Measuring instruments have been used for the inspection of
manufactured parts ever since the first vernier caliper was
introduced. It wasn't difficult to take care of those old tools
on the shop floor: A clean cloth, a little elbow grease and a
good storage box were all that was needed to make those gages
last a lifetime. In fact, they often became prized possessions,
as craftsmen handed down tools from generation to generation. In
the past 30 years or so, electronic gages have become
increasingly common on the shop floor because of their ease of
use, speed and ability to do complex measurements. However, when
it came to caring for these new gages, one thing was clear: You
didn’t want to get that digital caliper, micrometer, indicator,
amplifier or computer anywhere near water or coolant, or there
was sure to be trouble. Either the gage wouldn’t work, or, even
worse, it would produce incorrect readings. It didn’t make sense
that these gages didn’t operate properly in an environment where
coolant, grease, dirt