Simon Cole (asker) Jan 29, 2010:

"test bench" I, perhaps, naively, see "test bench" as being a more general term. In this case it is definitely for measuring length using a "bench" calibrated to a traceable standard. So I think Bashiqa's comments are right. Also wonder if "1500 mm length test bench" would work, since it's a TB for measuring length. Now I'm repeating myself....

chris collister Jan 28, 2010:

entre pointe... Sometimes this can mean between centres. If this is a measuring bench, it is likely to have some sort of Vernier or micrometer screw adjustment at one or both ends. Such screws will have a "centre" as in a lathe, but it does rather depend on what is being measured.