What DIATEST does

DIATEST Hermann Költgen GmbH is a German precision measurement instrument manufacturer headquartered in Darmstadt, founded in 1948. The company specializes in bore gauges and complex measurement solutions for quality assurance in manufacturing environments, covering inner and outer diameters, gears, depths, lengths, and multiplane measurements. Its core technology stack includes proprietary split-ball plug gauges (BMD and BMD-XQ lines), the DIATRON family of digital displays offering resolutions down to 0.1 µm, analog and digital transducers (including MTD units compatible with TESA HBT probes), the DIAWIRELESS wireless data transmission system, and a software suite (ComGage, DIA-EXDLL, SimKey) supporting statistical process control and simulation.

The business model is primarily the sale of precision gauges and instruments, augmented by metrology services (training, programming, and workstation installation via the DIA-academy), maintenance and repair, calibration services to quality classes 1 and 2, and accessories and spare parts. Manufacturing and repair are centralized at the Darmstadt plant, while customer-facing pre-sales consultation, training, and ongoing application support are delivered through a worldwide dealer network. Customers include manufacturing firms in automotive, aerospace, and general machining that require documented measurement process capabilities such as VDA Volume 5 certification.

The company has recently extended its offering into Industry 4.0 territory through robot-supported automatic measurement systems and dynamic in-process measurement (IPM) for automated production lines, signaling an effort to move beyond handheld gauging toward integrated, connected measurement workflows. AI/ML capability is not disclosed in the source material.

Name

DIATEST

Legal name

DIATEST Hermann Költgen GmbH

Website

https://diatest.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1948

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

DIATEST Hermann Költgen GmbH is a Darmstadt-based German manufacturer of precision bore gauges, digital displays, and metrology software serving automotive, aerospace, and general machining customers worldwide through a global dealer network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Precision Measurement Instruments

NAICS

Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Metrology & Dimensional Measurement (CMMs, laser trackers, gauges, surface/roughness) (IMAGAFAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Metrology, Inspection & Machine Tool Accessories (CMMs, Probing, Gauging) (IMAHADAK), Test & Measurement Equipment (Oscilloscopes, DAQ, signal analyzers, calibration benches) (IMAGAFAC), Calibration Services & Standards (Calibration labs, reference standards, traceability services) (IMAGAFAH)

Keywords

• Precision measurement instruments
• Bore gauges
• Industrial metrology solutions
• Plug gauges
• Gauging systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Darmstadt

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Measurement Instruments and Gauges: Sale of precision measurement instruments including BMD plug gauges, DIATRON display devices, analog and digital indicators, and specialized measuring devices for diameters, gears, depths, and lengths.
2. Metrology Services: Training courses, programming of 'Guided Sequences', and installation of work stations provided by DIATEST dealers. Dealers propose the most economical solution to customers before projects begin and provide ongoing application support.
3. Maintenance and Repair: Worldwide maintenance and repair service. At the main plant in Darmstadt, products are maintained and repaired, often resulting in reconditioned and tested gauges rather than new purchases. DIATEST gauges are designed for economical use over many years.
4. Accessories and Spare Parts: Additional accessories and spare parts including centering disks for plunger probes, open-end wrenches, wooden boxes, needles for split ball probes and plug gauges BMD, and inserts for indicators.
5. Calibration and Certification Services: Calibration rooms of quality classes 1 and 2, and certificates for various products including setting rings with actual diameter and roundness measurements.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

DIATEST manufactures high-precision bore measurement instruments and complex metrology solutions for industrial quality assurance. Its core products are split-ball plug gauges (BMD and BMD-XQ) for bore diameter measurement, the TD-Gauge+ go/no-go system with depth measurement, and the DIATRON family of digital display devices. These hardware products are complemented by DIAWIRELESS data transmission, MTD analog transducers, modular measuring workstations, and software for statistical process control and data collection.

Product overview

DIATEST Hermann Költgen GmbH manufactures high-precision bore measurement instruments and comprehensive metrology solutions based in Darmstadt, Germany. The product portfolio centers on the BMD and BMD-XQ split-ball plug gauges for bore diameter measurement, complemented by the TD-Gauge+ system (analog, digital, and motorized variants) for combined depth measurement and pass/no-go checking. Measurement data is displayed and processed through the DIATRON instrument family (1500-S, 2200, 6060-µNetwork, MultiFire) and transferred via DIAWIRELESS real radio, cable, or MTD analog transducers (TESA-compatible). The DIA-COME measuring table and modular DIA-Gauge Station provide flexible measurement workstations. Software offerings include ComGage for statistical process control, DIA-EXDLL for data collection and Excel integration, and SimKey for system configuration. DIATEST also provides automated solutions for robot-supported measurement and in-process CNC measurement (IPM), plus calibration rooms, maintenance/repair services, and metrology services including training and guided sequence programming.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• DIA-Gauge Station: Modular system for constructing robust and versatile measuring workstations for precision measurement tasks
• DIAWIRELESS
• DIATRON
• BMD
• DIA-COME
• TD-Gauge+
• DIA-academy
• DIA-Safestore

