Thread measurements

 Screw threads are used to transmit the power and motion, and also used to fasten
two components with the help of nuts, bolts and. studs.
 There is a large variety of screw threads varying in their form, by included angle,
head angle, helix angle etc.
 The screw threads are mainly classified into 1) External thread 2) Internal thread.

External thread Internal thread

Measurement of Various Elements of Thread:

To find out the accuracy of a screw thread it will be necessary to measure the
following:
1) Major diameter.
2) Minor diameter.
3) Pitch
4) Thread angle and form
1) Screw thread: It is a continuous helical groove of specified cross-section produced
on the external or internal surface.
2) Crest: It is top surface joining the two sides of thread.
3) Flank: Surface between crest and root.
4) Root: The bottom of the groove between the two flanks of the thread
5 Lead: Lead = number starts x pitch
6,) Pitch: The distance measured parallel to the axis from a point on a thread to the
corresponding next point.
7) Helix angle: The helix is the angle made by the helix of the thread at the pitch line
with the axis.
8) Flank angle: Angle made by the flank of a thread with the perpendicular to the
thread axis.
9) Depth of thread: The distance between the crest and root of the thread.
10) Included angle: Angle included between the flanks of a thread measured in an
axial plane.
11) Major diameter: Diameter of an imaginary co-axial cylinder which would touch
the crests of external or internal thread.
12) Minor diameter (Root diameter or Core diameter): Diameter of an imaginary co-
axial cylinder which would touch the roots of an external thread.
13) Addendum Radial distance between the major and pitch cylinders for external
thread. Radial distance between the minor and pitch cylinder for internal thread.
14) Dedendum: Radial distance between the pitch and minor cylinder = for external
thread. Radial distance between the major and pitch cylinders = for internal
thread.
Experiment: Measuring the Pitch of a Screw Using Pitch Gauges
Thread gauges come in different sizes to enable measurements of very small to
very large threads. A thread gauge has a number of blades that can be used to
measure pitch of different sizes. Each blade has a marking that determines the pitch
it corresponds to.

Range:
From To With step From To With step
0.25 0.45 0.05 1.25 2 0.25
0.5 1 0.1 2.5 6 0.5

Procedure:
 Hold the bolt to be measured with the light behind it.
 Open the thread gauge and place on of the blades against the bolt threads. If
the teeth fit tightly against the threads you selected the proper blade on your
first try. If not, use other blades until the teeth fit the bolt threads perfectly.

Reading:
𝑃𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ = 3 𝑚𝑚
Experiment: Measuring of Outer and Minor Diameter Using Tool Makers
Microscope
The Tool Maker’s Microscope (TMM) essentially consists of the cast base, the main
lighting unit, the upright with carrying arm and the sighting microscope.

Procedure:
 Worktable is placed on the base of the base of the instrument.
 Work piece is mounted on a V-Blocks.

 Adjust the angles of the protractors on the table to zero. This ensures that the
two perpendicular wires seen in the eyepiece are parallel and perpendicular to
the screw axis.
 The measurements are made by means of cross lines engraved on the ground
glass screen. The screen can be rotated through 360°.
 Rotate the micrometer head to move the specimen so that the horizontal
dotted line touches all the crests.
 Rotate again until the dotted line touch the root of the thread.
 Rotate the micrometer to the other side of the thread
Readings:
From up to down:
14.69 + 20.00 mm
13.99 + 20.00 mm
13.33 mm
11.66 mm

Calculations:
𝑀𝑎𝑗𝑜𝑟 𝐷𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 (𝑑 ) = (14.69 + 20) − 11.66 = 23.03 𝑚𝑚

𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑟 𝐷𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 (𝑑2) = (13.99 + 20) − 13.33 = 20.66 𝑚𝑚

Approximate the thread to the nearest standard

𝑀24 × 3.00

External thread Internal thread

Pitch diameter go Pitch diameter not Pitch diameter go Pitch diameter not
ring gage mm go ring gage mm ring gage mm go ring gage mm
M24 × 3.0 22.003 21.808 22.051 22.316

Size(mm) Pitch (mm) Tap Drill (mm) Clearance Drill(mm)

24 3 21.00 27.00
Experiment: Measuring of Pitch Diameter Using Tool Makers
Microscope
Thus the measurement is actually carried out using a shadow protractor
mounted on a ledge on the screen.
To avoid shadow effect tilt the head of the TMM by the helix angle

 Calculation of the Helix Angle:

