UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF RECLAMATION

USBR 1007-89
PROCEDURE FOR

CALIBRATING DIAL INDICATORS

INTRODUCTION

This procedure is under the jurisdiction of the Geotechnical Services Branch, code D-3760, Research and Laboratory Services
Division, Denver Office, Denver, Colorado. The procedure is issued under the fixed designation USBR 1007. The number immediately
following the designation indicates the year of acceptance or the year of last revision.

1. Scope within the specified range, when the dial indicator reading
is approached first with increasing and then with decreasing
1.1 This designation outlines the procedure for cali- spindle displacements.
brating dial indicators for laboratory and field applications. 5.2.4 Range.-The measured values over which the
1.2 Method A outlines the calibration procedure using dial indicator is intended to measure, specified by upper
precision gauge blocks; Method B outlines the calibration and lower limits.
procedure using a micrometer fixture. 5.2.5 Repeatabil#y.-The degree to which displayed
dial indicator readings vary for successive measurements
2. Applicable Documents of the same reference.
2.1 USBR Procedures:
6. Apparatus
USBR 1000 Standards for Linear Measurement Devices
USBR 3900 Standard Definitions of Terms and Symbols 6.1 Dial Indicator.-A dial indicator used for standard
Relating to Soil Mechanics laboratory or field applications.
2.2 ASME Standard:
6.2 Method A -- Precision Gauge Block Calibration:
ANSI B89.1.10 Dial Indicators (for Linear Measurement)
6.2.1 Precision Gauge Blocks (fig. la).-A set of steel
2.3 Federal Specification:
gauge blocks (inch-pound or metric), usually rectangular,
GGG-G-15C Gage Blocks and Accessories meeting the requirements of Federal Specifications GGG-
G-15C and those requirements identified in USBR 1000
3. Summary of Method
for precision gauge blocks. A gauge block set should contain
sizes (or combination of sizes) necessary to satisfactorily
3.1 Comparison readings between a dial indicator and
perform the "calibration procedure as outlined in
either precision gauge blocks (method A) or a micrometer
paragraph 10.
fixture (method B) are used to determine the accuracy,
6.2.2 Dial Indicator Comparator Stand (fig. lb).-A
repeatability, and hysteresis of the dial indicator. The results
stand consisting of a base; ground to a guaranteed flatness
are used to evaluate the acceptability of dial indicators for
and warp-free stability; a support column and an adjustable
laboratory and field use.
arm onto which the dial indicator can be securely attached.
6.3 Method B- Micrometer Fixture Calibration:
4. Significance and Use
6.3.1 Micrometer Fixture (fig. 2a).-A precision
instrument capable of obtaining comparison readings over
4.1 Accurate linear measurements are required to
the full range of the dial indicator. The spindle must be
obtain proper data for laboratory and field use.
nonrotating and spring loaded. The micrometer fixture
4.2 Calibrate dial indicators when purchased and
is to be calibrated annually by the manufacturer.
annually thereafter.
6.3.2 Magnetic Base DialIndicatorHolder ( fig. 2b).-
A magnetic base with a solid upright post adapted with
5. Terminology
a swivel snug, gauge rod, and dial indicat& clamp with.
fine adjustment capabilities.
5.1 Definitions are in accordance with USBR 3900.
5.2 Terms not included in USBR 3900 specific to this
7. Precautions
designation are:
5.2.1 Accuracy.-The degree to which displayed dial 7.1 Safety Precautions.-The dial indicator case, stem,
indicator readings vary from known spindle displacements. spindle, and contact point are to be examined for burrs
5.2.2 Graduation.-The least measured value which and sharp edges.
is marked on the dial indicator face. 7.2 Technical Precautions:
5.2.3 Hysceresis.-The difference in displayed dial 7.2.1 The dial face is to be examined for clarity of
indicator readings at any particular spindle displacement graduations.
 USBR bil)(:l,7

