CP-001 CALIBRATION OF DIAL GAGES FOR LINEAR MEASUREMENT

REFERENCES :
ASME B89.1.10M-2001
IS: 11498-1985 (REAFFIRMED 2005)
IS: 2092 –1983 (REAFFIRMED 2008) ISO 17025
1.0 A) Nomenclature of Plunger Dial Gages (TYPE A):
 B) Nomenclature of Lever Dial Gages (TYPE C)

2.0 Scope:
2.1 Covers the calibration of Plunger Dial Gauges of an accuracy of 0.001mm,
0.002 mm, 0.005 mm and 0.010 mm.
2.2 Covers the calibration of Lever Dial Gauges of an accuracy of 0.001 mm.
0.002 mm, 0.010 mm and 0.0001”

3.0 Frequency of calibration:

3.1 The frequency of calibration for dial gage is 6 months if calibrated
in house; and 1 year if sent out to an Approved NABL Laboratory.
4.0 Traceability:
4.1 All standards, used in determining the conformance of a
Dial Gauge to specifications must have traceability to National or
International standards e.g. (NABL, NIST)

5.0 Equipment Required:

5.1 Dial Indicator Calibrator
5.2 Calibrated Surface plate.
5.3 Latex or Linen Gloves
5.4 Gage track software.

DIAL INDICATOR CALIBRATOR

6.0 Visual Inspection:

6.1 The indicator should be checked for damaged or missing parts. Check the
Lever Dial Indicator for wear points on the gaging tip ball and ensure that
no flat places are worn on the ball.
6.2 Ensure that the mechanical action of the gaging mechanism moves
smoothly, with no evidence of sticking or binding, and makes no abnormal
sounds when it is moved several times through its full
range.
6.3 Verify that there is no interference among the hands, dial face and crystal
and that the contact point is on tight.
6.4 Ensure that the Lever style indicator has the correct contact tip length, as
specified by the manufacturer

7.0 Calibration Procedure:

8.0 Repeatability:
8.1 Readings at any point within the range of the indicator shall be reproducible
through successive movements of the spindle or lever within ± 1/5 least dial
graduations for all type of indicators.
 8.2 Determination of Repeatability: The following procedures are recommended
for determining repeatability.
8.2.1 Spindle Retraction: With the indicator mounted normally in a rigid
System and its contact point bearing against a non-deforming stop, the
Spindle or lever is retracted at least 5 times, an amount approximately equal
to ½ revolution and allowed to return gently against the stop. The procedure
should be followed at approximately 25%, 50% and 75% of full range. The
maximum deviation in any of the readings shall not exceed ± 1/5 least dial
dial graduations.
9.0 Accuracy:
9.1 Type A indicators are calibrated against a suitable device of known accuracy
at a minimum of four equal increments per revolution over the range,
starting at approximately the ten o’clock position, after setting the pointer to
dial zero at the twelve o’clock position. One revolution indicators shall be
started at approximately the seven o’clock position, after setting the pointer
to dial zero at the twelve o’clock position.
9.2 Type C indicators are calibrated against a suitable device of known accuracy
through one revolution of the pointer at a minimum of four equal increments
in the clockwise and counter clockwise modes after setting pointer and dial
to zero just beyond the pointer rest position.
9.3 Indicators of all types shall be calibrated for response to inward and outward
Movements of the spindle. Immediately after an inward movement is made,
an outward movement shall be started without resetting the indicator dial.
The maximum difference between the points on the inward calibration curve
and the corresponding points of the outward calibration curve, known as
hysteresis (see Fig 7) shall not exceed the limits defined in Table 2 below.
10.0 Electronic Indicators:
10.1 In assessing the accuracy of an electronic indicator, the following factors
should be considered:
a) Overall magnification and linearity
b) Accuracy of interpolation between scale elements of the indicator’s
encoder
c) Contribution due to the uncertainty of the least digit.
d) Repeatability
 e) Hysteresis
By nature of digital display systems, assuming the last digit represents a
rounded-off value, the accuracy cannot be better than ± ½ the minimum
displayed digit. The uncertainty is a uniform distribution with a width of one
digit. The digitization of the data contributes an effective standard deviation
of ½ the value of the least digit divided by √3 to the evaluation of the
uncertainty of measurement.
Calibration of electronic indicators should be performed by standards or
instruments of known accuracy. The inaccuracies of the standards or
instrumentation should preferably be less than 10% of the accuracy
requirement, of the indicator under test, and should not be greater than
25% of that value.
Electronic indicators should meet the following accuracy requirements:
Repeatability: ±1 count
Hysteresis 1 count
Overall magnification and linearity ±3 counts
Note: 1 count = 1 least resolution.

10.2 Determination of Accuracy for Electronic Indicators:

a) Electronic indicators should be checked for response in the inward and
outward movement of the spindle.
Evaluation of magnification and linearity should be determined from the
data taken during inward movement. The evaluation of hysteresis should
be determined from the maximum difference in the data taken between the
inward and outward movement, at the same test point.
b) The calibration should begin at a point within 10% of the at-rest position
of the spindle and should end at a point beyond 90% of the range of the

instrument. Set the starting point to zero and take at least 10 readings at
equally spaced intervals covering the range. Readings should be taken
with the spindle moving in and with the spindle moving out. Refer results
of a typical calibration below.
c) For electronic indicators with ranges of greater than 0.200 in (5 mm),
a “micro calibration” should also be performed. To evaluate the “micro
calibration” of the instrument, start from the original zero position and
take 10 additional readings at intervals of 0.005 in (0.1mm). Results of
a typical micro-calibration are shown in the figure below.
11.0 Documentation:
11.1 Proceed to measure the specified points listed in the Gage management
Software. Record the results in the Gage Management Software.
11.2 A register of the monitoring and measuring equipment shall be
maintained. The register shall include the equipment type, unique
identification, location, and the calibration method, frequency and
acceptance criteria.
11.3 Old calibration stickers shall be removed and new calibration stickers
filled out and properly affixed.

12.0 After use care, storage:

12.1 Remove any dust or dirt after use: Do not lubricate. Wipe any
contamination from Probe and moving surfaces using a dry cloth, or a
cloth moistened with a mild cleaner.
12.2 Check for wear of Probe tip: Measurement accuracy will be affected by
worn Probe. Regularly check for wear and replace Probe if worn.
12.3 Store in provided case in a cool, dark and dry location: During storage,
make sure there is no force on the Probe (such as pushed in or lateral
force.
12.4 Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight and secure from
unauthorized personnel.
12.5 Use only manufacturer’s approved Probe. Using alternate probe may
cause error. Always perform calibration after replacing the probe.