Group No: 05

Module Name: ME2024

Semester: 3

Familiarization with Basic Measuring Instruments

By

Index No. Name Marks

200107M De Silva H.G.A.E.

Date of submission 05/12/2022

Due date of submission 05/12/2022

Advisors’/Instructors’ names, associations and signature

Department of Mechanical Engineering,

W.K.R.Sachinthana
University of Moratuwa

Department of Mechanical Engineering

University of Moratuwa
Sri Lanka
SUMMARY
Measuring tools are essential to the engineering workshops. The role of the instrument is to
measure the provided specimen in accordance with the provided dimensions. Because in
engineering applications we need precision measurements. So, it is very important to study
about measuring instruments to select the correct instrument for a given application. We will
thus talk about the many types of measuring instruments and how they are used in
engineering workshops in this practical.

Table of Contents
Summary ................................................................................................................................ 1

Table of Contents ................................................................................................................... 1

1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 2

2 Material and methods ......................................................................................................... 2

3 Observations ...................................................................................................................... 4

4 Analysis and results ........................................................................................................... 6

5 Discussion .......................................................................................................................... 6

6 Conclusions ...................................................................................................................... 10

References ........................................................................................................................ 11

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 1. INTRODUCTION

The aims of this practical are select the appropriate measuring instruments and technics
for a given application, Identify the key aspects of some basic measuring instruments and use
the instruments to measure and compare dimensions. When we select a correct measuring
instrument for an application, we must consider a lot of facts. Specially sensitivity, precision
and the applications are very important things in measuring instruments.

Some objectives of the practical are understanding the need of selecting the correct
measuring instrument for a given job, familiarize with some basic measuring instruments, To
familiarize with the correct usage of the instrument and to develop an awareness of the
interaction between engineering metrology and manufacturing.

2. MATERIAL AND METHODS

Steel ruler Sine bar Feeler gauge

Vernier caliper Try square Wire gauge
Dial vernier caliper Combination set square Screw pitch gauge
Digital vernier caliper Spirit level Radius/fillet gauge
Micrometer Surface plate Pin set
Digimatic micrometer Angle plate Inside caliper
Inside micrometer Slip gauges Outside caliper
Depth gauge Dial gauge Mikrokator
Height gauge V-blocks Profile projector
Dial caliper gauge Dial indicator stand Bore gauges
Vernier protractor Go, No-Go gauge Thickness gauge

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Fig. 1
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First, all these instruments were shown and the clear explanation of how they work and how
they use, was given by the instructor. Then the hands on experience was taken for those
instruments. Then we were though about gauges and there uses.

After that we were given a workpiece which is drawn in the worksheet attached below and
asked to measure all its key dimensions by using many instruments as possible on the same
measurement and note down them with the least count of the instrument or the gauge.
Finally, we were asked to compare those results.

3. OBSERVATIONS

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 4. ANALYSIS AND RESULTS
When we compare the results for a same measurement with different instruments there are
difference sometimes, we can identify comparatively huge deference between results. It is
clear that there are errors in some readings. Even though the least count of the instruments are
not the same, the least count is not only the cause of instrument inconsistencies and errors.
There can be flaws in the instruments, human errors, and changes in the environment while
taking measurements.
These kinds of things can cause the deference of the readings. In order to choose and
measure the proper measurement while utilizing these instruments, each component must be
analysed. Taking multiple measurements and considering the average will also help to reduce
reading errors.

5. DISCUSSION

Measuring instrument's sensitivity, precision, and accuracy.

Sensitivity :

The smallest change in measurement that an instrument can pick up is known as its
sensitivity. It is, in other words, the smallest measurement that the tool is capable of
producing. The instrument's least count is also referred to as this. Additionally, a certain
measuring device cannot be used to obtain a measurement that is lower than the sensitivity.
An instrument that is more sensitive also have a lower least count.
Accuracy :

Accuracy is the capability of an instrument to measure a precise value. In other words, it

refers to how closely the measure approaches a benchmark or true value. Accuracy can be
improved by using small readings.
Precision :
Precision is the variation in outcomes from repeating the same measurement in the same way.
it is the capacity of an instrument to perform a sequence of measurements on the same
component repeatedly and get the same results for each measured value. The variance in
measured values can be expressed using the standard deviation of the measuring error.

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 Fig. 2

The precision variation for a good instrument and an old worn-out

instrument.

When considering old worn-out measuring instruments, certain errors may occur rather than
good instrument. When an instrument is utilized for a lengthy period of time, wear and tear
and defects may develop. It's possible that careless handling and storage caused this
instrument damage. Instruments may also suffer from corrosion.
But the thing is these kind of errors in old worn-out instruments cause poor accuracy of the
instrument. For an example when we are taking measurements by using a worn-out Vernier
caliper it gives a reading which always deviate some known amount from the actual value,
and we can also measure that value as the zero error of the caliper. So, these kind of errors
does not directly affect to the precision of the instruments. Therefore, the precision varies for
a good instrument and an old worn-out instrument qualitatively most likely to be the same

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 Fig. 3

The major factors to consider when choosing a measuring instrument to

measure a product.

Challenges and constraints

This refers to the characteristics we wish to measure, the measurements that must be
conducted, and any impediments or unique measurement- or fixturing-related problems.