𝑃
tan 𝜓 =
𝜋𝑑2
𝐻
tan 60 =
𝑝/2
𝐻 = 0.5𝑃 tan 60 = 0.866 𝑃
𝐻 = 0.866 × 3 = 2.598
1 3
𝑑2 = 𝑑 − (2 × + 2 × ) 𝐻 = 𝑑 − 𝐻
8 8
𝑑2 = 24 − 2.598 = 21.402 𝑚𝑚
𝑃 3
𝜓 = tan−1 ( ) = tan−1 ( ) = 2.5547° ≈ 2.5°
𝜋𝑑2 𝜋 × 21.402
Procedure:
 Tilt the head of the projector by the helix angle 𝜓 = 2.5°
 Rotate the micrometer head to move the specimen so that the horizontal
dotted line touch the flank.
 Rotate again until the dotted line touch the flank in the other side of the thread.
 Take the readings

Readings:
𝑅1 = 12.34 𝑚𝑚
𝑅2 = 13.12 + 20 = 33.20 𝑚𝑚

Calculations:
𝒅𝟏 = 𝑹𝟐 − 𝑹𝟏

𝑑1 = 33.20 − 12.34 = 20.86 𝑚𝑚

𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 = (𝑑1)𝑒𝑥𝑝 − (𝑑1)𝑡ℎ = 20.86 − 21.40 = −0.54 𝑚𝑚

Experiment: Measuring of Thread Flank Angle Using TMM
The flank angles are the angles between the individual flanks and the perpendicular
to the axis of the thread, measured in an axial plane. A flank angle of a symmetrical
thread is commonly termed the half angle of thread
Machine screw threads are symmetrical - the angle on both flanks being the same
- refer to illustration.

Unified and Metric

Flank angles for METRIC, UNC and UNF are 30° a total thread angle of 60°.

BSW and BSF

BSW and BSF are 27.5° a total thread angle of 55°

Procedure:
 Tilt the head with the helix angle 𝜓 = 2.5° to avoid the shadow effect
 Rotate the measuring angle to align with the right flank and take the reading
𝜃𝑅
 Rotate the measuring angle to align with the left flank and take the reading 𝜃𝐿
 Move the thread and take the measurements on opposite side
 Consider the average values for 𝜃𝑅 &𝜃𝐿 (to eliminate the misalignment effect)
 Correct the values of 𝜃𝑅 &𝜃𝐿
tan 𝜃
𝜃𝐶 = tan−1 ( )
tan 𝜓
(To eliminate the distortion error due to shadow effect)
Readings:
𝜽𝟏 = 30°

Right 00°58′
62°06′
Left 60°28′
01°21′

Calculations:
𝜃𝑅 𝜃𝐿
29°02′ 30°28′
32°06′ 28°39′
Average 30°34′
alpha 01°32′ 01°05′
Experiment: Measuring of Major Diameter Using Micrometer

Procedure:
 Place the object whose diameter is to be measured between the micrometer's
measuring rods. ( make the anvil touch more than one crest)
 Turn the barrel or friction screw to close the rods around the object to be
measured. The rods should lightly touch the object between them but not
clamp down on it.
 Take the reading

Reading:
𝑅 = 𝑑 = 23.34 𝑚𝑚
Experiment: Measuring of Pitch Diameter Using Screw Thread
Micrometers
Screw Thread Micrometers provided with a 60 degree V-anvil and conical spindle for
easily measuring pitch diameters of metric or unified screw threads.

Interchangeable anvils/spindle tips in matching pairs

Procedure:
 Put the micrometer on the machine vice
 Put the anvil and the spindle tips ( metric )
 Rotate the micrometer until the bolt pass fit through it

 Take the reading 𝑅𝑡ℎ

 Rotate the micrometer until the anvil touch the spindle

 Take the reading 𝑅𝑜

  Repeat the same steps as before instead of using a metric tips
 Use Whitworth tips

Readings:
Metric tips:
𝑅𝑡ℎ 24.76 mm
𝑅𝑜 03.15 mm
Whitworth tips
𝑅𝑡ℎ 24.09 mm
𝑅𝑜 02.76 mm
Calculations:
Calculation of the 1st pair of tips (metric)
𝑑2 = 𝑅𝑡ℎ − 𝑅𝑜 = 24.76 − 03.15 = 21.61 𝑚𝑚

Calculation of the 2nd pair of tips (Whitworth)

2𝜃 = 60°
2𝛼 = 55°
𝜃>𝛼
𝛿 = 𝑧(tan 𝜃 cot 𝛼 − 1)
Experiment: Three Wires Methods
Enables measurement of the pitch diameter of screw threads with a standard
micrometer.

18 sizes of wire are provided in the set.

