PREC I S IO N

M E A S U R IN G
IN S T R U M E N T S 1
AL E N Z UE LA | BSME 2-
BY: HANS YSABEL G. V
LESSON TARGET:
In this lesson, you will learn to understand, identify, and
effectively use measuring tools like steel rules, Vernier
calipers, and micrometers. By the end, you will define
key terms such as accuracy and precision, demonstrate
proper measurement techniques, and evaluate
measurement accuracy through hands-on activities,
preparing you for real-world machining applications.
Terminologies
Accuracy: Refers to how closely a measurement conforms to the
intended value. It can also describe the reliability of the measuring
process.

Precision: Indicates the degree of exactness in measurements,

often expressed by the number of decimal places or significant
figures.

Discrimination: The smallest division of measurement that a tool

can accurately read, which determines the tool's capability to
measure fine dimensions.
 LINEAR
MEASURING
tools
 STEEL RULE
Steel rules are handy tools for quick
measurements, offering accuracy up to 1/32"
or 0.5 mm. They typically feature
discriminations of 1/16", 1/32", 1/64", or
1/100" for inch-based rules and 0.5 mm for
metric rules, available in various lengths.
Measurements at 1/64" or 1/100" require
practice and may not be reliable, so other
instruments are recommended for such
precision. It's important to ensure the line of
sight is perpendicular to the rule to avoid
parallax errors due to its thickness.
 VERNIER CALIPER

Vernier calipers are actually

“improved” rules: they use 2 jaws
to “identify” the linear distance
and an improved scale, the
Vernier scale, to arrive at a more
precise measurement
READING VERNIER Step 1: Start by locating the value on the
SCALES main scale that is just below the zero mark
of the Vernier scale. In the example
provided, this value is 3 mm. It's essential to
understand the increments represented on
the main scale for accurate readings.

Step 2: Find the Vernier scale line that

aligns with the main scale. If it's the "6" line,
the measurement is 3 mm + 0.60 mm =
3.60 mm. If it’s the next line, the
measurement is 3 mm + 0.62 mm = 3.62
mm. Each increment on the Vernier scale is
0.02 mm.
Measuring Procedure:
Clean the Jaws: Make sure the jaws of the caliper are clean.
Close them and hold against a light source to check for any
gaps. Ensure the instrument reads zero at this point.
Use the Knife Edge: Whenever possible, utilize the knife edge
part of the jaws for measurements, particularly when the
surfaces being measured are not parallel.
Read on the Work-Piece: If feasible, take the reading while the
caliper is still on the work-piece. If not, use the locking screw to
secure the measurement.
Consistent Jaw Pressure: Strive to apply the same amount of
pressure with the jaws for all measurements to ensure
accuracy.
 DIAL CALIPER
Dial Calipers: These calipers feature a
dial indicator instead of a Vernier scale,
allowing for greater precision while
maintaining the same basic functionality
as Vernier calipers. It’s important to note
that there is a “gap” between the
rotating hand and the dial face;
therefore, the line of sight must be
perpendicular to the dial when taking a
reading to avoid any potential errors.
 OUTSIDE MICROMETER
It is used to measure the external dimensions of
objects, such as diameter or thickness. It features
a C-shaped frame with a fixed anvil and a movable
spindle for accurate measurements, typically
within 0.01 mm or 0.001 inches. To measure, the
object is placed between the anvil and spindle,
and the spindle is turned until it makes light
contact with the object. Readings are taken from
the calibrated scale and thimble. For accuracy,
it’s crucial to ensure the micrometer is calibrated,
clean, and handled properly, applying consistent
pressure during measurements.
How to Read an Outside Micrometer
Close the Micrometer: Start by closing the micrometer
completely to check if it reads zero, which is essential for
accuracy.
Place the Object: Insert the object between the anvil
(stationary part) and the spindle (movable part). Gently turn
the thimble to bring the spindle into contact with the object.
Use the Ratchet Stop: If available, use the ratchet stop to
apply consistent pressure, preventing damage to the object
and ensuring accurate readings.
Read the Main Scale: Look at the main scale (sleeve) to find
the last whole number before the thimble scale, which
provides the primary measurement in inches or millimeters.
How to Read an Outside Micrometer

