HA NOI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

EXPERIMENT REPORT

Student: Nguyễn Hoàng Sơn

ID: 20143832

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 Experiment 4
DIMENSIONAL MEASUREMENT

1. Executive summary
The aim of this experiment is to help the students have opportunity to use two mechanical
measuring instruments: Vernier caliper and Micrometer. Both of them are used to take measure
internal as well as external dimensions. However, they have different characteristics and the
users must be reasonble with specific objects.
At first, introduction will give basic idea about those two devices and the reason why the
students need to study with theories as well as train with experiment.
Secondly, it states more clearly about Vernier Caliper and Micrometer as well as how to
use or read them. Furthermore, after knowing the characteristics of both two measurement
devices, the students may have decisions when to use Vernier and when to use the latter. The
next part is for the sample object’s figure as well as table of data.
The third part is the analysis and dicussion. It is where the students interpret the data with
calculations. Also, applying 95% or 99% confidence, the sudents can know the interval of the
object’s dimension even the times of measuring the object is not enough to ensure the mean is
distributed in bell-shape.
2. Introduction
In general, there will be errors of size in any machined work piece. This means that the
actual dimension will be different from nominal dimension. Many authors mentioned about this
problem and it is essential to solve or reduce the error in any measure to get the more precise
result. Guolo (2008) stated that ‘Measurement error affecting the independent variables in
regressionmodels is a common problem in many scientific areas’. In addition, according to
Schennach (2000), ‘In a linear econometric specification, a measurement error on the regressors
can be viewed as a particular type of endogeneity problem causing the disturbance to be
correlated with the regressors’. These errors should be within certain given limits by tolerances
and determined by the dimensional measurement to guarantee the product quality. So it is
important for Mechanical students to understand the constructions, operating principle of
measurement devices, and how to use them efficiently. In addition, it is necessary to take the
measurement several times to collect the data then calculate to estimate the true value of
dimension.

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 Vernier caliper

Vernier caliper is a precision instrument that can be used to measure internal and external
dimensions accurately.

Micrometer

A micrometer is commonly used for measuring the thickness and inside or outside
diameters of parts. Micrometers are also available for measuring depths. Micrometers can be
equipped with digital readout to reduce errors in reading.

3. Vernier caliper
3.1 Introduction
Vernier calipers can measure internal dimensions (using the internal jaws), external
dimensions (using the external jaws), and depending on the manufacturer, depth
measurements by the use of a probe that is attached to the movable head and slides along the
centre of the body. This probe is slender and can get into deep grooves that may prove
difficult for other measuring tools. They include both metric and inch measurements on the
upper and lower part of the scale. Vernier calipers commonly used in industry provide a
precision to a hundredth of a milimetre or one thousand of an inch.
The vernier caliper consists of a main scale engraved on a fixed ruler and an auxiliary
vernier scale engraved on a movable jaw. The movable auxiliary scale is free to slide along
the length of the fixed ruler. This vernier's main scale is calibrated in centimeters with the
smallest division in millimeters. The auxiliary scale has 10 divisions that cover the same

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 distance as 9 divisions on the main scale. Therefore, the length of the auxiliary scale is 9.0
mm.

1-Outside jaws: used to measure external diameter of width of an object

2-Inside jaws: used to measure internal diameter of an object
3-Depth bar blade: used to measure depths of an object or a hole
4-Main scale: gives measurements in quotient (in cm)
5-Main scale: gives measurements in quotient (in inch)
6-Vernier scale: gives measurements in fraction (in cm)
7-Vernier scale: gives measurements in fraction (in inch)
8-Retainer: used to block movable part to allow the easy transferring a measurement

3.2 How to use Vernier caliper

- Step1: Preparation to take the measurement, loosen the locking screw and move the slider
to check if the vernier scale works properly. Before measuring, do make sure the caliper
reads 0 when fully closed. If the reading is not 0, adjust the caliper’s jaws until you get a
0 reading. If you can’t adjust the caliper, you will have to remember to add to subtract the
correct offset from your final reading. Clean the measuring surfaces of Vernier caliper
and the object, then you can take the measurement.
- Step2: Close the jaws lightly on the item which you want to measure. If you are
measuring something round, be sure the axis of the part is perpendicular to the caliper.
Namely, make sure you are measuring the full diameter. An ordinary caliper has jaws you
can place around an object, and on the other side jaws made to fit inside an object. These
secondary jaws are for measuring the inside diameter of an object. Also, a stiff bar
extends from the caliper as you open it that can be used to measure depth.