Wire diameter 0.17mm 0.195mm 0.22mm 0.22mm 0.22mm
0.25mm 0.29mm 0.335mm 0.335mm 0.335mm 0.39mm
0.455mm 0.53mm 0.62mm 0.725mm 0.895mm 0.895mm
1.1mm 1.35mm 1.65mm 2.05mm 2.55mm 3.2mm

Best wire size-deviation:

𝑝
𝑑𝑤 = sec 𝜃
2
Measurement of pitch diameter

𝑝 𝑑𝑤 𝑝
̅̅̅̅
𝐶𝐵 = , ̅̅̅̅
𝑂𝐷 = cosec 𝜃, ̅̅̅̅
𝐶𝐷 = cot 𝜃
4 2 4
𝑑𝑤
𝑘= − (̅̅̅̅
𝑂𝐷 − ̅̅̅̅
𝐶𝐷 )
2
𝑑𝑤 𝑑𝑤 𝑝
𝑘= −[ cosec 𝜃 − cot 𝜃]
2 2 4
𝑑𝑤 𝑝
𝑘= (1 − cosec 𝜃 ) + cot 𝜃
2 4
𝑑2 = 𝑅 + 2𝑘

Measurement of thread angle (2𝜽)

𝑅2 − 𝑅1 𝑑𝑤2 − 𝑑𝑤1
𝑜1 𝑜2 = +
2 2
𝑑𝑤2 − 𝑑𝑤1
𝑜1 𝑎 =
2
𝑜1 𝑎 𝑑𝑤2 − 𝑑𝑤1
tan 𝜃 = =
𝑜1 𝑜2 𝑅2 − 𝑅1 + 𝑑𝑤2 − 𝑑𝑤1
 Calculation of the best wire size:
𝑝 3
𝑑𝑤 = sec 𝜃 = = 1.73 𝑚𝑚
2 2 × cos 30
The nearest diameter = 1.65 mm

Readings:
All dimensions in mm
𝜑 2.05 1.65
𝑅1 25.445 24.645
𝑅2 46.857 45.515

𝑑2
𝑑𝑤 𝑝
𝑘= (1 − cosec 𝜃 ) + cot 𝜃
2 4
1.65 3
𝑘= (1 − cosec 30) + cot 30 = 0.474 𝑚𝑚
2 4
𝑑2 = 𝑅 + 2𝑘 = (45.515 − 24.645) + 2 × 0.474 = 21.818 𝑚𝑚

2𝜃
2.05 − 1.65
tan 𝜃 =
(46.857 − 25.445) − (45.515 − 24.645) + 2.05 − 1.65
𝜃 = 23°
2𝜃 = 46°
Experiment: Measuring of Pitch Using TRM
Objective:
Measuring the pitch of external thread using optical device

Device used:
Bolt, V-brackets and TRM

Procedure:
 Mount the two centers brackets on the table of the tool room and place the
screw on it.
 Adjust the angles of the protractors of the eye pipe by the flank angle
 Move the micrometers until the line touches the flank

 Take the reading of the micrometer; let it be R1

 Move the micrometers until the line touches the next flank
 Take the reading of the micrometer; let it be R 2
 Calculate the pitch
𝑃 = 𝑅2 − 𝑅1
𝑃 = 𝑅3 − 𝑅2
⋮
 Analysis the readings
Readings: (dimensions in mm)
𝑅1 13.63
𝑅2 16.65
𝑅3 19.66
𝑅4 22.59
Calculations:
𝑃 = 𝑅2 − 𝑅1 = 16.65 − 13.63 = 3.02𝑚𝑚
𝑃 = 𝑅3 − 𝑅2 = 19.55 − 16.65 = 3.01𝑚𝑚
𝑃 = 𝑅4 − 𝑅3 = 22.59 − 19.55 = 3.04𝑚𝑚

∑ 𝒑 3.02 + 3.01 + 3.04

𝑷= = = 3.02 𝑚𝑚
𝒏 3
Experiment: Measuring of Pitch Using Abbe Device
Objective:
Measuring the pitch of external thread using abbe device

Device used:
Bolt, abbe device and special attachment
Procedure:
 Mount the two centers brackets and place the screw between the two
centers
 Rotate the tailstock until the ball touch the groove of the thread and the
position where the air bubble is centering

 Fix the position using the two stops

 Take the reading and let it be R1
 Rotate the tailstock in the other direction (lowering the base) and manually
move the ball to the next groove
 Take the reading and let it be R2
 Repeat the last two steps as much as possible
 Calculate the pitch of this thread
𝑃 = 𝑅2 − 𝑅1
𝑃 = 𝑅3 − 𝑅2
⋮
 Analysis the readings

