Experiment 3
Micrometer
What Is a Micrometer?
A micrometer is a tool used for the precise measurement of very small objects. A micrometer can
measure the depth, length and thickness of whatever object fits between its anvil and spindle. It is
commonly used in mechanical engineering and machining applications.
There are several types of micrometers that are designed to measure different types of objects or
spaces.
Outside Micrometer:
This type of micrometer is designed for measuring the outside of objects the outside diameter
(OD). They look and move much like a C-clamp, which opens and closes by turning an internal
screw. In a micrometer, the object you wish to measure is clamped between the anvil (the
stationary end of the clamp) and the spindle (the moving part of the clamp). Once the object is
secured in the clamp, you use the numbering system on the thimble (the handle portion) to find
your measurement.
Inside Micrometer:
While the outside micrometer is used for measuring the outer diameter of an object, the inside
micrometer is used to measure the inside, or inside diameter (ID). These look more like a pen, but
with a thimble in the middle that turns. As the thimble turns, the micrometer expands like a curtain
rod would. This then extends until each end of the tool is touching the inside of the pipe. When this
happens, you use the numbering system on the thimble to find your measurement.
Depth Micrometers:
While inside and outside micrometers are both used to measure the diameter of an object or hole, a
depth micrometer is for measuring the depth of a hole, recess or slot. Depth micrometers have a
base that aligns with the top of the recess that needs to be measured. The thimble is on a shaft that
sticks up from the base. As the thimble turns, a measurement rod comes down from the shaft. You
continue to turn until the rod hits the bottom surface of the hole being measured. When this
happens you use the numbering system on the thimble to find your measurement.
Why Use a Micrometer?
Micrometers are specially designed for the measurement of very small objects. They allow for the
highly precise measurement of any item that fits between the anvil and spindle. Standard types of
micrometers can be used for the fine measurement of items under one inch in length, depth, and
thickness.
How to Read a Micrometer?
1. Place your part between the measuring faces.
2. Bring the measuring face towards the part by rotating the spindle.
3. When you are close use rachet to press the measuring face against the part. You should
achieve sufficient measuring force by rotating the rachet two or three times around.
4. Now you can lock the dimension using the locking nut.
The above image shows a typical micrometer screw gauge and how to read it. Steps:
To obtain the first part of the measurement: Look at the image above, you will see a
number 5 to the immediate left of the thimble. This means 5.0 mm. Notice that there is an
extra line below the datum line, this represents an additional 0.5 mm. So the first part of the
measurement is 5.0+0.5=5.5 mm.
To obtain the second part of the measurement: Look at the image above, the number 28 on
the rotating vernier scale coincides with the datum line on the sleeve. Hence, 0.28 mm is
the second part of the measurement.
You just have to add the first part and second part of the measurement to obtain the micrometer
reading: 5.5+0.28=5.78 mm.
Zero Error
When using Micrometer Screw Gauge, we have to first check for zero error. This is to check
whether zero mark on thimble scale coincides with datum line on the main scale and reading on
main scale is 0 when we are not measuring anything (anvil is in contact with spindle). For reading
on zero error, we have to read it from thimble scale.
Compensating For Zero Error
Correct reading = obtained reading zero error
Examples
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7mm + 0.14mm = 7.14 mm
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Measurement = ------------------------------
Digital micrometers
Digital micrometers are used to measure the length, diameter, or thickness dimensions. A digital
micrometer consists of the frame, anvil, spindle, lock nut, sleeve, sleeve numbers, sleeve long line,
thimble marks, thimble, and ratchet stop, LCD display, data output port, mm/in conversion key,
and the ON/OFF ZERO key. Digital micrometers are available in a large amount of different sizes.
Usually, there is the 0-to-25-mm (0-to1-inch), 25-to-50-mm (1-to 2-inch), 50-to-75-mm (2-to 3-
inch), and 75-to-100-mm (3-to 4- inch) micrometers.
How to read the digital micrometer correctly?
Step1: The digital micrometer can provide high precision reading with the LCD display. So
you can get the reading directly from the large LCD display. For example, the reading is
14.054 mm in the picture.
You can also get the reading by reading the marks on the sleeve and the thimble. Usually,
we mainly get the reading from the large LCD display for the digital micrometer because
the digital reading is more accurate. The reading on the sleeve and the thimble is just for
reference.
Advantages:
a. Fast Reading. As the measurement taken by the device,
b. Small Error. It totally eliminates the errors gained by the users.
c.
because you can switch to the conventional way.
d. Easy Conversion. Generally, a digital micrometer provides conversion button to let
you easily convert the reading to mm or inch.
e. Zeroing Made Easy. Unlike zeroing the mechanical model which has to rotate the
sleeve barrel to align the index line to mark 0 of thimble scale, zeroing in digital
micrometer is very easy. You can zero it at any position you like simply by hitting
the zero button.
f. Transferrable Data. Your measurement data can be transferred, stored, and analyzed
on the other devices.
Disadvantages:
a) Sensitive to External Environment. Dust and water is the enemy of a digital
micrometer. They can damage the inside content of digital micrometer. .
b) Battery. When the battery is out of power, you have to buy a new one.
c) Expensive. In general, a digital micrometer costs about hundreds of dollar.