Quick Take
Outfitting a dimensional metrology machine inspection bench means deciding whether the measurement happens on the workbench or inside a coordinate measuring machine. The four Mitutoyo options here split into two roles: three Absolute Digimatic digital calipers for direct caliper-style measurement, and one Scope CF20 Optical Light Source meant for a Mitutoyo BHN506 CMM. If your priority is a general-purpose handheld gage, the 6-inch 500-196-30 caliper appears twice in this comparison at USD 45.00 and USD 46.72. Need more reach plus an SPC output connection? The 12-inch 500-193-30 is listed at USD 80.00. Already maintaining a BHN506 CMM and need an illumination unit? The Scope CF20 is the specialized part, listed at USD 2,698.00.
Listed Price Comparison
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Mitutoyo Scope CF20 Optical Light Source for Mitutoyo BHN506 CMM Made in Japan | USD 2,698.00 | |
| Mitutoyo 500-196-30 150mm/6\" Absolute Digital Digimatic Vernier Caliper Japan | USD 45.00 | |
| Japan Mitutoyo 500-193-30 300mm/12\" Digital Digimatic Vernier Caliper US 100 | USD 80.00 | |
| Mitutoyo 500-196-30 0-6\" 150mm Absolute Digimatic Vernier Caliper Japan | USD 46.72 |
The price spread runs from USD 45.00 for the 6-inch caliper up to USD 2,698.00 for the CMM light source. Among the three calipers, the listed prices go from USD 45.00 to USD 80.00.
Decision Matrix
- Need optical illumination for a Mitutoyo BHN506 CMM? Choose the Scope CF20 Optical Light Source.
- Need a 0-6 inch digital caliper for outside, inside, depth, and step checks? Choose the Mitutoyo 500-196-30, available at USD 45.00 or USD 46.72.
- Need a 0-12 inch digital caliper with SPC output and an IP54-rated body? Choose the Japan Mitutoyo 500-193-30.
- Keep the roles distinct: the Scope CF20 is a CMM light source, not a handheld measuring tool, while the calipers are for direct reading.
Product Notes
Mitutoyo Scope CF20 Optical Light Source for Mitutoyo BHN506 CMM Made in Japan
The Scope CF20 is not a caliper; it is a specialized illumination component for a Mitutoyo BHN506 coordinate measuring machine. It is a used Mitutoyo part made in Japan, with MPN BHN506. It is designed for bright, uniform, low-heat illumination during optical inspection and edge-detection. Choose it if you are replacing or upgrading the light source on a BHN506 CMM. The trade-off is the listed price of USD 2,698.00, and it will not help you measure a part by hand. It is also a specific CMM part, so it is only relevant if you own or service that machine.
Mitutoyo 500-196-30 150mm/6\" Absolute Digital Digimatic Vernier Caliper Japan
Listed at USD 45.00, this new 6-inch caliper uses the Absolute Digimatic measurement system. It measures from 0 to 6 inches with 0.0005-inch resolution. It offers four-way measurement through outside, inside, depth, and step checks, plus a zero/ABS function and instant metric-imperial conversion. The stainless-steel construction and large LCD display make it a straightforward bench or machinist caliper. Choose it for general work on smaller parts. The limit is the 6-inch maximum range, and SPC output is none, so if you need data output to a computer or a longer reach, this model will not cover it.
Japan Mitutoyo 500-193-30 300mm/12\" Digital Digimatic Vernier Caliper US 100
This is the 12-inch member of the caliper group, listed at USD 80.00. It is new and carries an IP54 rating, which indicates protection against limited dust ingress and water spray. The Absolute Digimatic design eliminates the need to re-zero after power-up, and the SPC output is listed as SPC, so you can connect it to data-collection systems. The 0.0005-inch resolution matches the 6-inch calipers. Choose it when parts or measurements regularly reach 12 inches or when you want output capability. The practical drawback is the higher listed price and the extra length, which can be more than you need for small inspection work.
Mitutoyo 500-196-30 0-6\" 150mm Absolute Digimatic Vernier Caliper Japan
This is the second 6-inch Absolute Digimatic caliper in the comparison, with essentially the same core specs: 0 to 6 inches, 0.0005-inch resolution, digital readout, new condition, and made in Japan. Its listed price is USD 46.72, which puts it USD 1.72 above the other 6-inch 500-196-30 entry. If you want the same 6-inch form factor, this is the other 6-inch 500-196-30 option in the group. The description points to hardened stainless steel, four-way measurement, and quick metric-imperial switching. The same limitation applies: no SPC output, and the measurement range stops at 6 inches.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
For a CMM-focused setup, the Mitutoyo Scope CF20 is the only part here that supports a BHN506 coordinate measuring machine, but it comes at USD 2,698.00. For general hand inspection of smaller parts, go with a Mitutoyo 500-196-30 6-inch caliper; the USD 45.00 and USD 46.72 versions deliver the same core measurement range and resolution. For longer parts, data collection, and a more protected body, the Japan Mitutoyo 500-193-30 12-inch caliper at USD 80.00 is the appropriate step up. Match the tool to the job: the CMM light source for optical inspection, and the 6-inch or 12-inch caliper for direct measurement at the bench.