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 USBR 1007
9. Conditioning
9.1 Perform this calibration in an environment as close
to 68 °F (20 °C) as possible.
9.2 The dial indicator, calibration gauge blocks, and
dial indicator comparator stand and base should be in the
environment in which they are to be calibrated for at least
24 hours prior to calibration.
10. Procedure
10.1 All data are to be recorded on the "Dial Indicator
Calibration Sheet" as shown on figure 3.
10.2 Record the range and graduation of the dial
indicator to be calibrated.
10.3 Locate and record the manufacturer and serial
number of the dial indicator to be calibrated. If it has no
serial number, record the model number and any identifying
marking.
10.4 Record the type and serial number of the reference
standard to be used.
10.5 Method A -- Precision Gauge Block Calibration:
10.5.1 Mount the dial indicator on the dial indicator
comparator stand as shown on figure 4a.
10.5.2 Accuracy Determination:
10.5.2.1 Position the dial indicator on the dial indi-
cator comparator stand. Adjust the dial indicator in such
a manner that when the contact point of the spindle rests
firmly on the comparator stand base, the hand registers
0.000.
10.5.2.2 Record the zero reading on the dial
indicator calibration form.
10.5.2.3 Displace the dial indicator spindle by
inserting gauge blocks of appropriate thicknesses between
the comparator base and the contact point of the dial
indicator as shown on figure 4b. These gauge blocks should
be of such thickness that the hand can be displaced in
approximately equal increments (a minimum of four
increments per revolution of the dial indicator hand) over
the entire range of the dial. Record the gauge block(s)
used (reference standard length) and the dial indicator
reading at each increment. Record the dial indicator
readings to the highest readability possible--based on
smallest graduation of the dial indicator dial.
10.5.3 Hysteresis Determination:
10.5.3.1 Displace the spindle of the dial indicator
by inserting the same gauge blocks as used in subpara-
graph 10.5.2.3. This time insert the gauge blocks in reverse
order; i.e., thickest block to thinnest.
10.5.3.2 Read and record dial indicator readings
for each gauge block used.
10.5.4 Repeatabffity Determination:
10.5.4.1 Remove all gauge blocks from beneath
the contact point. Readjust the dial indicator on the support
column so that the hand registers 0.000 with the contact
point resting on the comparator base and record the value.
10.5.4.2 Rotate the hand of the dial indicator by
displacing the dial indicator spindle using an appropriate
size (or combination of) gauge block(s). (See subpar.
10.5.4.6.)
10
10.5.4.3 Read and record the dial gauge reading
and the gauge block(s) used.
10.5.4.4 Remove the gauge block(s) and record
the dial indicator reading.
10.5.4.5 Repeat subparagraphs 10.5.4.1 through
10.5.4.4 a minimum of three times.
10.5.4.6 Subparagraph 10.5.4 should be followed
at approximately 25, 50, and 75 percent of full range of
the dial indicator.
10.6 Method B- Micrometer Fixture Calibration:
10.6.1 Mount the dial indicator on the bench of the
micrometer fixture utilizing the magnetic base dial indicator
holder as shown on figure 5.
10.6.2 Accuracy Determination:
10.6.2.1 Displace the dial indicator spindle so the
indicator hand registers 0.000 by turning the micrometer
head.
10.6.2.2 Set the micrometer head to read 0.000.
10.6.2.3 Read and record the zero readings on the
dial indicator calibration form.
10.6.2.4 Displace the dial indicator spindle by
turning the micrometer head in equal increments (a
minimum of four increments per revolution of the dial
indicator hand) over the entire range of the dial. Read
and record the readings of both the dial indicator and the
micrometer fixture at each increment. Record the dial
indicator readings to the highest readability possible--
based on smallest graduation of the dial indicator hand.
10.6.3 Hysteresis Determination:
10.6.3.1 Displace the spindle of the dial indicator
by turning the micrometer head in the opposite direction
to that used in subparagraph 10.6.2.1.
10.6.3.2 Read and record dial indicator and
micrometer fixture readings at the same increments as
performed in subparagraph 10.6.2.4.
10.6.4 Repeatability Determination:
10.6.4.1 Adjust both the dial indicator and the
micrometer fixture to read 0.000.
10.6.4.2 Displace the spindle of the dial indicator
by turning the micrometer fixture to cause the appropriate
revolution of the dial indicator hand. (See subpar. 10.6.4.8.)
10.6.4.3 Turn the micrometer fixture head to read
0.000.
10.6.4.4 Read and record the micrometer reading
and corresponding dial indicator reading.
10.6.4.5 Turn the micrometer fixture head to
return the micrometer back to zero.
10.6.4.6 Read and record the micrometer reading
and corresponding dial indicator reading.
10.6.4.7 Repeat subparagraphs 10.6.4.1 through
10.6.4.6 a minimum of three times.
10.6.4.8 Subparagraph 10.6.4 should be followed
at approximately 25, 50, and 75 percent of full range of
the dial indicator.
11. Calculations
11.1 Calculations for determining the accuracy,
hysteresis, and repeatability of the dial indicator are as
shown on the "Dial Indicator Calibration Sheet" (fig. 3).
 USBR 1007

