SINE BAR
• A Sine Bar is a precision instrument used to measure or set angles
accurately using the sine principle.
• It is commonly used along with slip gauges (gauge blocks).
Principle of Operation
• Works on the trigonometric sine relationship:
Construction
• Made of hardened and ground steel.
• Consists of:
• A rectangular body
• Two precision cylinders/rollers fixed at a known distance apart
• Common standard lengths:
• 100 mm
• 200 mm
• 300 mm
• The top surface is perfectly flat and parallel to the roller axis.
Applications
• Measurement of:
• Tapers
• Bevels
• Inclined surfaces
• Calibration of:
• Angle gauges
• Bevel protractors
• Used in tool rooms, inspection labs, and R&D
Advantages
✔ High accuracy (up to ±5 arc seconds)
✔ Simple construction
✔ Direct calculation using trigonometry
✔ Suitable for precision angular measurements
Limitations
❌ Not suitable for angles above ~45°
❌ Requires accurate slip gauge combination
❌ Time-consuming for repetitive measurements
❌ Sensitive to:
• Dirt
• Temperature variation
• Improper wringing of slip gauges
Precautions
• Clean all surfaces before use
• Ensure proper wringing of slip gauges
• Handle carefully to avoid roller damage
• Perform measurements in temperature-controlled conditions (20°C)
Factors affecting accuracy
• Axes of roller must be parallel
• Centre distance of roller
• Flatness of top surfaces
• Roller diameter
• Roundness of roller
Checking unknown angles of a
component
• Estimate Angle: Use a bevel protractor
to get an approximate angle (θ) of the
component.
• Set Up Sine Bar: Place one roller of the
sine bar on the surface plate and build
the required height (h) with slip gauges
under the other roller to match your
estimated angle (sin(θ) = h/L).
• Position Component: Securely place the component on the top surface of the sine
bar.
• Check Parallelism: Mount a dial indicator on a stand, set it to zero at one end of the
component's surface, and then sweep it across the entire surface.
• Adjust for Zero: Adjust the slip gauge height (h) until the dial indicator reads zero
across the entire component surface, indicating it's parallel to the surface plate.
• Calculate: Use the final, precise slip gauge height (h) and the known sine bar length
(L) to find the angle: θ = sin(h/L).
For Large Components
• Place the large component on the surface plate.
• Place the sine bar on the component.
• Use a height gauge and dial indicator to measure
the height (R1) of one roller from the surface
plate.
• Adjust the sine bar (or use slip gauges) until the
dial indicator reads zero, then measure the height
(R2) of the other roller.
• Calculate the angle: θ = sin(R1 - R2| / L).
Spirit Level
• A Spirit Level is a precision instrument used to
check horizontal or vertical alignment of surfaces
and to measure small angular deviations.
• It works based on the movement of an air bubble
in a liquid-filled vial.
Principle of Operation
• Operates on the principle that:
• A bubble in a liquid always rises to the highest point.
• When the surface is perfectly horizontal:
• The bubble remains centered between graduation marks.
• Any inclination causes the bubble to shift, indicating angular deviation.
Construction
• Main components:
• Body (cast iron or steel)
• Glass vial (ampoule) filled with alcohol/ether
• Air bubble
• Graduated scale on the vial
• The vial is slightly curved, allowing bubble movement with inclination.
• Some precision levels include:
• Adjusting screws
• Reflecting mirror for easy viewing
Sensitivity of Spirit Level
• Sensitivity = angular movement per division.
Given by:
• where:
= movement of bubble per division
= radius of curvature of vial
• High sensitivity → large bubble movement for small tilt.
Working / Method of Use
• Place the spirit level on the surface to be checked.
• Observe the position of the bubble:
• Centered → surface is level
• Shifted → surface is inclined
• For angular measurement:
• Bubble displacement is noted and angle is calculated using sensitivity.
• Applications
• Checking flatness and straightness of machine beds
• Alignment of:
• Lathe beds
• Guideways
• Surface plates
• Setting machines in horizontal or vertical position
• Used in metrology labs and machine shops
Advantages Limitations
✔ Simple and easy to use ❌ Measures only small angular deviations
✔ High accuracy for small angles ❌ Not suitable for large angles
✔ No external power required ❌ Sensitive to vibration
✔ Quick indication of alignment ❌ Accuracy affected by temperature changes
Sources of Error Precautions
• Improper calibration • Clean the contact surface before use
• Temperature variation causing • Avoid sudden shocks or drops
liquid expansion
• Use in temperature-controlled conditions
• Worn or damaged vial
• Store carefully to prevent vial damage
• Improper placement on uneven
surfaces
Clinometer
• A Clinometer is a precision angular
measuring instrument used to
measure angles of inclination, slope,
or taper with respect to the
horizontal.
• It is widely used where small to
medium angles must be measured
accurately
Principle of Operation
• Works on the principle of gravity acting on a spirit level or pendulum.
• When the clinometer is placed on an inclined surface: The bubble shifts until
equilibrium is reached.
• The inclination angle is read from the graduated/vernier scale.
Construction
Main parts:
• Base (ground and lapped)
• Rotatable body
• Spirit level vial
• Main scale (degrees)
• Vernier scale (minutes)Clamping and fine adjustment screws
Some clinometers include:
• Micrometer adjustment
• Optical reading system
Working / Method of Use
• Place the base of the clinometer on the surface whose angle is to be measured.
• Rotate the body until the spirit level bubble is centered.
• Lock the position using the clamp.
• Read: Degrees from the main scale
• Minutes from the vernier scale
• Final angle = Main scale reading ± Vernier reading.
Applications
Measuring:
• Inclined surfaces
• Tapers
• Bevel angles
Checking alignment of:
• Machine guideways
• Slides and beds
Used in:
• Tool rooms
• Inspection departments
Advantages Limitations
✔ Direct angle reading ❌ Less accurate than sine bar for very small
✔ Faster than sine bar method. angles
✔ Good accuracy for small and ❌ Sensitive to vibration
medium angles ❌ Requires careful calibration
✔ Portable and easy to use ❌ Operator reading error possible
Sources of Error Precautions
• Incorrect centering of spirit level • Clean base and surface before measurement
bubble
• Avoid parallax error while reading scales
• Vernier reading error
• Use in vibration-free environment
• Worn base surface
• Handle carefully to avoid vial damage
• Temperature variation affecting
spirit level liquid