MCEN 3027

Updated 1/13/05

Extract from
http://www.colorado.edu/MCEN/Measlab/Oneweeklabs/Lab1_Dimmeas.doc

Vernier Calipers, Micrometers, and Gauge Blocks

Vernier calipers (calipers) and micrometers (mics) are commonly used tools for making precise
measurements of dimensions of machine parts [1]. Calipers are used for measuring dimensions
of up to 6” or more depending on the calipers’ span. They commonly have one of three types of
read-out devices: a Vernier scale, a circular dial indicator, or an electronic LCD display. The
accuracy of calipers is approximately  0.005 in (  0.1 mm) depending on the model.

Micrometers are normally used for measurement of smaller dimensions with greater precision
than calipers. The accuracy of micrometers is approximately  0.00005 in (  1 m), again
depending on the model. Measurements of such high precision (a human hair is approximately
0.002 in) are sensitive to applied pressure, temperature, and surface cleanliness. These factors
must be controlled for precision measurements. Micrometers have a ratchet tightening screw to
provide a standard pressure between the tool and the part. Due to thermal expansion, a one-inch
long gage will change length by approximately 6 in for each °F of temperature change. Hence,
micrometers are calibrated at a standard reference temperature of 68 °F (20 °C). Measurements
made at other temperatures are still accurate provided that the test part is also steel (same
thermal expansion coefficient) and both tool and part are at the same uniform temperature.

Gauge blocks represent precise industrial standards for the inch. They are small steel blocks
with two polished parallel faces. There are three classifications of gauge blocks: AA, accurate to
 2 in for size, flatness, and parallelism; A, accurate to  4 in; and B,  8 in. Gauge
blocks are normally used in sets having a range of thickness that make it possible to stack them
such that any dimension between 0.100 and 8.000 in can be obtained in increments of 0.1 in.
The blocks are stacked through a process called wringing, whereby clean surfaces are brought
together in a sliding fashion while steady pressure is exerted. The surfaces are sufficiently flat
that when the wringing process is correctly executed, they will adhere together.

Gauge blocks are used most frequently in two ways: for calibration of instruments with
adjustable gauges such as dial indicators or calipers, mechanical and electronic comparators, and
as standards for production and checking of wear on inspection instruments.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/micrometer

mi·crom·e·ter 1 (m -kr m -t r)
n.
A device for measuring very small distances, objects, or angles, especially one based on the
rotation of a finely threaded screw, as in relation to a microscope.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/caliper

1
 MCEN 3027
Updated 1/13/05

cal·i·per also cal·li·per (k l -p r)

n.
1. An instrument consisting essentially of two curved hinged legs, used to measure thickness and
distances. Often used in the plural.
2. A large instrument having a fixed and a movable arm on a graduated stock, used for measuring
the diameters of logs and similar objects.
3. A vernier caliper.

http://www.toolingu.com/class_class_desc.aspx?class_ID=350110

Caliper: A measuring instrument with two pairs of jaws on one end and a long beam containing
a marked scale of unit divisions. One pair of jaws measures external features; the other pair
measures internal features.

Micrometer: A U-shaped measuring instrument with a threaded spindle that slowly advances
toward a small anvil. Micrometers are available in numerous types for measuring assorted
dimensions and features.

Vernier – A type of scale consisting of two opposing line markings with different divisions.
Vernier scales appear on both manual calipers and micrometers.

http://www.answers.com/topic/caliper

Pictures of inside, outside, vernier, dial, and digital calipers (plus link to micrometer, also known
as a micrometer caliper)