Dr. N.K.

Singh
Associate Professor (Workshop)
Department of ME&MME
Indian School of Mines
Dhanbad

1
Measurement
Measurement is the comparison of an
unknown dimension to a known standard.
Good measuring instruments were a key to
high volume production. Without them, parts
could not be built accurately enough to be
interchangeable. Each assembly had to be
hand fitted together.
Today, measuring tools are essential for most
machining operations from initial part layout
to final inspection.
Classification of Measuring
Instruments
Precision instrument
Ability to measure within the accuracy of 0.01 mm
or more
Non-precision Instrument
Limited to the measurement of parts to a visible
line graduation on the instrument (ex Scale)
Classification of Measuring
Instruments
Direct measuring Instruments
Determine the actual dimension and size of a
work piece
Indirect measuring Instruments (comparison
instruments)
Transfer the measurement from the work piece to
the direct measuring instrument, then comparison
is made.
Classification of Measuring
Instruments
Line measuring devices
measurement along the length (steel rule)
End measuring devices
Measurement between the two ends (vernier
caliper)
Principal Measuring Instruments
Linear Measurements Angular Measurements
Steel rule Protractors
Calipers Adjustable bevel
Divider Engineering's square
Depth gauge Bevel protractor
Micrometers Dividing head
Vernier caliper Sine bar
Height gauge Angle gauge
Slip gauge Clinometers
Comparator Autocollimators
Principal Measuring Instruments
Surface Measurement
Straight edge
Surface plate
Surface gauge
Optical gauge
Profilometer
 Vernier Caliper

A vernier caliper (or vernier) is a common tool

used in laboratories and industries to
accurately determine the fraction part of the
least count division.

The vernier is a convenient tool to use when

measuring the length of an object, the outer
diameter (OD) of a round or cylindrical object,
the inner diameter (ID) of a pipe, and the depth
of a hole.
Measurement 8
 A complete
vernier caliper
Measurement 10
 Vernier calipers

Two scales on Vernier calipers: Main

Scale and Vernier Scale
Vernier calipers have two graduated scales.
The main scale is like a ruler.
The second scale, called the vernier scale,
slides parallel to the main scale and enables
readings to be made to a fraction of a division
on the main scale.

Measurement 12
 Some brief definitions

Vernier scale : the scale on the smaller

sliding portion of the caliper.
It gives the least significant digits in the
reading, and sub-divides a mark on the main
scale into 10, 20, or 50 subdivisions.
Read the vernier scale at the point where a
vernier line and a main scale line best line
up.
Combine the main scale reading with the
vernier scale reading to get a final reading.
Measurement 14
 Some brief definitions

Instrument least count : the size of the smallest

division on a scale.
For the main scale on the common vernier caliper
this is probably 0.1 cm.
With the vernier scale the least count might be
0.002 cm.
Main Scale The scale on the larger, fixed portion
of the caliper. It gives the most significant digits in
the reading.
Make the reading to the nearest least count of the
main scale opposite the zero of the vernier.
Measurement 15
 How to read a vernier scale

The scale is read by first taking note of where the zero

mark on the vernier scale falls on the main scale.
This is the number of complete divisions on the main
scale.
This is the whole number that should be noted. The
fraction or decimal is then read from the vernier scale.
This number is taken as the line on the vernier scale
that aligns with any line on the main scale

Measurement 16
How to read a vernier scale

This reads 3.3

Measurement 17
How to read a vernier scale

This reads 5.6

Measurement 18
Main Scale plus a vernier scale

Measurement 19
 Classes of Vernier calipers

Vernier calipers (Manual)

Electronic calipers
Electronic calipers are relatively expensive
compared to the standard vernier style.
They are quite accurate, quick, and easier to
read, however.

Measurement 20
Classes of Vernier calipers

Measurement 21
 Digital Electronic Calipers
These have an electronic readout rather than a
vernier scale.
Typically an electronic caliper will have three
buttons, an on/off button, an English/Metric
button, and a Zero button.

Measurement 22
Digital Electronic Calipers
The procedure of using an electronic caliper is:
Turn the caliper on.
Select English (inches) or Metric (millimeters)
reading mode.
Close the caliper jaws and press the Zero button.
Measure the desired object and read the digital
readout.
2. Calipers
A caliper is used to transfer and compare a
dimension from one object to another.
Spring-loaded calipers do not have
calibrations. You obtain measurement by
placing the measuring arms against a rule
(stainless steel ruler with english and metric
scales shown). As you can see the accuracy
of this tool and method does not compare
with the accuracy of the vernier or electronic
caliper.
Outside caliper
Outside caliper
Spring-loaded OD Calipers are an inexpensive
alternative to vernier calipers.
They do have limitations - primarily in accuracy and
versatility.
Advantages other than cost may be in the increased
measuring capacity or range, and heat tolerance when
making rough measurements.
The horizontal threaded rod contains a thumbwheel for
adjusting the width of the two measuring arms.

Measurement 26
Outside caliper
Inside Caliper
Spring-loaded ID Calipers have the same
features and limitations of the OD Calipers.
The difference is in the shape/orientation of
the measuring arms allowing access to the
inside of the object.

Measurement 28
Inside Caliper
 Micrometer
The micrometer is a precision measuring
instrument used to measure distances
between surfaces in thousandths of an inch.
Most micrometers have a frame, anvil,
spindle, sleeve, thimble, and ratchet stop.

Measurement 30
Different parts of a micrometer

Measurement 31
Common types of micrometers

Measurement 32
Micrometers
Measure:
Outside diameters
Inside diameters;
The distance between parallel surfaces;
The depth of holes, slots, counter bores, and
recesses; and
Thank you