Digital Height Gauge - VMS Series 9
Patented System | 1D Measurement | British Manufactured
The Vertex VMS Series 9 digital height gauge is a state-of-the-art piece of precision metrology equipment, engineered for highly accurate and repeatable 1D precision measurements.
The Vertex VMS Series 9 is a high-precision digital height gauge developed to deliver accurate and repeatable 1D precision measurements across a wide range of industrial applications.
- Advance Air-Bearing System: Its performance is driven by an advanced air-bearing system on both the base and Z-axis carriage, providing near-frictionless movement that minimises mechanical wear and supports long-term stability in both shop floor and inspection environments.
- Manufactured to be Right: With squareness performance of 4 microns across front and 8 microns on the side planes, the Vertex system ensures consistent and reliable height measurement results.
Unlike conventional systems that rely on software compensation, the Vertex VMS operates as a non error-mapped system, meaning its accuracy is achieved through inherent mechanical precision rather than software compensation, giving users greater confidence that readings reflect true part geometry rather than compensated values. - Intelligent Probing and Features: The Vertex system features a motorised probing mechanism with a contactless eddy current clutch and adjustable 40g probing force, ensuring controlled, repeatable contact measurement, while the dual probe facility (excluding VMS 250S) streamlines measurement of varied geometries without frequent changeover.
Probe qualification and up to eight assignable datums support full traceability across inspection routines. - Simplifying Operations: For day-to-day use, the intuitive orbital keypad and clear, robust display make operation straightforward, with readings visible from multiple angles.
A rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides over 10 hours of continuous operation, and RS-232 connectivity with optional onboard printing simplifies data transfer and physical reporting. - Quality Assurance You Can Trust: Manufactured, designed, and supported in Derby, UK, the Vertex VMS reflects Eley Metrology’s precision engineering heritage. Each system is supplied with UKAS calibration as standard to support ISO-compliant quality assurance, reinforcing its position as reliable, high-performance height measurement equipment.
The VMS Series 9 Range: The Series 9 range is designed to suit a variety of measurement requirements and working environments.
- VMS 250S - a static model mounted on a dedicated granite base, is ideal for high-volume batch measurement.
- VMS 250 - is suited to small-scale, detailed applications where space may be limited.
- VMS 800 - offers a versatile mid-range solution for everyday measurement tasks.
- VMS 1000 - delivering enhanced precision, for those more demanding applications.
- VMS 1200 - providing a more robust design suited to workshop and manufacturing environments.
- VMS 1550 - largest measurement capacity combined with premium precision performance.
- Custom sizes are also available.
1D height measurement of components from a surface plate, including steps, shoulders, and vertical distances.
Internal and external diameter (ID/OD) measurement using precision probing.
Centreline-to-centreline distance measurement for accurate component alignment verification.
Squareness and perpendicularity checks for machined parts.
Measurement of slot widths, depths, and key geometric features.
Scribing and marking layout lines directly onto workpieces.
Ideal for precision engineering environments including aerospace, automotive, and general manufacturing.
The Vertex VMS Series 9 digital height gauge is backed by a comprehensive aftersales package, including warranty cover, operator training, and ongoing support from Eley Metrology’s UK-based team.
UKAS calibration services are available to ensure continued accuracy, compliance, and confidence in your precision measurements, with servicing intervals tailored to your usage and environment.
An annual calibration and service is recommended to maintain performance and certification validity, ensuring your height measurement equipment continues to deliver reliable results throughout its operational life.
