Vernier Caliper

Define the principle of vernier.

The principle of vernier is that when two scales or divisions slightly different in size are used, the
difference between then can be utilised to enhance the accuracy of measurement.

What are the types of Verniers?

 Type A- Used for both external and internal measurements.
 Type B and C- The main scale serves for external measurements and internal measurements
are made by adding width of the internal measuring jaws to the reading on the scale.

What is a DRO Vernier?

Digital Read Out Vernier or Electronic Digital Caliper is the most advanced electronic digital
measuring instrument for fast, accurate and reliable measurements and yet can be used by even
semi skilled and non-technical operators. It is incorporated with capacitive measurement system
with the revolutionary new chip permitting interface with computer print-out facilities.

What are the possible errors in Vernier instruments?

 Error due to the play between sliding jaw on the scale.
 If the sliding jaw frame becomes worn or warped, it will not slide squarely on the main
scale and will cause error in measurement.
 Due to wear and warping of the jaws the zero line on main scale may not coincide with
that on the vernier scale. This is called zero error.
 Errors are also caused by incorrect reading of the vernier scale as the scales are difficult
to read even with the aid of magnifying glass.
 Error is also introduced if the line of measurement does not coincide with the line of the
scale.
 Since it is difficult to obtain correct feel due to its size and weight an error may be
introduced lie to incorrect feel.
Define Least count of vernier caliper.
Least count = Value of the smallest division on the main scale – the value of the smallest
division on the vernier scale.
(or) Least count = Smallest division on the main scale/ Total no. of divisions on the vernier scale

Give the expression for the total reading in a vernier scale.

Total reading = Main scale reading + the number of the division which exactly coincides with a
division on main scale x L.C of the vernier caliper.

What are the precautions in the use of Vernier caliper?

 The line of measurement must coincide with the line of scale.
 While measuring outside diameters with vernier caliper the plane of the measuring tips of
the caliper must be perpendicular to the centre line of the workpiece. The caliper should
not be tilted or twisted.
 Grip the instrument near or opposite to the jaws and not by the overhanging projected
main bar of caliper.
 Move the caliper jaws on the work with light touch. Do not apply undue pressure.
 The accuracy of measurement primarily depends on two sense, viz, sense of sight and
sense of feel (touch).
 The measuring instrument must always be properly balanced in hand and held slightly in
such a way that only fingers handle the moving and adjusting screws.

What are the advantages of digital verniers?

 Easy readings of digital display
 Zero setting at any position
 One- hand operation
 No mis- readings
 Lower power consumption
 Data exit
 Positive locking screw for slide

What are the applications of digital caliper?

 Measuring of deviations
 Measuring of clearances
 Measuring of centre distances
 Measuring of distances (from an edge)
 Measuring of positions with difficult access
 Scribing of components
Explain Vernier height gauge.
This is also a sort of vernier caliper, equipped with a special base block and other attachments
which make the instrument suitable for measurements. Along with the sliding jaw assembly,
arrangement is provided to carry a removable clamp. Vernier height gauge is mainly used in
inspection of parts and layout work.

Explain Micrometer.
 The Micrometer screw gauge essentially consists of an accurate screw having about 10 or 20
threads per cm and revolves in a fixed nut.
 Frame, anvil, spindle, ratchet driver, thimble, barrel, adjusting nut are the various parts of
micrometer.
 When the spindle is brought into contact with the work at the correct measuring pressure, the
clutch starts slipping and no further movement takes place by the rotation of the ratchet. By
reading the main scale and Vernier scale values, the dimensions of the work is obtained.