Readings: (dimensions in mm)

𝑅1 86.380
𝑅2 88.915
𝑅3 91.458
𝑅4 93.595
Calculations:
 𝑃 = 𝑅2 − 𝑅1 = 88.380 − 86.915 = 2.535 𝑚𝑚
𝑃 = 𝑅3 − 𝑅2 = 91.458 − 88.915 = 2.543 𝑚𝑚
𝑃 = 𝑅4 − 𝑅3 = 93.595 − 91.458 = 2.137 𝑚𝑚
Last calculation is removed from further calculations

∑ 𝒑 2.535 + 2.543
𝑷= = = 2.539 𝑚𝑚
𝒏 2

Internal Thread Measurement

Experiment: Measuring of Pitch Using Abbe Device
Objective:
Measuring the pitch of internal thread using abbe device

Device used:
Nut, abbe device and special attachment
Procedure:
 Mount the nut as shown in figure below
 Rotate the tail stock until the bubble is centered
 Lock the positions
 Manually put the stylus in the groove

 Take the reading and let it be R1

 Manually put the stylus in the next groove
 Take the reading and let it be R2
 Repeat the last two steps as much as possible
 Analysis the readings
 Readings: (dimensions in mm)
𝑅1 9.902
𝑅2 13.075
𝑅3 16.395
𝑅4 19.426
Calculations:
𝑃 = 𝑅2 − 𝑅1 = 13.075 − 09.902 = 3.031 𝑚𝑚
𝑃 = 𝑅3 − 𝑅2 = 16.395 − 13.075 = 3.320 𝑚𝑚
𝑃 = 𝑅4 − 𝑅3 = 19.426 − 16.395 = 3.175 𝑚𝑚

∑ 𝒑 3.031 + 3.32 + 3.175

𝑷= = = 3.175 𝑚𝑚
𝒏 3
Experiment: Minor Diameter
 Using taper parallels:
- For diameters less than 200mm the use of Taper parallels and micrometer is very common.
- The taper parallels are pairs of wedges having reduced and parallel outer edges.
- The diameter across their outer edges can be changed by sliding them over each other

Using rollers:
- For more than 20mm diameter this method is used. Precision rollers are inserted
inside the thread and proper slip gauge is inserted between the rollers.
- The minor diameter is then the length of slip gauges plus twice the diameter of roller.
  Measuring the outer diameter of meshed bolt

𝐷 = 24 𝑚𝑚

Experiment: Measuring of Error in Pitch Diameter

1st: calculation of standard Pitch Diameter

Procedure:
 Calculate the major diameter and approximate it to the nearest standard
 Measure the pitch and approximate it to the nearest standard
 Calculate the standard pitch diameter from the standard basic M thread
profile (ISO Basic Profile)
 Fig. 1 Basic M Thread Profile (ISO 68-1 Basic Profile)

Analysis:
𝐷 = 24 𝑚𝑚 𝑃 = 3 𝑚𝑚 𝜃 = 30°
𝑃
𝐻 = tan 60 = 0.866𝑃
2
𝐻 = 0.866 × 3 = 2.598 𝑚𝑚
3
𝐷2 = 𝐷 − 2 × 𝐻
8
3
𝐷2 = 24 − 2 × × 2.598 = 22.051 𝑚𝑚
8
2nd: calculation of error in Pitch Diameter

Objective:
Measuring the error of pitch diameter using abbe device

Device used:
Nut, abbe device and special attachment (ball ended anvil)
Procedure:
 Mount the nut on the attachment as shown

 Rotate the tail stock until the two balls enter the nut grooves
  Rotate the tailstock until you get the maximum reading
 Take the reading and let it be Rth
 Now we construct theoretical nut
 Construct length of block gauge should be used
 Note (a+b) which is stamped on the blocks
 Make one block with notch above the other by P/2

 Take the reading and let be Rst

 Calculate the error

Analysis:

𝑃
𝐿𝐵𝐺 = 𝐷2 + cot 𝜃 − (𝑎 + 𝑏)
2
𝛿𝑃 = R 𝑡ℎ − 𝑅𝑠𝑡
 3
𝐿𝐵𝐺 = 22.051 + cot 30 − (6.363) = 18.286 𝑚𝑚
2
Block gauges used (all dimensions in mm)
1.006
1.28
8
10

Readings:

R 𝑡ℎ = 26.497 𝑚𝑚

𝑅𝑠𝑡 = 27.053 𝑚𝑚

Calculations:

𝛿𝑃 = R 𝑡ℎ − 𝑅𝑠𝑡

𝛿𝑃 = 26.497 − 27.053 = −0.555 𝑚𝑚