DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING
CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES, SPACE
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

EXPERIMENTAL METHOD LABORATORY

TITLE: 2D and 3D Profile Measurement

OBJECTIVES:
1) Come out with probable value of measurement described by statistical methods
2) Utilize 2D and 3D profile measuring equipment
3) Understand the analysis of measurement uncertainty and experimental error
4) Compare the resulting pitch diameter of a thread, between digital microscopes and three-wire
methods.

THEORY:
In general, when making measurements for pitch diameter of a thread involves the three-wire gage
method in which three wires with similar diameter for the pitch being checked are placed in contact
with the threaded part. Two wires are placed with the thread on one side, and a third wire on the
opposite side as illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Three wire measurement with micrometer

The two most important dimensions of screw threads are the major (outermost) diameter and the
pitch (center) diameter. The most universal method of obtaining measurement of pitch diameter,
taper, an out-of-roundness of external threads is the three-wire method. However, it is known that
manual method usually is not without its errors during measurement. By conducting measurement
of the same sample using digital optical measuring devices, students shall learn the importance of
precise measurement in the industry. Effects of precision towards many stages of production in the
industry are always a concern for engineers. Hence, discussion of precision through experiments is
an interesting area to be explored by engineering students.

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 DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING
CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES, SPACE
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

APPARATUS:
1) Hexagon head screws
2) 3 steel gage wires
3) Digital microscopes (as given in Figure 2 (a) and (b) )

Figure 2 (a) KEYENCE IM-6020

Figure 2 (b) KEYENCE VHX-2000E Digital Microscopes

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 DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING
CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES, SPACE
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

PROCEDURE:
There will be two different devices to use for this experiment, and the procedures are as given below:

A) KEYENCE IM-6020 2D Image Dimension Measurement Device

1) Before any measurement can be taken, the target specimen must be set first. This can be
done by placing the target in the center of the stage glass after clicking the [Multi
Measurement] button in the main menu of the device.
2) Release the lock of the “Z stage up/down handle stopper” and adjust the height of the Z
stage. When the position is correct, lock the Z stage with the “Z stage up/down handle
stopper”.
3) After preparations are made, multi measurement can be conducted carefully by first
specifying the measurement settings data in the measurement settings data specification area.
4) Select an appropriate measurement settings file from the device’s built-in folders.
5) When everything is ready, press the [MEASURE] button on the head, or in the common
control area. The device shall start measurement instantly.
6) Measurement results will be displayed on the screen. Record measurements in Table 1.
7) Repeat steps 1-6 for other test specimens.

B) KEYENCE VHX-2000E Digital Microscope Measuring Device

1) XY stage needs to be initialized before any measurement or image can be taken. This
initialization shall be prepared before experiments can be conducted by students.
Adjustments of brightness and focus of the image portrayed should also be done before
the measurement can take place.
2) When the device is prepared, image of specimen placed on the XY stage can be captured
and saved.
3) To capture the image, press the REC button and select the folder to save the image in and
enter a filename. Click [Save].
4) In order to measure what is needed, calibration is needed and shall be conducted by
technicians before students can start measurement.
5) To start measurement, press the [MEASUREMENT] button on the console, and click
[Measure/Comment].

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 DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING
CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES, SPACE
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

6) Click the [Main] tab, and click the icon for the desired measurement.
7) Specify the measurement points in the observation window.
8) Record the measured width and thickness of the bolt head, and also pitch of the thread in
Table 2.
9) Repeat steps 1 – 8 for other specimens.

EXPERIMENT DATA:

Table 1 Measurement Using IM-6020 Measurement Device

Diameter Pitch, p (mm)
Width, s Thickness, k
Index major, d Average (𝑥̅ )
(mm) (mm) 1 2 3 4
(mm)
A
B
C
D

Table 2 Measurement Using VHX-S90BE Digital Microscope

Diameter Pitch, p (mm)

Width, s Thickness, k
Index major, d Average (𝑥̅ )
(mm) (mm) 1 2 3 4
(mm)
A
B
C
D

EXPERIMENTAL RESULT:

1) Use information in Table 1 and 2, calculate the followings;

a) The average value of data for pitch
b) The standard deviations for pitch
2) Compare the value with the measurement using three-wire method

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 DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING
CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES, SPACE
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

DISCUSSION:

1) Is there any difference in the results between three-wire method and the digital microscopes
measurement?
2) State the possible uncertainty might be happen while conducting the experiments

CONLCUSION:

Give your conclusion for this experiment in term of their advantages, usage and recommendation to
improve the quality of the experiment.

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