3.3 How to read a measurement from the scales

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 1) The main metric scale is read first, this shows there are 13 whole divisions before the
0 on the vernier scale.Therefore, the first number is 13.
2) Next read the fraction, only one division on the main scale lines up (aligns) with a
division on the vernier scale below it, whilst others do not. In this figure, the 41st
division on the vernier scale lines up exactly with a division on the main scale.
3) The 41 is multiplied by 0.02 (the resolution of caliper) giving 0.82.
4) The 13 and the 0.82 are added together to give the final measurement of 13.82mm.

4. Micrometer
4.1 Introduction
Micrometer is an instrument for making precise linear measurement of dimensions such
as diameters, thicknesses, and lengths of solid bodies. It is used widely in mechanical
engineering and machining as well as most mechanical trades for precision measurement,
along with other metrological instrument such as dial calipers and vernier calipers.
Micrometer can measure more precisely than Vernier caliper can.

Micrometer construction
(0-25mm is the range of measurement
0.01mm is the resolution of this micrometer)

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Thimble and Spindle face

Frame, Anvil face and Sleeve

Rachet stop

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 Ratchet stop is a device to help engineer to apply just enough torque to rotate the thimble
in a gentle manner. In principle, it allows continuous linear or rotary motion in only one
direction while preventing motion in the oppostite direction.

A ratchet consists of a round gear or linear rack with teeth, and a pivoting, springloaded
finger called a pawl that engages the teeth. The teeth are uniform but asymmetrical, witheach
tooth having a moderate slope on one edge and a much steeper slope on the other edge.
When the teeth are moving in the unrestricted direction, the pawl easily slides up and
over the gently sloped edges of the teeth, with a spring forcing it (often with an audible ‘click
click’) into the depression between the teeth as it passes the tip of each tooth. When the teeth
move in the opposite (backward) direction, however, the pawl will catch against the steeply
sloped edge of the first tooth it encounters, thereby locking it against the tooth and
preventing any futher motion in that direction.
4.2 How to use Micrometer
- Step 1: Carefully open the jaws by revolving the ratchet.
- Step2: Slightly place the item to be measured against the anvil of the micrometer. Make
sure the micrometer is perpendicular to the surfaces being measured.
- Step 3: Rotate the ratchet stop until the spindle contacts the item. Do not clamp the
micrometer tightly on to the workpiece. Use only enough pressure on the ratchet stop to
allow the item to just fit between the anvil and spindle. When you hear “click click”, you
can stop rotating the hatchet.
- Step4: Lock the lock nut on the micrometer to make sure that the figures can not change
any more.
4.3 How to read the measurement from the scales

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 Read the markings on the sleeve and the thimble, firstly, read the point which the thimble
stops at it on the right of the sleeve (It is 5.5mm here, because each line above the centre
long line represents 1mm while each line below the centre long line represents 0.5mm).
Secondly, read the markings on the thimble, it is 28. At last, add all the reading up: 5.50mm
+ 28x0.01mm=5.78mm. So the total reading is 5.78mm.
5. Experimental Procedure
5.1 Approach
5.2 Equipment list
5.2.1 Micrometer (Mitutoyo manufacturer)
- Range: 25-50mm.
- Resolution: 0.01mm.
5.2.2 Vernier caliper (Mitutoyo manufacturer)
- Range: 0-200mm.
- Resolution: 0.02mm.
5.2.3 Cylinder

