I.

Introduction

From the given source materials, metrology has been defined as the study and
development of measurements. Historically, the field of metrology has been said to be
developed under two main causes: trade and science. The lecturer cites these two reasons as
the significance of metrology as well as its importance on the global economy.
Commonly, it is being used in both practical daily measurements and machine shops and
laboratories as well, with difference of necessary accuracy and precision. In the field of
engineering, the importance of metrology is also founded on the measurement tolerance that
are required most especially for machines and other parts applied on the subject.
Thus, this activity aims to enumerate common tools and instruments used in metrology
that are found in workshops or laboratories. This also seeks to define the difference between
direct measurement and comparative measurement.

II. Objective

This activity aims to do the following:

a. Enumerate the common tools and instrument used in workshops

III. Tools / Instruments

A. Gage Blocks

Gage blocks are the most accurate comparative tool in a machine shop. It is
commonly used for calibrating engineering equipment. To use the tool, wringing methods
are used. Gage blocks stick to each other due to its smooth and flat surface. After
calibration, it is also important to clean and maintain the tool to preserve its delicate
surface conditions.

B. Surface Plates
 Surface plates are stable platforms commonly made of metal, granite, cast iron
and glass. It is used as a horizontal base for measurements. It is also used in inspections,
layout, etc.

C. Lapping Plates

Lapping plates are plates commonly made up of cast iron, copper, tin, ceramic. It
is used in lapping processes.

D. Rulers

Rulers, in machine shops, are scales made up of metal, etc. to measure length.
There are also other accessories on a ruler to increase its versatility like a 45-90 square.
While using ruler to measure length, it is important to note that the scale of a machine
shop ruler start from the edge contrary to its conventional counterpart.

E. Digital Indicators
 Digital Indicators are versatile devices which can be used to measure different
quantities. As this device is digital, it is more convenient to use as it is easier to read
measurements.

F. Vernier Protractors

Vernier protractors are machine shop tools that are used for angular
measurements. Unlike the conventional protractors which has 1-degree accuracy, the
vernier protractor can be accurate down to 5 minutes. To use this protractor, add the initial
reading from the fixed scale and the reading from the alignment of the vernier scale.

G. Angled Blocks

Angled blocks are set of triangle blocks, stackable like the gage blocks. These also
have smooth and flat surfaces which gives precision and accuracy. Unlike the gage
blocks, however, these are used for angular measurements.

H. Optical Comparator
 This measurement device is expensive and is therefore not convenient in a
machine shop. However, this tool is also very accurate. According to other sources, this
device is used for non-contact observation to detect dents and other defects on an object.

I. Vernier Calipers

Vernier calipers are versatile and accurate measurement tools but still have
limitations. It is used for preliminary rough measurements; however, it could be more
than accurate enough in practical uses as it is precise enough with +- 0.003 of an inch.

With its shoulders, it could measure both inside and outside measurements of
an object. Depth could also be measured through the iron rod at the bottom of the
caliper. Another way is to also utilize its shoulders to measure depth.

To use this tool, there are two scales of a vernier caliper, the fixed scale and the
vernier scale. The ratio is of the two scales should yield rough measurements of a
object. The three divisions on the fixed scale is aligns with four on the vernier scale. This
would mean that there would only be a single alignment that would determine a
measurement. Specifically, the 0-point in the vernier scale could be made as a
reference point to determine a rough measurement of an object by looking at the
where the zero closely aligns at the fixed scale, while afterwards relying on the
alignment that would be present on the two scales to determine a more accurate
reading, through addition of the two measurements.
J. Digital Calipers

This has the same purpose as the vernier calipers. However, as it is digital, it is a
lot easier and faster to use.
 K. Micrometers (Standard)

A standard micrometer has almost the same purpose as a caliper. However, it

brings more precision than a caliper with its 0.001 of an inch accuracy. This, however,
means that a micrometer requires more maintenance and calibration.

To use standard micrometers, it is best to remember that the three scales in the
tool: the fixed scale, rotary scale and the vernier scale. The fixed scale ranges to one
inch, wherein there are 10 main divisions which signifies 0.1, 0.2, of an inch, etc. On
each of those, there are four additional increments, signifying for example, 0.025, 0.05
of an inch, etc. Meanwhile, the rotary scale has 25 divisions. One rotation signifies 0.025
inch on the fixed scale. Through proper manipulation, a measurement of an object could
be obtained. Just like calipers, this would also require addition as first, the rough
measurement would be seen on the fixed scale, while a more precise and accurate
measurement could be seen on the rotary scale. Some micrometers also use a third
scale called the vernier for an even more accurate measurement. This would mean that
to get a proper reading, first observe the reading on the fixed scale, then the alignment
on rotary scale and vernier scale, if present.

On the other hand, a metric standard micrometer can also be used the same
way, with only a few differences with its divisions.

IV. Conclusion
In a machine shop, metrology is an important concept and application. Due to this, there
are various tools, and equipment that were developed to meet different uses which have been
requiring differing precisions. On this activity, the purpose and methodology of the following
tools have been defined: gage blocks, surface plates, lapping plates, rulers, digital indicators,
vernier protractors, angled blocks, optical comparator, vernier calipers, digital calipers, and the
standard micrometer.