Technical Specifications Vertex VMS Series 9
|
MODEL
|
MEASURING RANGE (mm)
|
ACCURACY (±µm)
|
RESOLUTION (mm)
|
MEASURING FORCE (N)
|
STRAIGHTNESS (µm)
|
SQUARENESS FRONT & SIDE (µm)
|
WEIGHT (kg)
|
BATTERY TIME (h)
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
VMS 250S
|
250mm
|
1.3+(L/250)
|
0.0005
|
0.4
|
2 Mechanical
|
4/8
|
31
|
10
|
|
VMS 250
|
250mm
|
1.3+(L/250)
|
0.0005
|
0.4
|
2 Mechanical
|
4/8
|
31
|
10
|
|
VMS 800
|
800mm
|
1.3+(L/250)
|
0.0005
|
0.4
|
2 Mechanical
|
4/8
|
31
|
10
|
|
VMS 1000
|
1000mm
|
1.3+(L/250)
|
0.0005
|
0.4
|
2 Mechanical
|
4/8
|
34
|
10
|
|
VMS 1200
|
1200mm
|
1.3+(L/250)
|
0.0005
|
0.4
|
2 Mechanical
|
4/8
|
34
|
10
|
|
VMS1550
|
1550mm
|
1.3+(L/250)
|
0.0005
|
0.4
|
2 Mechanical
|
4/8
|
34
|
10
|
FAQs
What types of measurements can the Series 9 perform?
The Series 9 handles 1D measurements including heights, shoulders, step heights, ID/OD diameters, slot widths and centreline‑to‑centreline distances, plus scribing and layout lines. It is ideal for everyday feature checks in aerospace, automotive and general precision manufacturing environments.
What is the difference between 1D and 2D height gauge measurement?
1D measurement refers to linear values along a single vertical coordinate: heights, diameters, gaps and centre distances relative to a datum. 2D measurement adds a second coordinate, enabling distances, perpendicular distances, angles, mid‑points and best‑fit lines/circles to be calculated in Cartesian or polar coordinates.
What makes the Vertex VMS a “non error‑mapped” system?
Unlike many digital height gauges that rely on software to compensate for mechanical imperfections, the Vertex VMS achieves its accuracy from the inherent precision of its frame and air‑bearing geometry. This non error‑mapped approach means readings reflect true part geometry rather than corrected values, improving traceability and operator confidence.
What environment does the Series 9 need to perform correctly?
The gauge performs best in a stable 18–22°C environment on a clean, Grade 0/1 granite surface plate, with low humidity and minimal dust or vibration. Keeping the base and column clean and protecting the system with a cover when not in use further enhances stability and lifespan.
What warranty and support are available for the Series 9?
Eley backs the Vertex VMS with a multi‑year warranty on the instrument, extended coverage on air bearings, and lifetime UK‑based technical support. Optional service contracts cover scheduled UKAS digital height gauge servicing and calibration, preventive maintenance, parts and software support to keep the gauge performing at its specified accuracy.
How does the Series 9 air‑bearing system improve accuracy?
Air bearings on the base and Z‑axis carriage provide near‑frictionless motion, reducing mechanical wear and ensuring consistent, repeatable probing forces over time. This eliminates stick–slip effects seen with conventional mechanical slides and helps maintain long‑term stability in both workshop and inspection‑room environments.
How often should I calibrate and service a Series 9 height gauge?
Annual servicing and calibration is standard for most quality systems, with six‑monthly intervals recommended for dusty, high‑volume or harsh environments. Calibration should also be scheduled after relocation, major repair, or whenever measurement drift is suspected.
Can the Series 9 be upgraded from 1D to 2D?
Yes. The Series 9 is engineered as a 1D system with the option to add 2D measurement capability via a software upgrade, avoiding the cost and disruption of replacing the gauge. This allows you to start with 1D inspection and unlock advanced 2D routines later as your measurement requirements evolve.
Which Series 9 model size is right for my application?
- VMS 250 / 250S — ideal for compact parts, detail work and batch inspection on a dedicated granite base.
- VMS 800 / 1000 — versatile mid‑range gauges for most workshop and inspection tasks.
- VMS 1200 / 1550 — extended‑range gauges for larger components and heavy‑duty manufacturing.
- Custom sizes are also available where your parts exceed standard capacities.
Is the Series 9 a replacement for a CMM?
No. A digital height gauge is a 1D instrument for vertical measurements and feature relationships on a surface plate, whereas a CMM provides full 3D volumetric measurement across X, Y and Z. Many users pair a Vertex VMS for rapid shop‑floor checks with a CMM for complex freeform or full‑part validation.