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 0,1 AB

I II = 0,03 III IV V
O 0,01
O 0,01 O 0,01
0,05 AB
= 0,02 = 0,02
Rz25
Rz12,5

Rz3,2 Rz3,2 Rz20

-0,2

-0,25
-0,06

+ 0,023
+ 0,023

Ø42

Ø48
Ø28

Ø30k7(+0,002)
Ø30k7(+0,002)

A E
B
C D
20-0,2 40 -0,25 35-0,2

120

170 -0,5

Hình 1

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 5.3 Uncertainty: Room temperature, individual’s skill,
5.4 Experimental procedures
5.4.1 Use the Micrometer to measure 48 and 28.
- Before measuring, dry and clean sample and device. Wash and dry hand.
- Step 1: Keep the sample vertically.
- Step 2: Use the Micrometer as the instructions.
- Step 3: Collect data and analyze.
5.4.2 Use the Vernier caliper to measure L20 and L40 (By using Depth bar blade).
- Before measuring, dry and clean sample and device. Wash and dry hand.
- Step 1: Keep the sample vertically.
- Step 2: Keep the Vernier parallel to sample, slide slowly the Vernier scale until the
blade reaches surface C (when you measure L20), surface D (when you measure
L40). Note: the blade must be parallel to the sample.
- Step 3: Collect data and analyze.
6. Results and Discussion
6.1 Results and Discussion

L20-0,2 L40-0,25 48-0,25 28-0,2

1 20.64 39.90 47.65 27.67

2 20.54 39.80 47.65 27.76

3 20.56 39.78 47.66 27.74

4 20.60 39.82 47.63 27.65

5 20.68 39.86 47.65 27.66

Mean 𝑥̅ 20.60 39.83 47.64 27.68

Uncertainty: Room temperature, individual’s skill,

With obtained results, the cylinder reaches the standard quality and can be used for working.

Error: it is assumed that the sample mean is normal distribution because sample size is 5 < 30

Sample standard deviation:

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+L20: 𝑆𝑥 = 0.057
+L40: 𝑆𝑥 = 0.05
+48: 𝑆𝑥 = 0.014
+28: 𝑆𝑥 = 0.053

We have the equation:

s s
x  t 2,n 1    x  t 2,n 1
n n

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 The degrees of freedom in the data set is v = N – 1 = 4. From table 4.4 , when it is estimated that
with 95% confidence, t4,95 is 2.770. Then the population mean should be within:

- L20: 𝑥 = 𝑥 ± t 4,95 × 𝑠𝑥 /𝑠𝑞𝑟𝑡(5) = 20.60 ± 0.07

- L40: 𝑥 = 𝑥 ± t 4,95 × 𝑠𝑥 /𝑠𝑞𝑟𝑡(5) = 39.83 ± 0.062
- 48: 𝑥 = 𝑥 ± t 4,95 × 𝑠𝑥 /𝑠𝑞𝑟𝑡(5) = 47.65 ± 0.017
- 28: 𝑥 = 𝑥 ± t 4,95 × 𝑠𝑥 /𝑠𝑞𝑟𝑡(5) = 27.68 ± 0.066

With 99% confidence t4,99 is 4.604, then the population mean should be within:

- L20: 𝑥 = 𝑥 ± t 4,99 × 𝑠𝑥 /𝑠𝑞𝑟𝑡(5) = 20.60 ± 0.117

- L40: 𝑥 = 𝑥 ± t 4,99 × 𝑠𝑥 /𝑠𝑞𝑟𝑡(5) = 39.83 ± 0.103
- 48: 𝑥 = 𝑥 ± t 4,99 × 𝑠𝑥 /𝑠𝑞𝑟𝑡(5) = 47.65 ± 0.029
- 28: 𝑥 = 𝑥 ± t 4,99 × 𝑠𝑥 /𝑠𝑞𝑟𝑡(5) = 27.68 ± 0.109
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7. Conclusion
By doing this experiment, students can know how use and read measurement when using
Vernier caliper and Micrometer.
In order to get more precise result, it is needed to take more volume of measuring. In
addition, the error of 42 is quiet large comparing to others. If there is not enough time to do
that task, we can use longer range of confidence interval to reduce the error.

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