Comparator

 Introduction :
 A comparator is a precision instrument
employed to compare the dimension of a
given component with a working standard
(usually slip gauges).
 It thus does not measure the actual
dimension but indicate how much it differs
from the basic dimension.
 In mass production identical component
parts are produced on a very large scale.
 To produced interchangeability these parts
produced very close dimensional
tolerance.
 As a result, inspection is often more
concerned with the dimensional variation
from the standard parts.
 The micrometer and vernier calliper are
not more feasible because skill involve and
time required to measure the dimension.
 In such case comparator is more suitable
for the measurement.
 Basic principle of operation
 The comparator first adjust on zero on its
dial gauge with a gauge block in position.
 The gauge block is of dimension which the
work piece should have.
 The work piece to be checked is then
placed in position and comparator gives
the difference in dimension in relation to
the gauge block.
 Dimension may be greater, less or equal
than the standard dimension.
 If the dimension greater or equal than the
standard gauge its indicate on dial gauge.
 Thus comparator does not give the
dimension of the work piece but just give
the difference b/w work piece and
standard gauge.
Mechanical optical comparator
Sigma comparator
 It is mechanical
comparator providing
magnification in the
range of 300 to 5000.
 It consist of a plunger
mounted on two flat
steel string.
 This provide
frictionless linear
movement.
 The plunger carries
the knife edge which
bear upon the face of
mounting blocks of
cross strip hinge.
 The moving block
carries a light metal
y- forked arms and
wrapped around the
smalldrum.
 A thin phosphors
bronze ribbon is
fastened to the end of
the forked arms and
wrapped around the
small drum, mounted
on the spindle
carrying the pointer.
 Any vertical movement movement of the
plunger and hence that of the knife edge
makes the moving block of the cross strip
lever to pivot.
 This cause the rotation of the y-arms.
 The metallic band attached to the arms
makes the driving drum hence the pointer
to rotate.
 Total magnification of the instrument is

L/a = l/r