Inspection

Classification of Measuring Methods

What Is a Micrometer?

A micrometer is a measuring instrument that can make extraordinarily precise

measurements. Most micrometers are designed to measure within one one-thousandth
of an inch! That’s a close fit. Exact measurements like this are necessary when even
the smallest of space between objects can cause problems or difficulties.

There are several types of micrometers that are designed to measure different types of
objects or spaces. Most micrometers are available in sets to accommodate
measurements of varying size.
Outside Micrometer: This type of micrometer is designed for measuring the outside of
objects—the outside diameter (OD). They look and move much like a C-clamp, which
opens and closes by turning an internal screw. In a micrometer, the object you wish to
measure is clamped between the anvil (the stationary end of the clamp) and the spindle
(the moving part of the clamp). Once the object is secured in the clamp, you use the
numbering system on the thimble (the handle portion) to find your measurement.
Inside Micrometer: While the outside micrometer is used for measuring the outer
diameter of an object, the inside micrometer is used to measure the inside, or inside
diameter (ID). These look more like a pen, but with a thimble in the middle that turns. As
the thimble turns, the micrometer expands like a curtain rod would. This then extends
until each end of the tool is touching the inside of the pipe. When this happens, you use
the numbering system on the thimble to find your measurement.

Depth Micrometers: While inside and outside micrometers are both used to measure
the diameter of an object or hole, a depth micrometer is for measuring the depth of a
hole, recess or slot. Depth micrometers have a base that aligns with the top of the
recess that needs to be measured. The thimble is on a shaft that sticks up from the
base. As the thimble turns, a measurement rod comes down from the shaft. You
continue to turn until the rod hits the bottom surface of the hole being measured. When
this happens you use the numbering system on the thimble to find your measurement.

When Would I Use a Micrometer?

You would use a micrometer when a very precise measurement is needed. There are
several different designs, depending on what needs to be measured. This could be the
size of a pipe, tool or object from the outside. This could be the inside width of a pipe,
bearing or another hollow object. Or this could be the depth of a hole or recess.
These are the tools you will reach for when accuracy is the most important factor. This
is frequently true for machines with moving parts. Parts that move in and out of each
other, like a piston, for example, need to remain in a steady, straight line. If these parts
have even the smallest bit of sway, they can begin to fail. This is also true in other
applications, such as the use of bearings. Other applications that require the most exact
measurement are pipe fittings—especially if the pipe will be moving gases with very
small and light molecules, like helium. Micrometers are also the preferred tool when
measuring the thickness of items like sheet metals.

How Do I Read a Micrometer?

A micrometer reading contains two parts:

• the first part is contributed by the main scale on the sleeve

• the second part is contributed by the rotating vernier scale on the thimble

Measurement Reading Technique for Micrometer

A typical micrometer screw gauge

The above image shows a typical micrometer screw gauge and how to read it. Steps:

• To obtain the first part of the measurement: Look at the image above, you will
see a number 5 to the immediate left of the thimble. This means 5.0 mm. Notice
that there is an extra line below the datum line, this represents an additional 0.5
mm. So the first part of the measurement is 5.0+0.5=5.55.0+0.5=5.5 mm.
• To obtain the second part of the measurement: Look at the image above, the
number 28 on the rotating vernier scale coincides with the datum line on the
sleeve. Hence, 0.28 mm is the second part of the measurement.

Add the first part and second part of the measurement to obtain the micrometer
reading: 5.5+0.28=5.785.5+0.28=5.78 mm.
To ensure that you understand the steps above, here’s one more example:

First part of the measurement: 2.5 mm

Second part of the measurement: 0.38 mm

Final measurement: 2.88 mm

Compensating For Zero Error

In a nutshell Use the following formula:

Correct reading=Obtained reading–Zero errorCorrect reading=Obtained reading–Zero

error
Where zero error can be either negative (the “0” marking on the thimble is above the
datum line) or positive ( the “0” marking on the thimble is below the datum line )
Explanation

Now, we shall try with zero error.

The reading on the bottom is the measurement obtained and the reading at the top is
the zero error. Find the actual measurement. (Meaning: get rid of the zero error in the
measurement or take into account the zero error)
Measurement with zero error: 1.76 mm

Zero error: + 0.01 mm (positive because the zero marking on the thimble is below the
datum line)

Measurement without zero error: 1.76–(+0.01)=1.751.76–(+0.01)=1.75 mm

Getting It Right

Micrometers are a necessary tool when a precise measurement is required. They come
in many designs and styles to fit the needs of whatever object it is you need measured.
Since micrometers only have a limited measurement span, they frequently come in
packages of varying sizes to accommodate your needs.