Read the Main Scale: Look at the main scale (sleeve) to find
the last whole number before the thimble scale, which
provides the primary measurement in inches or millimeters.
Read the Thimble Scale: Observe the thimble scale and
identify the line that aligns with the horizontal line on the
sleeve, representing the fractional part of the measurement.
Combine the Readings: Add the values from the main scale
and the thimble scale to obtain the final measurement.
Check for Zero: After measuring, ensure the micrometer reads
zero when closed. If not, it may require calibration.
COMPARISON
INSTRUMENTS
 TRANSFER CALIPERS

Transfer calipers are convenient tools when

taking measurements of parts which are still
mounted in a machine and where it is difficult
or impossible to use an actual measuring tool.
The process is quite simple: lock the jaws of
the caliper in the correct position and then
use a conventional instrument to obtain an
actual measurement. Their accuracy is
somewhat limited.
 TELESCOPING GAUGES

Telescoping gauges are precision

measuring tools used to measure
the internal dimensions of holes
or other cavities. The design
allows for one or both ends of the
gauge to be pushed inward,
enabling the gauge to fit into the
hole.
How to use telescoping gauges
Insertion: The telescoping gauge is inserted into the hole or
cavity that needs to be measured.
Adjustment: The ends of the gauge are pushed outward until
they make contact with the walls of the hole.
Locking: Once the gauge is properly adjusted to fit the
internal dimensions, a locking nut is tightened to secure the
gauge in that position.
Measurement: The gauge is then removed from the hole, and
a standard measuring tool (like a micrometer or caliper) is used
to measure the distance between the ends of the gauge,
providing the internal dimension of the hole.
 DIAL INDICATORS
Dial indicators show the deviation of a dimension
from a “true” dimension. The dial indicator consists
of a plunger which can move up or down moving
the dial hand in either a clockwise or
counterclockwise direction. The smaller dial
indicates the number of full revolutions of the large
hand. Dial indicators have a limited range of travel
(the one in Figure 2.2.18 has a travel of 0 - 3 mm),
and a discrimination of 0.01 mm or typically 0.001"
for inch-based dial indicators. Ensure that the
plunger axis is always perpendicular to the surface
which is being evaluated otherwise a
measurement error will be incurred.
How does it function?
Structure: The dial indicator has a plunger that can move vertically, and the dial
face displays the measurement. The smaller dial indicates the number of full
revolutions of the larger hand.
Measurement Range: Dial indicators typically have a limited range of travel (e.g.,
0 - 3 mm) and a discrimination of 0.01 mm or 0.001" for inch-based indicators.
Setup: To set up a dial indicator, it is mounted on a stand placed on a rigid
surface. A reference specimen of known height is placed under the plunger, and
the bezel is adjusted to read zero.
Measurement Process: The instrument is then used to compare the height of a
specimen to the calibrated height, indicating any deviation.
Error Sources: Two main sources of error include:
Cosine Error: Occurs if the plunger axis is not perpendicular to the surface being
measured.
Parallax Error: Arises if the line of sight is not perpendicular to the dial face.
 DIAL TEST INDICATOR:
This instrument is used for the same type of
measurements as the dial indicator, but has a
finer discrimination: typically 0.0005" to
0.0001" or 0.002 mm to 0.001 mm. Dial test
indicators are used exactly the same way as
dial indicators. Because of the pivoting
probe, there is the potential for another type
of error: the arc versus cord-length error. To
avoid this error, don’t use this instrument
when larger variations in the measurement
can be expected.
 GAUGE BLOCKS
Gauge blocks are sets of precision reference
blocks used to establish specific reference
heights. They come in standard sizes and must be
"wrung" together to achieve the desired overall
dimension.
1. Wringing Process: Wringing involves sliding
the blocks together to eliminate air films
between them, ensuring no cumulative error
occurs.
2. Cleaning: It is essential to clean gauge blocks
before and after use to maintain their
precision and accuracy.
Thank
You