PRECISION MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
Reference Guide: Technical Diagrams, Component Identification, and Laboratory Uses
Reference Diagram: Micrometer, Caliper, and Traveling Microscope
1. The Micrometer Screw Gauge
Primary Function: Used for extremely precise measurements of small external dimensions (such as
diameters, thicknesses, or wire gauges) up to a typical accuracy of 0.01 mm.
Component / Labeled Part Specific Use & Mechanism
The fixed, polished contact face against which one
Anvil
side of the object rests during measurement.
The movable cylindrical contact point that advances
Spindle linearly when the thimble is rotated to firmly grip the
object against the anvil.
The stationary cylinder bearing the main linear scale,
Sleeve / Barrel typically graduated in millimeters and half-millimeters
(0.5 mm).
The rotating circular scale graduated into equal
divisions (usually 50). Turning it interpolates the
Thimble
fractional distance between the main scale markings
to an accuracy of 0.01 mm.
A slip-clutch mechanism at the end of the handle that
clicks when optimal contact pressure is achieved.
Ratchet Stop
This ensures uniform pressure across measurements
and prevents over-tightening.
A clamping lever used to lock the spindle tightly in
Lock Nut / Lock Switch place, allowing the user to preserve and read the
measurement without accidental shifting.
The rigid, heavy C-shaped body that maintains strict
Frame structural alignment between the anvil and the
sleeve.
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2. The Vernier Caliper
Primary Function: A highly versatile linear measuring instrument capable of acquiring external, internal, and
depth measurements, typically accurate to 0.02 mm or 0.05 mm.
Component / Labeled Part Specific Use & Mechanism
Large lower jaws designed to clamp down tightly
Outside Jaws around the exterior of an object to measure outside
diameter, thickness, or total length.
Smaller upper jaws pointed outward, inserted into
Inside Jaws hollow specimens to accurately measure internal
diameters, bore sizes, or slot widths.
A slender metal strip extending out from the rear of
Depth Probe / Stem the main beam as the sliding jaw opens. It slides into
deep cavities to measure hole depth or steps.
The long, fixed scale along the structural beam,
Main Scale providing the coarse measurement baseline in
millimeters or inches.
The secondary sliding scale that matches up with the
Vernier Scale main scale markings. It lets you read fractions of the
smallest main scale division precisely.
A knurled thumbscrew used to secure the sliding jaw
Locking Screw complex at its current position to safely document
dimensions.
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3. The Traveling Microscope
Primary Function: A high-precision optical instrument mounted on movable tracks, widely used in advanced
physics laboratories to determine minute distances, displacements, or small apertures (e.g., measuring the
diameter of Newton's rings or capillary tubes) via high-magnification crosshair alignment.
Component / Labeled Part Specific Use & Mechanism
The lens assembly closest to the observer, fitted with
Eyepiece thin internal crosshairs (reticle) that align with specific
coordinates on the sample.
A rack-and-pinion control knob that moves the
Focus Adjustment Knob objective optical barrel vertically to bring the target
sample into sharp, parallax-free visual focus.
The mobile structural base that holds the main optical
Carriage / Traveling Assembly assembly, moving smoothly along either horizontal or
vertical tracks.
Dual-purpose graduated Main Scales and
accompanying Vernier Scales placed along the axes
Horizontal/Vertical Scales
of travel to measure total mechanical displacement
down to 0.01 mm.
Mechanical drive screws where coarse knobs quickly
translate the microscope over larger distances, and
Fine & Coarse Adjustments
fine adjustment screws execute smooth micrometric
steps for precise alignment.
A heavy cast-iron foundation engineered to deaden
Base / Stand vibrations, usually equipped with leveling screws to
ensure a perfectly flat reference plane.
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