0.3N) for delicate surfaces. Bluetooth standard — no dongle, no cable for data collection. Compact footprint fits tighter surface plate setups. Best pick for faster production inspections and SPC workflows where wiring is a friction point.
| Calibration Benches | HS Series — Setting Benches | THV — Portable | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | HC 3Entry calibration | HC 4Mid accuracy | HC 5High accuracy | Lab Concept NanoLab precision | HS 3Workshop setting | HS 4Manual, full-range | HS 5Motorized, full-range | HS 6Setting + calibration | THVPortable calibration |
| Accuracy & Measurement | |||||||||
| BMPEMax permissible error at reference temp | 0.2 + L/500 µm | 0.3 + L/2000 µm | 0.1 + L/2000 µm | 0.07 + L/2000 µm | 0.7 + L/1000 µm | 0.7 + L/1000 µm | 0.7 + L/1000 µm | 0.7 + L/1000 µm | 0.2 + L/250 µm |
| Repeatability (±2S)Consistency across repeated measurements | 0.1 µm | 0.1 µm | 0.05 µm | 0.03 µm | 0.5 µm | 0.5 µm | 0.5 µm | 0.2 µm | 0.1 µm |
| ResolutionSmallest detectable increment | 0.0001 mm | 0.00001 mm | 0.00001 mm | 0.000001 mm(1 nanometer) | 0.0001 mm | 0.0001 mm | 0.0001 mm | 0.0001 mm | 0.00001 mm |
| 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 / 0.000001 mm |
0.001 / 0.0001 mm | 0.001 / 0.0001 mm | 0.001 / 0.0001 mm | 0.001 / 0.0001 mm | 0.001 / 0.0001 / 0.00001 mm |
| Measuring Range | |||||||||
| Measuring rangeExternal / nominal | 0–3,050 mm (0–120") |
550–3,050 mm (20–120") |
350–1,050 mm (14–42") |
350 mm / 600 mm / 1,100 mm(3 configs) |
50–460 mm ext. 1–410 mm int. |
550–3,050 mm (20–120") |
550–3,050 mm (20–120") |
550–3,050 mm (20–120") |
100 mm ext. 100 mm int. 50 mm absolute |
| Physical & Setup | |||||||||
| Measuring forceContact force applied to gage | Adjustable | Adjustable | Adjustable | 0–12 Nsoftware controlled | Adjustable | 15 N | 15 N | 3 N↓ enables calibration use | 0–4 N adjustable |
| Carriage / axis drive | Manual | Manual | Manual | CNC / Motorized XYZ | Motorized | Manual | Motorized | Manual | Manual |
| OrientationFixed or adjustable position | Horizontal (fixed) | Horizontal (fixed) | Horizontal (fixed) | Horizontal (fixed) | Horizontal (fixed) | Horizontal (fixed) | Horizontal (fixed) | Horizontal (fixed) | 0°–90° adjustable |
| Portability / weight | Lab fixture | Lab fixture | Lab fixture | Lab fixture (heavy) | Shop / floor | Shop / floor | Shop / floor | Shop / floor | 22 kg — field portable |
| 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° | 20°C ± 0.2°tightest requirement | Tolerates shop variation | Tolerates shop variation | Tolerates shop variation | Tolerates shop variation | Acclimation requiredcontrolled area preferred |
| HumidityRecommended | 50% RH | 50% RH | 50% RH | 50% RH | No strict requirement | No strict requirement | No strict requirement | No strict requirement | Reasonable control |
| Temperature compensation |
No | No | No | Yes — dual sensor, integrated | No | No | No | No | No |
| Suitable for clean room | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Shop / lab | Shop / lab | Shop / lab | Shop / lab | Yes |
| Software & Connectivity | |||||||||
| Display / interface | Computer-basedWinDHI, TFT touchscreen | Computer-basedWinDHI, TFT touchscreen | Computer-basedWinDHI, TFT touchscreen | PC-controlledWinDHI, fully automated | Touchscreen display | Touchscreen display | Touchscreen display | Touchscreen display | PC or display unitWinDHI software |
| Gage management softwareIntegration capability |
QMSoft / Indysoft | QMSoft / Indysoft | QMSoft / Indysoft | QMSoft / Indysoft | Data output only | Data output only | Data output only | Data output only | QMSoft compatible |
| Connectivity | RS232 / USB | RS232 / USB | RS232 / USB | RS232 / USB / DDE | RS232 / Bluetooth | RS232 / USB | RS232 / USB | RS232 / USB | PC / display unit |
| Visual reversal aidHelps identify true max/min | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes — automated | N/A — setting bench | N/A — setting bench | N/A — setting bench | Partial | Yes |
| Capabilities | |||||||||
| Primary function | Calibration | Calibration | Calibration | Calibration (highest accuracy) | Setting / zeroing | Setting / zeroing | Setting / zeroing | Setting + calibration | Calibration |
| Traceable calibrationASME B89.1.2 / ISO compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes ¹ | Yes — ISO 9000 |
| Ring gages (plain) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No ² | No ² | No ² | Limited ² | Yes |
| Plug gages (plain) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No ² | No ² | No ² | Limited ² | Yes |
| Thread gages (ring & plug) |
Yes ³ | Yes ³ | Yes ³ | Yes ³ | No | No | No | No | Yes ³ |
| Bore gages / internal micrometers |
No ⁴ | No ⁴ | No ⁴ | Limited | Yes — core use | Yes — core use | Yes — core use | Yes — core use | No |
| Dial indicators & test indicators |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Beam gages / large micrometers |
No | No | No | No | HS 3 only — up to 460 mm | Yes — up to 3,050 mm | Yes — up to 3,050 mm | Yes — up to 3,050 mm | No |
| Gage blocks / gauge bars |
No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Snap gages / depth gages |
With accessories | With accessories | With accessories | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Automated measurement cycle |
No — manual | No — manual | No — manual | Yes — full CNC automation | No — manual | No — manual | Motorized carriage only | No — manual | No — manual |
| Use Case & Environment | |||||||||
| Typical environment | Controlled lab | Controlled lab | Controlled lab | Lab / NMI | Production floor | Production floor | Production floor | Prod. floor / lab | Field / on-site |
| Best for | In-house calibration, general gage inventory | Aerospace, medical, higher-tolerance calibration | ISO/IEC 17025 labs, highest-accuracy calibration | NMIs, accredited labs, ultra-high-precision mfg. | Workshop gage setting, smaller parts | Large-range gage setting, beam gages | High-volume setting, frequent use | Shops needing setting AND calibration in one bench | On-site service providers, space-constrained shops |
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