Products and services

• BMD Plug Gauge Split-ball plug gauge for bore diameter measurement using an elastic split-ball mechanism, available in standard and XQ precision variants. Used by manufacturing quality control departments for precision bore measurements.
• BMD-XQ Plug Gauge Enhanced precision version of the BMD plug gauge with improved linearization for higher measuring certainty in diameter measurement applications.
• TD-Gauge+ Pass/No-Go gauge combining diameter go/no-go checking with depth measurement for bores and threads, available in analog, digital, and motorized versions with adjustable torque and preset function.
• Gauge-2Dimensions Measuring system that simultaneously measures both the diameter and depth of a bore, combining two measurement functions in one device.
• External Diameter Gauge AMG Instrument for measuring external diameters of workpieces, used in manufacturing quality control.
• External Gear Gauges EG Gauging instruments for measuring external gear tooth dimensions, used in gear manufacturing quality control.
• Internal Gear Gauges Gauging instruments for measuring internal gear tooth dimensions, used in gear manufacturing quality control.
• Crankshaft Gauge Instrument for checking crankshafts and bearings, measuring journal diameters and crankpin alignments, used in automotive engine manufacturing.
• Chamfer Gauges Instruments for measuring chamfer dimensions on bore edges, used in manufacturing quality control.
• DIATEST Measuring Devices Mechanical, tactile, and comparative measuring solutions for combined measurement tasks including inner/outer diameter, bores, gears, cone, height, width, and depth measurements. Built from standardized components with integral holders and offset heads.
• DIATRON1500-S Digital display unit for measuring values with galvanically isolated interface, programmable via cable and PC. Used to display measurement values from DIATEST gauges.
• DIATRON2200 Display unit supporting TESA-compatible HBT probes for measurement value display and processing.
• DIATRON6060-µNetwork Display and processing unit for multiple measuring points, compatible with TESA HBT probes and network-capable for multi-point measurement systems.
• DIATRON MultiFire Multi-channel data collection device for transferring measured values from multiple probes simultaneously.
• MTD Analog Transducers TESA-compatible half-bridge (HBT) inductive transducers with ±1.5mm measurement range, ±0.15µm repeatability, and varying contact forces from 0.4N to 2.5N.
• DIAWIRELESS Real radio wireless data transmission system for transferring measured values from gauges to measuring computers, PCs, or DIATRON units without cables.
• DIA-COME Measuring Table Measuring table system for diameter, length, and gear measurements. Combines with various probes and indicators for bench-top measurement of workpieces.
• DIA-Gauge Station Modular measuring workstation system with resopal-coated table, lockable wheels, rear wall, and shadow-free lighting. Adaptable with accessories including base units, monitor holders, storage compartments, lifting elements, and turntables.
• Split Ball Probes Elastic split-ball probes for diameter measurement, measuring ranges from 3.70 to 20.60mm for bore diameters.
• Plunger Probes Contact-type probes for tactile diameter measurement.
• Digital Indicators MDU Digital dial indicators for diameter measurement with power supply, proximity, and OPTO interface options.
• Analogue Indicators MU and Micro Comparators Analog dial indicators and micro comparators for comparative diameter measurements.
• Analogue HIGH:Quality Indicators ANA High-quality analog-digital hybrid indicators combining analog display with digital output for diameter measurement.
• ComGage Software Statistical process control software for production measuring stations. Features simple interface, supports manual measurements to complex multi-point fixtures and automated systems, with configurable graphical interface and guided sequences for measurement workflows.
• DIA-EXDLL Software Data collection and statistical analysis software for configuring DIAWIRELESS systems and importing measurement values into Excel with graphical display (bar graph) capabilities. Supports up to 120 instrument addresses.
• DIATEST SimKey Software System configuration software for programming measuring instruments and managing DIAWIRELESS radio addresses. Enables integration of most digital measuring instruments and rapid data import into MS Excel.
• Robot-Supported Automatic Measurement Automated measurement solutions integrated with robotic systems for automated handling and measurement of workpieces.
• Dynamic In-Process Measurement (IPM) Dynamic in-process measurement systems for measurement directly in CNC machining centers during production.
• Setting Rings Reference rings for setting and calibrating measuring instruments. Available in DIN 2250-C standard and DIATEST versions with actual diameter and roundness certificates.
• Setting Master / Setting Device Master gauges and setting devices for calibrating and zero-setting measuring instruments.
• Accessories and Spare Parts Comprehensive range of accessories including adapters, integral holders, offset heads, checking stands, indicator holders, floating holders, depth stops, depth extensions, right angle attachments, special accessories, DIA-Safestore storage system, and spare parts.
• Metrology Services Training courses, programming of guided sequences, and on-site workstation installation. Dealers provide economic solution proposals and ongoing application support.
• Maintenance and Repair Service Worldwide maintenance and repair service at the main plant in Darmstadt. Products are maintained and repaired with reconditioned and tested gauges, extending economic product life.
• Calibration Rooms of Quality Classes 1 and 2 Calibration rooms of quality classes 1 and 2 for factory calibration of measuring instruments, providing factory traceability and certification.
• Certificates and Special Marking Test certificates for gauges including VDA Volume 5 measuring process capability reports, gauge capability tests, linearity tests, and custom laser marking services.

