TESA Brown & Sharpe

The TESA Brown & Sharpe collection currently carries the TESA Brown & Sharpe 32.10802 GT-31 Probe With Lever, a professional-grade electronic lever-type measuring probe designed for use with height gauges, CMM calibration systems, measuring stations, and precision length measuring instruments. TESA and Brown & Sharpe represent two of metrology's most storied lineages, united since 2001 under a single precision instrument platform. The collection focuses on the high-precision probe accessories that connect these instruments to the parts and measurement stations they serve in demanding industrial environments.

Brown & Sharpe was founded in Providence, Rhode Island in 1833 and became one of the most historically consequential names in American precision measurement, inventing the modern pocket vernier caliper, introducing the world's first practical micrometer to industry, pioneering the American Wire Gauge standard, and producing precision tools that sustained U.S. manufacturing through both World Wars. TESA was founded in Switzerland in 1941 and became the dominant Swiss manufacturer of height gauges, probes, and precision metrology hand tools under the TESA-HITE brand, which remains the global benchmark for electronic height gauges. In 1967, TESA joined the Brown & Sharpe group, and by 2001 when Brown & Sharpe was acquired by Hexagon AB and all precision measurement products of Brown & Sharpe were already manufactured under TESA's Swiss production. Today TESA independently manages the Brown & Sharpe brand, continuing a combined heritage stretching back nearly 200 years.

The GT-31 (32.10802) is TESA's standard-force variant of their GT-31 electronic lever-type measuring probe, a precision LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) electronic displacement sensor designed for comparative length measurement. Unlike a plunger-type probe that moves its contact point linearly along a fixed axis, the GT-31 uses a pivoting lever with an inclinable insert that can be rotated through 180°. This allows measurement from virtually any spatial orientation from below a surface, from the side, into a recess, or at any angle without the contact direction changing the direction of the electrical output signal. The probe connects to compatible TESA display units, height gauges, and measuring stations via its standard 5-pin DIN 45322 connector and 2m cable.

The GT-31 32.10802 is the standard measuring force (0.1 N nominal) variant. Its measuring range is ±0.3mm with a total usable lever travel of 0.7mm. Maximum permissible error follows the formula (0.2 + 50×L²) µm where L is the measured displacement in millimetres reflecting the lever geometry's effect on linearity. Repeatability is 0.1µm. The housing is all-metal with a matt-chrome finish providing a stable, corrosion-resistant enclosure. Moving mass is only 12g, minimizing measurement inertia. The drive frequency is 13 kHz (±5%) with a mechanical frequency limit of 25 Hz, and the probe is rated IP40. The tungsten carbide 2mm diameter ball insert is standard-equipped, and the one-piece housing provides two dovetail attachments for secure, rigid mounting to compatible stands and height gauges. Two safety clutches protect the mechanism against shock damage.

The three GT-31 variants are identical in measuring range (±0.3mm), geometry, housing, and electrical specifications which differ only in nominal measuring force, which affects suitability for different materials and applications. The 32.10801 is the ultra-low force variant at 0.02 N, designed for measuring extremely soft, delicate, or easily deformed surfaces where even minimal contact force must be minimized. The 32.10802 is the standard force variant at 0.1 N, appropriate for the broadest range of production measurement applications on metals, plastics, and standard engineering materials. The 32.10803 is the higher force variant at 0.2 N, suited for applications requiring a more positive contact feel or where slight vibration in the measuring environment could cause a lighter probe to lose stable contact. For general quality control, CMM calibration, and height gauge use, the 32.10802 is the universal choice.

The GT-31 probe is designed to interface with the full TESA measuring instrument ecosystem via its standard 5-pin DIN 45322 connector. Primary compatible instruments include TESA electronic height gauges (TESA-HITE, MICRO-HITE series), the TESA TWIN-T10 display unit which together with the GT-31 constitutes the TESA µ-FINDER Set 31 for mobile high-precision quality control and CMM calibration and TESA Tesatronic amplifier/display units. The GT-31 is also the standard probe used with CMM calibration stations for checking and adjusting coordinate measuring machine performance to sub-micron accuracy against specifications during installation, periodic calibration, and maintenance. Its two-dovetail housing and standard connector make it compatible with magnetic stands, height gauge probe holders, and custom fixture mounts throughout the TESA measurement ecosystem.

The TESA µ-FINDER Set 31 is a complete, self-contained mobile precision measurement kit built around the GT-31 probe. The set includes the TWIN-T10 display unit (04430013), the GT-31 lever probe (32.10802), a magnetic support stand, an INTERAPID UJ15 universal joint (01639007), and a carrying case. This configuration creates a portable high-precision measurement station that can be deployed at any ferrous surface in a production or maintenance environment and the magnetic stand holds the display and probe securely to a machine table or surface plate, and the INTERAPID universal joint provides the angular flexibility needed to position the probe contact in any orientation relative to the workpiece. The combination is the industry-standard tool for CMM geometric accuracy verification, machine tool alignment, and precision fixture qualification tasks that require sub-micron measurement capability outside a fixed measurement lab.

The GT-31's automatic reversal of probing direction is a fundamental advantage of lever-type probe architecture over plunger probes. When the probe lever is positioned above or below its null point, the electrical output direction either positive or negative automatically reverses to correspond to the physical displacement direction relative to the reference surface. This means the operator does not need to manually reconfigure or recalibrate the probe display when switching between measuring from above versus from below, or when the lever orientation changes during a measurement sequence. The output always reads correctly relative to the measurement direction, eliminating sign confusion and setup errors that could otherwise require additional calibration steps or mental correction by the operator.

The GT-31 probe requires protection from impact and excessive measuring travel beyond its ±0.3mm range with two internal safety clutches providing the primary protection against accidental overtravel, but the probe should not be used in contact with abrasive materials or where chips and coolant could contact the insert socket. The 2mm tungsten carbide ball insert (32.60410) is the standard-equipped contact and is interchangeable and TESA offers a full range of alternative inserts including different ball diameters, disc-shaped contacts for flat surface applications, and cylindrical contacts for specific bore and groove measurement geometries. The 8mm diameter, 50mm long fixing shank (18.40105) is included with the probe for mounting to height gauge probe holders and comparable stands. The cable is 2m long with the standard 5-pin DIN 45322 connector; TESA offers longer cable variants (3m, part 03210807) for measurement setups where the display unit must be positioned farther from the measurement point.

All TESA Brown & Sharpe orders ship free to the continental USA, backed by a best-price guarantee. A 30-day return policy and Affirm financing at checkout are available. Government agencies, metrology labs, defense contractors, and calibration facilities can submit an RFQ through the dedicated Government RFQ page (DUNS: 13-715-2209, CAGE: 15F67). TESA probe selection involves compatibility decisions making the correct measuring force variant for the application, the right insert type for the contact geometry, and confirming DIN 45322 connector compatibility with the target display unit or height gauge. Gustavo personally reviews every order and is available to help buyers confirm compatibility before purchasing simply call or text 617-398-7852, Monday through Friday, 8am–5pm EST.