7-2349 (5.86) DIAL INDICATOR CALIBRATION SHEET

Bureau of Reclamation Desiinat|onUSBR 1007---8_
•

DIAL INDICATOR RANGE/GRADUATIONS 0-1.000 inch / 0.001 inch

MANUFACTURER Example SERIAL NO D1-115281

REFERENCE STANDARD USED:. [] GAUGE BLOCKS SERIAL NO M F- I00
I• MICROMETER FIXTURE SERIAL NO.

CALIBRATION PERFORMED BY DATE

CALIBRATION CHECKED BY DATE

ACCURACY HYSTER EElS R EPEATABI LITY

TRIAL REFERENCE DIAL DIFFER- TRIAL REFERENCE DIAL HYSTER- BASE RETRACTED RETURN REPEAT-
NO. STANDARD INDICATOR ENCE NO. STANDARD INDICATOR ESIS DIAL READING READING ASILITY
LENGTH READINGS (2) - (3) LENGTH READING (3) - (7) READING

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (to) (11) (g)- (tl)

I 0. 000 0.000 0.000 89 .0.000 0.000 O. 000 I 12 REV{)LUT I ON

2 0. 025 0.025 0.000 88 0.025 0.024 O.001

3 .0;050
o.o56 o.-ooo- 87 0.o5o 0.050 0.000 0.000 0.050 0.000 0.000

4 0. 075 0.075 0.000 86 0.075 0.074 O.001 0.000 0.050 0.ooo o.ooo
5 O. lO0 0.100 0.000 85 0.100 0.100 0.000 0.000 0.050 0.000 0.000

6 O. 125 0.125 "0.000 84 0;125 0.125 0.000

7 O. 150 0.150 0.000 83 0.150 0.150 0.000 2 I/2 REVC _UTIONS---

8 •0. 175 0.175 0.000 82 0.175 0.175 0.000

9 0.200 0.200 0.000 81 0.200 0.199 0.001 0.000 0.250 0.000 0.000

0.000 0.250 0.000 0.000

0.000 0.250 0.000 0.O00

ACCURACY: ACCEPT [] HYSTERESIS: ACCEPT [] REPEATABILITY: ACCEPT []

REJECT [] REJECT [] REJECT []

REMARKS: Only partial calibration data shown.

GDO 850-947

Figure 3. - Dial indicator calibration sheet -- example.

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 USBR ]LC•07

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12
 USBR 1007

Table 1. - Dial indicator maximum deviation.

Accuracy
Smallest Repeatability Hysteresis First 2-1/3 First 10 First 20*
graduation revolutions revolutions revolutions
inch mm

Deviation in unitsof smallest graduation

0.00005 0.00l +0.2 0.50 __l _____4

.00010 .002 +0.2 .50 ±1 ±3 _____4
.00050 .010 ___+0.2 -33 __--+1 ---+3 ---4
.00100 .020 ---0.2 .33 ,,,1 _____2 ---4

* Over 20 revolutions consult with individual manufacturers for standard procedure.

Table 1 taken from ANSI B 89.1.10-1978 dial indicators for linear measurements.

13