Mechanical Measurements and Measuring Devices
Mechanical Measurements and Measuring Devices
Measuring Devices
Objectives
Metric to English
1 centimeter = 0.3937 inches
1 meter = 3.280 feet (= 39.37 inches)
1 kilometer = 0.746 miles (= 3,280.84 feet)
Measuring Systems
Metric system based on the meter
– Most common units in the automotive industry
are the centimeter and millimeter
– Millimeters are used to express close tolerances
of engine measurements
– Metric system is based on divisions of ten
Metric System
Such units as length, volume, and mass are
easily converted to the next higher
denomination by using the simple
multiplier, 10.
Units of Length
10 millimeters = 1 centimeter
10 centimeters = 1 decimeter
10 decimeters = 1 meter
1000 meters = 1 kilometer
Units of Weight
10 milligrams = 1 centigram
10 centigrams = 1 decigram
10 decigrams = 1 gram
1000 grams = 1 kilogram
1000 kilograms = 1 metric ton
Rulers and Feeler Gauges
Rulers
– Simple tools to measure straight-line distances
where tolerances are not a major factor
– May be USC or metric
– Can be made of metal, plastic, or wood
– Typical rulers are 6 inches or 12 inches
Rulers and Tapes
Rulers and tapes. The most common method of
obtaining simple measurements of length is by the
ruler or tape .A ruler may be graduated into feet,
inches, or fractions thereof. Rulers and tapes used
in engineering work are most frequently made of
metal and the fractions of inches may be graduated
to subdivisions as small as 1/64 or 1/100 of an
inch. Care should be exercised in using metal
rulers and tapes, especially if extreme accuracy is
required. The margin of error due to expansion or
contraction of the instrument from changes in
temperature can be considerable.
Calipers
Calipers. Engineers and machinists
frequently use calipers to secure accurate
measurements of inside and outside
diameters.
Feeler Gauges
Feeler Gauges
– Precision-machined piece of metal that is flat or
round
– May be USC or metric
– Used for measuring “gaps” or the space
between two objects
– Proper usage requires practice
Feeler Gauges
used for
Valve lash
Measure spark plug gap
Head flatness
Thrust distance in Crankshaft
Ignition point gap (Old Vehicles)
Feeler gages are principally used in determining
clearances between various parts of machinery.
Probably the most common use is determining valve
clearance. Various blades are inserted between the
tappet and the push rod until a blade of the feeler gage
is found that will just slide between the two surfaces
without too much friction or sticking. The thickness of
the blade then determines the clearance. Or, a
particular feeler of proper thickness may be selected
and the tappet adjusted until the feeler will just slide
between the tappet and push rod with out catching.
Feeler Gauges
Such a gage consists of thin blades of metal
of various thicknesses. There is generally a
blade or strip for each of the most
commonly used thicknesses such as 0.002
inch, 0.010 inch, and .015 inch. The
thickness of each blade is generally etched
on the blade
Micrometers
Micrometer calipers. Engineers frequently rely on
the micrometer caliper to obtain measurements
accurate to 1/1000 of an inch. This instrument is
particularly useful for measuring relatively short
lengths and the diameter of journals or cylinders.
The common commercial micrometer consists of a
frame; an anvil, or fixed measuring point; a
spindle; a sleeve, or barrel; and a thimble. The
spindle has threads cut 40 to the inch on the
portion that fits inside the sleeve. The thimble fits
over the end of the sleeve, and rotating the thimble
turns the spindle.
Micrometer ID
Micrometers
Metric Micrometer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8vMFFYNIfo
It is easy to read a micrometer if
you think of the markings on the
Sleeve as dollars and quarters
Micrometers
Micrometer Calibration
– In order to measure accurately, the micrometer
must be accurate itself
– Extreme temperatures can affect accuracy
Micrometers
Telescopic Gauges
– Leg has a rotatable handle to lock extensions in
place
– Once gauge is removed, measure with outside
micrometer
Inside Micrometers
Depth Micrometers
Small Hole Gauges
To measure small holes
Gauge is straight with a screw handle on
one end and a split ball on other
Handle is turned to expand ball
– Removed and measured with a micrometer
Small Hole Gauges
Dial Indicators
Dial Calipers
– For inside, outside, and depth measurements
– Manual scales or digital
– USC can measure in 0.001 inch increments
– Metric can measure in 2-millimeter increments
Dial Indicators
Dial Indicators
– To check how far components can move
– Scale can be USC or metric
– Face can be balanced or continuous
– To check runout or end play
Pressure and Vacuum
Measurements
Pressure Gauges
– Measure amount of pressure applied to a
closed, sealed system
– Fitted into pressure line with appropriate
fittings
Pressure and Vacuum
Measurements
Vacuum Gauges
– Mechanical gauge measures difference between
atmospheric pressure and current state of
system
Summary
Most common measurement system
Base USC measurement is the inch
Base metric measurement is the meter
Use proper measuring tool for the job