Quantifiable outcome

• Repeatability of ±0.15µm for MTD transducers
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature8 records

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Keyence: Keyence is a Japanese provider of industrial sensors, measurement systems, and automation components. While primarily known for non-contact optical and laser displacement sensors, it competes with DIATEST in the industrial dimensional measurement market with a global direct-sales model and broader automation portfolio.
• Mitutoyo: Mitutoyo is the global leader in precision measurement, offering an extensive range of calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, CMMs, and vision systems. It is a broad incumbent that overlaps DIATEST's core bore-gauging and indicator business but operates at vastly greater scale and a much wider portfolio across mechanical and optical metrology.
• Renishaw: Renishaw is a UK-based metrology and additive manufacturing company, dominant in CMM probing, encoder systems, and in-machine gauging. While it does not specialize in bore gauges, it competes with DIATEST in the broader shop-floor precision measurement and automated inspection categories, particularly for high-end industrial customers.
• Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology: Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology provides CMMs, optical 3D scanning, and X-ray measurement systems to high-end manufacturers. It competes with DIATEST in advanced dimensional inspection and represents the integrated-solutions threat to single-purpose tactile bore gauging.

Direct peers

• Bowers Group: Bowers Group is a UK-based specialist in bore gauging — including bore gauges, internal micrometers, and setting rings — directly overlapping DIATEST's BMD plug-gauge and setting-ring product lines. It serves similar precision manufacturing customers in aerospace, automotive, and general engineering.
• Sylvac: Sylvac is a Swiss manufacturer of precision dimensional measurement instruments, including digital bore gauges and Bluetooth/wireless indicators. It is directly comparable to DIATEST in mechanical/digital bore gauging and the move toward wireless data transfer (parallel to DIATEST's DIAWIRELESS).
• Marposs: Marposs is an Italian-headquartered provider of precision measurement, gauging, and process-control solutions for manufacturing. It directly competes with DIATEST in shop-floor dimensional gauging (bores, diameters) and serves overlapping automotive and machining customers, often bundled into automated cells similar to DIATEST's IPM and robotic measurement offerings.
• Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence (TESA): Hexagon owns the TESA brand of precision mechanical and inductive probes that interoperate with DIATEST's MTD transducers and DIATRON displays. It is a direct competitor in precision bore and dimensional gauging and additionally serves as an adjacent ecosystem participant whose installed base represents a conversion opportunity for DIATEST.
• Mahr GmbH: Mahr is a German manufacturer of precision industrial metrology equipment, including dial indicators, bore gauges, and dimensional measurement systems. It is a direct competitor to DIATEST in the bore-gauge and precision indicator market, serving similar automotive and general manufacturing customers with comparable mechanical and electronic gauging solutions.
• Feinmess Suhl (Heidenhain Group): Feinmess Suhl is a German manufacturer of plug gauges, thread gauges, and precision length-measurement instruments, part of the Heidenhain Group. It is a direct specialist competitor to DIATEST in mechanical plug-gauge-based bore and length metrology, serving similar European industrial customers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCetEZ0-9lALvOCqRANig1Eg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/diatest-hermann-koeltgen-gmbh
• Xx.com/DiatestB
• Facebookfacebook.com/diatest

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about DIATEST