Every measurement application has unique difficulties and limitations. Some features are
difficult to access. Fixturing several samples might be challenging. Others are smooth,
monochrome, or transparent, which makes it difficult to picture them. Accuracy is
challenging since some have deep holes and steep angles. The instrument we choose needs to
be able to overcome the constraints and satisfy the requirements of the particular application.

Contact

That means whether the sample can come into touch with my measurement device. To obtain an
accurate reading, the measuring instrument should be able to make contact with the measuring
surfaces and fit tightly between them. But when we considering a product which makes by using
a material like rubber it can be easily compressed when the instrument get in contact with that.

So we have to use a measuring device with a probe or touch mechanism depending on the
response to this question. If so, larger-scale measurement tools including contact measuring
arms as well as atomic force microscopy and scanning probe microscopy are both viable solutions
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for measuring under a microscope. However, it is frequently essential that the whole measuring
process take place visually, with no physical touch, such as in many applications for producing
semiconductors and medical devices.

Range

That means how larg the preduct which we are going to measure.In other wards we must
have a idea about the size of the measurement to select the correct instrument.The
measurement should be measurable by the measuring device within the calibrated range. For
instance, a micrometer with a 0–25mm calibration cannot measure a length of 27mm. For this
reason, we will need to utilize a vernier calliper or a micrometer with a 25–50mm range.

Standards

Here, we take into account the sensitivity, precision, and accuracy of the product. Actually it
depends on the purpase and the function of the prouct. For an example, a piston in an engine
requires extreme precision, sensitivity, and accuracy. Instruments that are extremely accurate,
precise, and sensitive must be employed since if any one of these elements is compromised,
the piston won't function as intended. However, a pencil doesn't need to meet these exacting
criteria, therefore a less exacting, sensitive, and precise tool might be employed.

Why is it important to measure the dimensions of products?

Correct dimensional measuring is obviously a crucial component of production. It is feasible

to produce items that completely fit the design and to ensure product quality by measuring
using the same reference during all operations, from material receiving to processing,
assembly, testing, and shipment.
The quality of the final product might be harmed by merely one individual taking erroneous
measurements. A poorer yield will ensue if this causes good items to be mixed in with faulty
ones. Additionally, clients will complain if you delivery finished goods that are faulty.
The first rule for accurate measures is to make sure that everyone involved in production is
proficient in measuring. Here, we take the product's sensitivity, precision, and accuracy into
consideration.

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The two ways of product inspection.

Inspection by attributes

To see if an attribute is matching or nonconforming to a certain requirement is determined via

inspection by attributes. This inspection procedure is binary, indicating if an attribute
complies with a specified standard with a yes or no. Actually, we use gauges for inspection
by attributes. As part of the inspection, certain techniques count the nonconforming
characteristics of a process or equipment. Some products could be rejected because they don't
meet requirements for one or more qualities.

By variables

Unlike characteristics sampling plans, which define items as conforming or nonconforming,

variables sampling plans are using the actual measurements of sample products to make
decisions. So in variable inspections calibrated measuring instruments are used. However,
they provide several advantages over attribute programs. Plans for sampling variables make it
possible to assess how closely a process is operating to a nominal or specification limit.
Variables plans provide data about how well or badly the process is operating, whereas
attributes plans will accept or reject samples.

6. CONCLUSIONS

Selecting a correct measuring instrument is very imporant in order to take a measurement.

Before we use a measuring instrument to take a measurument first we must get a clear
understanding about the instrument and how it uses. When taking a measument we must be
careful minimizing the errors.

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 7. REFERENCES

“Choose the right measuring tool,” Quality Digest, 24-Jun-2020. [Online]. Available:
https://www.qualitydigest.com/inside/metrology-news/choose-right-measuring-tool-
051811.html. [Accessed: 05-Dec-2022].

“(PDF) https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/1175/1 ...” [Online]. Available:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333810883_httpsiopscienceioporgarticle101
0881742-659611751012024meta. [Accessed: 04-Dec-2022].

“Accuracy, precision of instruments and errors in measurements,” askiitians.com. [Online].

Available: https://www.askiitians.com/iit-jee-physics/general-physics/accuracy-
precision-of-instruments-and-errors-in-measurements/. [Accessed: 03-Dec-2022].

“What is ‘inspection by attributes’ and why is it important?,” What Is "Inspection by

Attributes" and Why Is It Important? |, 09-Nov-2022. [Online]. Available:
https://www.micronpa.com/blog/what-is-inspections-by-attributes/. [Accessed: 02-
Dec-2022].

Images
Fig.1 :
“Bearing Tool Center,” Measuring Instruments. [Online]. Available:
https://measuringinstruments.in/. [Accessed: 04-Dec-2022].
Fig.2 :
A. patel M. 3, V. C. S. 12, N. M. F. 4, and M. M. 20, “What is Accuracy & Precision in
measurement? definition & meaning,” Circuit Globe, 07-Oct-2017. [Online].
Available: https://circuitglobe.com/accuracy-and-precision.html. [Accessed: 03-Dec-
2022].
Fig.3 :
“Precision and accuracy in liquid handling,” Liquid handling: precision and accuracy | Festo
Blog. [Online]. Available: https://www.festo.com/medlab/en/cms/10853.htm.
[Accessed: 03-Dec-2022].

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