Micrometer heads are precision gauges mounted to machine tools, fixtures, tables, and other positioning equipment for measuring absolute and relative length or distances. They also measure length and are used for positioning applications. They are often used with laser instruments, manipulators, measurement jigs, lathes, and other machine tools. The readout mechanism for micrometer heads vary. Measurements are taken with a digital counter or vernier scale and can also be displayed electronically on a digital display.