Precision ground spirit level vials.Ground spirit level vials are generally used in applications which require a higher degree of accuracy than is achievable with the low cost plastic vials. We manufacture these in a wide range of sizes and sensitivities and produce many standard types as well as custom made products for OEM's. We have an advanced production facility which enables us to produce extremely high quality vials in small or large quantities at very competitive prices. Please contact us for more information. |
Spencer Place |
| Theory of Operation |
All of our ground spirit level vials are made from glass tubing
which is ground internally to form a barrel shaped radius.
The principal of operation is that the bubble will move to the
highest point of the radius as gravity acts on the liquid inside
the vial. This is explained in more detail on our
page explaining sensitivity. The radius is
usually quite shallow which enables the vials to
detect smaller angles than the plastic type vials. We can
grind radiuses from 500mm up to 100m long in order to produce
vials with a range of sensitivity from 15' (arc minutes)
to 4" (arc seconds). Although
the sensitivity is determined entirely by the radius of
curvature inside the vial, for very sensitive vials it is
necessary to maintain a minimum size to ensure that the bubble
can move freely without sticking inside the tube. We can
offer advice on the best size, sensitivity and liquid type for your application.
We also offer Tritium illuminated levels (also known as
Betalights or Trasers) which require no power supply, have a
life of up to 20 years and enable the bubble position to be
clearly visible in the dark. Please
contact us
for more details. |
| Manufacturing and Quality Control |
We have an advanced manufacturing and inspection facility
which enables us to produce vials to the highest quality at very
competitive prices. The production is split into several
distinct processes. The first of these is the grinding
which is key to the overall performance of the vial. We
use custom designed grinding equipment to
achieve a consistent and repeatable sensitivity to ensure that
the movement of the bubble is smooth and linear over the
operating range. The second process is to close the vials.
This is done using automated equipment to ensure accuracy, and
is continually monitored by our highly trained staff.
Then the lines are printed onto the vial using high quality
printing equipment and ceramic inks.
The ink is then fired into the glass surface
which makes the markings permanent and scratch proof. The final
process is the filling, which is controlled by an automated
vision system to ensure the size of the bubble is kept within
tolerance. All of these processes take place in a clean
environmentally controlled laboratory to eliminate the possibility of
contamination. All of these processes are closely
monitored and recorded to ensure that the quality of the
finished vials meet the specifications in full. We
understand that the vial is at the heart of most levelling instruments and
so the quality and reliability are paramount. If you are currently using
ground vials in your product and would like to test our quality, or get a
competitive quote, or if you are interested in how these vials could work for your application, then please
contact us
for more information. |
| Applications |
Precision ground spirit level vials can be used in any
application which requires precision levelling. In
particular our vials are suited to applications where
performance and reliability are of major importance.
These are some of the areas they are currently used.
|
|