Measurement and control instruments are divided into two main categories:
Non-destructive testing instruments and destructive testing instruments.
The non-destructive testing instruments (NDT) are ideal for performing different types of checks and/or measurements, identifying a mechanical feature without altering or destroying the state of the workpiece. Due to the nature of the control, the test is made directly on the finished piece without changing its state.
Among these types of controls, we can find:

Flaw inspection
Visual tests
Ultrasonic thickness gauges
Coating thickness gauges
Colour and gloss differences measure
Hardness testers to measure the hardness of the material
Video inspection systems
On the contrary, the instruments for destructive control perform a series of checks and/or measures, identifying a mechanical characteristic by altering or destroying the state of the sample. Due to the nature of the control, these types of checks are usually carried out on a material sample.
Among these types of controls, we can find:

Tensile strength
Compression strength
Torque strength
Flexion strength
Cutting strength
Wear resistance of materials
Strength of materials and coatings to atmospheric agents