Effective working length describes the usable reach of a stylus in a measurement situation. It is especially important when the target feature is recessed, obstructed or surrounded by geometry that limits access.
Overall length vs. effective working length
Overall length is a physical product dimension. Effective working length is concerned with how much usable reach the stylus provides in the intended measurement geometry.
A stylus can have sufficient overall length while still being unable to reach a feature because the stem, holder or adjacent assembly interferes with the component.
Feature access determines usable reach
Deep bores, shoulders, pockets and recessed surfaces often make working reach more important than nominal overall length.
When reviewing a configuration, consider both the target contact point and the surrounding geometry that the stylus must pass.
Why excessive reach should be avoided
Additional length can reduce rigidity and make the configuration more sensitive to mechanical deflection. The practical objective is therefore to obtain the required access with an appropriately rigid configuration.
Selecting by specification
If the required connection, contact diameter and approximate reach are known, STYLIMATCH™ specification search can help narrow the available STYLIMASTER products before final application verification.