Tool makers Microscope Function, Application and Benefits

Unlike a conventional light microscope, a toolmakers microscope is typically used as a

measuring device. As such, it can be used to measure up to 1/100th of a mm. This makes
these microscopes suitable for such functions as the inspection and measurement of
various miniature mechanical and electronic parts.

For instance, a toolmakers microscope can be used for the purposes of viewing and
measuring thread pitch and thread angles among others.

Parts of Tool makers Microscope

 A hollow base, which accommodates the illumination unit underneath

 A circular stage surface (upper part of the base) - It is made of transparent glass
and can be rotated 360 degree
 An objective lens
 Eyepiece
 Two micrometer screws (One for longitudinal movement and the other for lateral
movement of the stage surface/table)

 Ground glass screen

Working of Tool Makers Microscope

Like a conventional light microscope, the toolmakers microscope is also dependent on

optics. Light from the source is focused (upward) on to the object, which allows the user
to see the shadow of the object (because light cannot pass through the object). However,
the shadow resembles the object, which allows for measurements to be made.

The level of magnification with this particular device is largely dependent on the objective
being uses. However, it is often supplied with facilities to provide a magnification range
of between 10x and 100x. Whereas low magnification allows for most part of the object
under observation to be viewed, high magnification provides a clear image (with
adjustments of light) for good measurements.

To adopt the microscope for a variety of applications, a variety of attachments may be

required. Given that the image (shadow of object) has to represent the true details of
the object (detail, shape and even color with some specimens) it also uses a variety of
special accessories and techniques, filters, lens coatings and diaphragms, which are
meant to affect the raw image for more accurate information.
Uses of Tool makers Microscope

A toolmakers microscope has a robust base that allows it to hold a wide range of objects
for observations and measurements.

As multi-functional devices, toolmaker tools will often be found in most of the

manufacturing companies/factories involved in the manufacturing of machines,
electronics and tools. In such places, they help in the measurement of shapes, sizes,
angles and positions of small components which fall under the measuring range of the
microscope. This makes the microscope particular suitable for such tasks as measuring
the shapes of such components as milling cutters, thread gauge and guide screw among
others.

In addition, the device finds use for measuring center to center distance of holes in a
plane, linear measurements as well as accurate angular measurements.
Applications of Toolmakers Microscope

Determining relative positions

Here, the microscope is used elative positions of different points by simply measuring the
travel that is necessary for bringing a second point to the position that was formerly
occupied by the first and so forth.

Measuring angles

Using this microscope, it is possible to measure the angles by using the protractor
eyepiece. This allows for the angles of the object to be viewed and determined.

Comparison measurement

This is where the microscope is used to do comparison of the thread forms, measuring of
the pitch and diameter. Here, the microscope achieves this using the master profiles
engravings in the eyepiece.

EXPERIMENTS:

Pitch measurement of a hacksaw blade/Bolt

Procedure

 Switch on the microscope light

 Select lens for precision operation
 Place the blade and glass table (stage) and rotate the wheel on the right side of
the microscope to get a clear image
 Ensure that the cross line of the microscope coincides with one of the edge of the
blade
 Note down the reading on the ground glass screen (initial reading)
 Rotate the table until the next edge of the blade comes into focus and coincides
with the cross-line and mark this as the second reading
 Calculate the difference between the two to obtain the pitch of the blade

Obtaining the angle of the hacksaw teeth/Bolt thread

 Again, place the blade on the glass table

 Rotate the screen until a line on the angle of screen rotation is highlighted
 Note down initial angular reading
 Rotate the screen again until the line coincides with another flank of the tooth and
note this down as the second reading
 Calculate the difference

 The difference between the two readings is the teeth angle

Benefits of Tool makers Microscope

The toolmakers microscope is an important device given that it allows for manufacturers
and other technicians to observe and measure the small parts of various tools and
electronics among others. It has a number of advantages that makes it suitable for such
tasks. These include;

 As compared to the optical comparators, a tool maker’s microscope is preferred

when the z-axis height information is required.
 The stage can be equipped with linear scales.
 They can easily adapt to both cameras CCTV's for photo documentation
requirements.
 The toolmakers microscope offers a variety of optical techniques Moreover, it can
use optics, which offer higher magnification resolution for better measuring
accuracy.
 It is ideal for measurements of hardness test indentations.
 Can be adopted for a variety of applications.
 For those involved in making repair of given tool and electronic parts, the
toolmakers microscope can be effectively used for the verification for surface finish
and measuring defects on surfaces.

 It provides for precise measurements.

Optical flats can be described as an optical grade glass, which is polished and
made extremely flat on both surfaces. They are used for determining the flatness
of various optical surfaces. Optical flats determine the flatness of surfaces by
interference.

Optical flats are usually disc shaped with parallel, or nearly parallel, surfaces, one of
which is given an optical finish. Materials used for optical flats need to have a very small
coefficient of thermal expansion.

Working Principle
Interference is the principle behind the working of optical flats. An optical flat is placed
on a surface, in order to measure its flatness, before a monochromatic light is made to
pass through the area of contact.

In cases where the test surface is perfectly flat, there will be no gap between the two
surfaces. In cases where the test surface is not flat, interference fringes will be formed,
and will be visible in the form of dark and light bands.

The elevation of the surface is determined by counting the fringe differences.

Construction
Most optical flats are made out of quartz. Some are made out of glass. Optical flats
made of quarts are often coated on one side, to give higher reflectivity. Optical flats are
in the shape of discs, having parallel surfaces.

Applications
The main applications of optical flats are listed below:

 Calibration of flatness of various optical surfaces

 Inspection of gauge blocks
 Testing of filters, mirrors, and prisms
 Spectrophotometry