DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

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

EXPERIMENTAL METHOD LABORATORY

TITLE: Vernier and Micrometer

OBJECTIVES:
1) Make probably value of measurement described by statistical methods
2) Apply three wire method to determine the pitch diameter of a thread

THEORY:
Vernier calipers and micrometer calipers are commonly used tools for making precise measurements
of dimensions of machine parts. Calipers are sued for measuring dimensions depending on the
calipers’ span and types of jaws. They commonly have one of three types of read-out devices: a
vernier scale, a circular dial indicator, or an electronic LCD display. The accuracy of calipers is
approximately ±0.1 mm. The main components of vernier are show in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Vernier caliper

Micrometers are normally used for measurement of smaller dimensions with greater precision than
calipers. Micrometers are used for measuring dimensions depending on types of anvils and frames.
Distance measurement is achieve referencing the linear displacement of spindle to a fixed measuring
face on axis of spindle (anvil). They commonly have one of two types of read-out devices: a
micrometer scale, or electronic LCD display. The accuracy of micrometers is approximately ±10μm.
Micrometers have a ratchet tightening screw to provide a standard pressure between the tool and the
part. The main components of micrometer are shown in Figure 2.

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

Figure 2: 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. In checking screw threads
by the three-wire method, three wire of the same diameter for the particular 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. Three wire measurement with micrometer is in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Three wire measurement with micrometer

APPARATUS:
1) Vernier caliper
2) Micrometer caliper
3) 3 steel gage wire
4) Hexagon head screws

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

PROCEDURE:
1) When making measurements, check the zero point periodically to confirm that there is no
discrepancy.
2) Using vernier, measure the width and thickness of hexagon head screw to recognize the type
of metric screw. Record the data in Table 1.
3) Using the micrometer, measure diameters of the three wires at various locations along wires.
Record the data in Table 1.
4) Measure the major diameter of hexagon head screws diameter at various locations and
rotations of thread. Record the data in Table 1.
5) Measure the dimension across three wires (three-wire method) on hexagon head screws 4
times at various locations and rotations of thread. Record the data in Table 1.
6) After using the micrometer, wipe off oil, cutting or grinding fluid, contaminants (carbide
tipped) and rust. Apply a rust-preventing oil and separate the two measuring faces slightly
before storing the instrument.

EXPERIMENT DATA:

Table 1

Width Thickness Diameter Diameter Diameter across 3 wires Average

Index
(s) (k) major (d) wire (W) (𝑥̅ )
1 2 3 4
A
W1 =
B
W2 =
C
W3 =
D

EXPERIMENTAL RESULT:

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

a) The average value of data for diameter across 3 wires
b) The standard deviations for diameter across 3 wires

DISCUSSION:

1) Why we need to consider measuring three (3) times in the measurements?

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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