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Vernier Caliper and Micrometer Screw Gauge

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Vernier Caliper and Micrometer Screw Gauge

There are two types of measuring cylinders used to measure different dimensions of small

objects including depth, inner radius, outer radius, and thickness. The measuring devices are the

Vernier calipers and the micrometer screw gauge. Understanding the definition, structure, uses,

advantages, disadvantages, and how each measuring device works is effective in understanding

their uses.

Vernier Calipers

Definition

A Vernier caliper is a measuring device that comprises of a main scale fitted with a fixed jaw and

a sliding jaw with an attached Vernier.

Structure

A Vernier caliper is made up of two steel rules that can slide along each other. One steel rule is

in the form of a rectangular metal strip fitted with a fixed jaw at one end. The rectangular metal

strip is calibrated in inches on its upper side and in centimeters on the lower side. The larger

rectangular strip is referred to as the main scale of the Vernier caliper. The other rule is a smaller

rectangular metal strip which is calibrated to align with the calibrations of the main scale. This

rule is known as the Vernier scale and slides over the main scale. Like the main scale, it has a

smaller jaw fitted at one of its end.

Accuracy

Vernier calipers, especially electronic Vernier calipers, have a resolution of 0.01mm. Others like

the Hi-Precision digital calipers have a resolution of either 0.005mm and 0.001mm.
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Advantages

Setting the Vernier caliper back to zero setting is easy.

Amplification does not depend on parts of the Vernier calipers that can wear out or go out of

calibration.

It can provide accurate measurements over a large range because it has no theoretical limit.

Interpolation is neither possible nor required while reading the device.

Disadvantages

The reliability of reading Vernier calipers is dependent on the observer, rather than the

instrument.

Apart from zero setting, the Vernier caliper has no other methods to adjust and correct errors.

How it Works

Knowledge about the Vernier calipers and its parts is effective in using the Vernier caliper. The

main parts of the Vernier caliper must be understood. Read the scales on the Vernier caliper as

well as the smallest divisions of the device. Clean the object to be measured before measuring it.

Unlock the screw of Vernier caliper and close the jaw to lock the object. Upon fitting the object

properly between the jaws, read the main scale and look for where its calibration aligns with the

zero scale of the Vernier caliper. Add up the readings of the main scale as well as those of the

Vernier scale to get the precise measurement of the measured object.

Micrometer Screw Gauge

Definition
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A micrometer screw gauge refers to a measuring device that can be used to measure even smaller

dimensions than the Vernier caliper.

Types of Micrometer Screw Gauges

There are three special types of Vernier calipers, namely outside micrometers, inside

micrometers, and depth micrometers. This categorization allows for the measurement of varying

sizes. Outside micrometers are used to measure inner dimensions, inside micrometers are

designed to measure outside dimensions, and depth micrometers are designed to measure the

depth of hollow objects.

Accuracy

The accuracy of a micrometer screw gauge can be determined by measuring the dimensions of a

known objects, known as gauge rods, whose calibrations are known universally. If the

micrometer fails to reflect the known dimensions of the gauge block, then the device is not

accurate. The micrometer screw gauge has a precision of 0.01mm. \

Advantages

Micrometer screw gauges provide very accurate measurements.

The ratchet speeder ensures the application of uniform pressure to the thimble, thus making

reliable measurements.

The micrometer screw gauge has an integrated scale hence eliminating the need for another

measuring device like rule or tape measure.

Micrometer screw gauges are durable because they have a baked enamel frame measuring

surfaces coated with tungsten carbide.

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There exist a range of special micrometers that can be used to measure specific dimensions.

Anvil micrometers provide a cost-effective means of measuring large dimensions.

Disadvantages

Micrometer screw gauges have a limited measuring range.

Larger micrometers are very expensive compared to smaller micrometers.

Different types of micrometers are required for different measuring activities because

micrometers cannot measure different measurements.

How it Works

There is a space between the spindle and anvil used to hold the object to be measured. Turning

the thimble moves the spindle closer to the object to be measured, holding it into place. Once the

object is fitted on the space, the final measurement is checked on the sleeve. The micrometer

may be calibrated using an inch scale, a metric scale, or a Vernier scale. The inch scale consists

of 40 threads per inch so that each turn moves 0.025 inches axially. The metric scale has 2

threads per every millimeter implying that 1 turn moves 0.5 millimeter. While use the

micrometer, the measurements on the Vernier scale are summed up with the measurements on

either the metric scale or the inch scale.