Compac Metric P-Line Test Indicator
Manufacturing resumed in 2023
With a sigh of relief, TESA of Switzerland has resumed manufacturing the popular and excellent quality test indicators known—since the 1960s—by the name Compac. We are not yet convinced that changing the name to P-Line was the best decision, however.
For the moment, only metric models are available and this includes horizontal, vertical, and parallel styles. We will be adding new ordering information to this page as it becomes available. In the meanwhile, you are welcome to send us an inquiry and we'll do everything we can to get these gages to you.
What's wrong with this picture?
(photo courtesy of the manufacturer, TESA Switzerland)
New dials! The COMPAC name has been removed but the Compac model number is shown at the top under the somewhat perplexing "P-Line" logo. The Swiss manufacturer's name TESA is shown at the bottom. The black and white outer ring is a new innovation. Otherwise, everything stays the same.
| Compac | Graduations | Range | Dial Ø | Point Length | P-Line Model | US$ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 213 | 0.01 mm | 1.5 mm | 27 mm | 18 mm | 01810400 | inquire |
| 213G | 0.01 mm | 1.5 mm | 40 mm | 18 mm | 01810401 | inquire |
| 212L | 0.01 mm | 3 mm | 27 mm | 36 mm | 01810402 | inquire |
| 212GL | 0.01 mm | 3 mm | 40 mm | 36 mm | 01810403 | inquire |
| 215 | 0.002 mm | 0.6 mm | 27 mm | 18 mm | 01810404 | inquire |
| 215G | 0.002 mm | 0.6 mm | 40 mm | 18 mm | 01810405 | inquire |
| 215GL | 0.002 mm | 1.2 mm | 40 mm | 36 mm | 01810406 | inquire |
| 216G | 0.001 mm | 0.6 mm | 40 mm | 18 mm | 01810407 | inquire |
Important calibration information
Compac models are designed to permit a true reading when the angle between the stylus and the reference surface is 0° (ie., they are parallel).
Since the dial test indicator is used as a comparator, the angle can usually be set to remain at 0° for all comparisons. However, when the indicator is run through its range while attempting direct readings or for calibration, this angle will of necessity change, introducing the cosine error.
In the rare cases when measurement is required with the stylus at an angle other than 0° with respect to the reference surface the readings should be corrected. Refer to calibration instructions for details.
While Compac test indicators are accurate ± 1 graduation when used as a comparator, they have total allowable deviations over their entire range as follows:
Since the dial test indicator is used as a comparator, the angle can usually be set to remain at 0° for all comparisons. However, when the indicator is run through its range while attempting direct readings or for calibration, this angle will of necessity change, introducing the cosine error.
In the rare cases when measurement is required with the stylus at an angle other than 0° with respect to the reference surface the readings should be corrected. Refer to calibration instructions for details.
While Compac test indicators are accurate ± 1 graduation when used as a comparator, they have total allowable deviations over their entire range as follows:
Contact Point Length
It is imperative that the correct length of contact point be used with dial test indicators. Test indicators rely on leverage ratios to amplify the readings. Changing the length of the contact point will alter the ratio and result in incorrect readings. The common problem of incremental errors (ie, the readings gradually get worse from one revolution to the next) is most likely due to the installation of the wrong length point.
Most manufacturers specify the proper point length in their catalogs. It is not always clear, however, how the over-all length of the point is measured.
Compac contact points should be measured from the center of the carbide ball to the far end of the threads.
Some end-users purposely install extra-long contact points because their application requires it. If the contact point is exactly twice the length, then the readings on the dial will be doubled. Most 0,002 mm Compac indicators can be fitted with a long point which will make the graduations read 0,004 mm
Most manufacturers make indicators designed for use with long contact points. Compac test indicators have the letter designation "L" as a component of their model numbers.
Contact points can have a variety of ball diameters typically ranging from 1 mm to 3 mm and are available in carbide or ruby (special order). It is highly recommended that contact points fitted with carbide balls be used, especially for 0,002 mm indicators. The size of the ball diameter has no effect on the indicator's accuracy.
To find the ordering number for contact points refer to our contact points list.
Most manufacturers specify the proper point length in their catalogs. It is not always clear, however, how the over-all length of the point is measured.
Compac contact points should be measured from the center of the carbide ball to the far end of the threads.
Some end-users purposely install extra-long contact points because their application requires it. If the contact point is exactly twice the length, then the readings on the dial will be doubled. Most 0,002 mm Compac indicators can be fitted with a long point which will make the graduations read 0,004 mm
Most manufacturers make indicators designed for use with long contact points. Compac test indicators have the letter designation "L" as a component of their model numbers.
Contact points can have a variety of ball diameters typically ranging from 1 mm to 3 mm and are available in carbide or ruby (special order). It is highly recommended that contact points fitted with carbide balls be used, especially for 0,002 mm indicators. The size of the ball diameter has no effect on the indicator's accuracy.
To find the ordering number for contact points refer to our contact points list.
Compac Indicator Repair
Compac and P-Line spare parts are available, in stock, and with our experience since 1959, repairs can effectively be made on any of these test indicators.
Professional repairs: see details
Additionally, we have now printed a Compac repair manual which can be found in book form at Amazon. If you want to give it a try yourself. Warning! It isn't easy.
Professional repairs: see details
Additionally, we have now printed a Compac repair manual which can be found in book form at Amazon. If you want to give it a try yourself. Warning! It isn't easy.
Q&A
Q: I am interested in your metric Compac 213G dial test indicator. Would you please answer these questions about it? Is the crystal (glass) made of mineral glass or plastic? Is the bezel made of metal or plastic? What country are parts made in and where did the final assembly take place?
Other questions? Feel free to ask.
- The crystal is made of plastic although the type of plastic is proprietary information according to the manufacturer. The bezel is metal. The parts are made in Switzerland and the indicators are assembled in the factory in Renens, Switzerland, to the best of our knowledge.
Other questions? Feel free to ask.
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STARRETT
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Long Island Indicator Service
Long Island Indicator Service was founded in 1960. We provide professional repair service for precision measuring tools and gages with an emphasis on Swiss made test indicators, dial indicators, dial calipers and micrometers. We are pleased to be a recognized service partner for Brown & Sharpe.
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Privacy: We do not collect any information while you are visiting this website unless you proceed to place an order. If you place an order, your information will be kept confidential and will not be sold or made available to any other entity. If one of our links leads to Amazon, their privacy statement should be considered.