PRECISION & ACCURACY

• The terms precision & accuracy are associated

with measurement
• Precision: is defined as
– the repeatability of measuring process or
– The quality or state of being precise or
– Degree to which an instrument gives repeated
measurement of the same standard
• Accuracy:
– the closeness with which the reading approaches
an acceptable standard value or the true value.
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 PRECISION & ACCURACY (CONT..)
• Measurements that are close to the known value
are said to be accurate, whereas measurements
that are close to each other are said to be precise.
• It is the precision which is of immense importance
in most measurements. The chief concern is with
comparing the dimension of measurement
relative to each other, it being assumed that the
scale used for measure is standard & accepted
one.
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 SOURCES OF ERROR
Error:
Difference b/w the measured value & the true
value of a quantity is called static (or absolute)
error or simply error of measurement
 The error may be positive or negative
 If the error is on positive side, the instrument
reading is on higher side
 where as if it is on lower side then the
corresponding reading is on lower side
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 SOURCES OF ERROR (CONT..)
Error falls into two categories:
1. Controllable Errors 2. Random Errors
1. Controllable Errors:
These error include calibration errors, error due to
variation in the atmospheric condition, variation in
contact pressure etc. If properly analyzed, these
errors can be determined and reduced hence also
called controllable errors.

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 SOURCES OF ERROR (CONT..)
1. Controllable Errors: Such errors are called as
system error & are controllable both in their
magnitude & stress.
These can be determined and reduced if
attempts are made to analyze them.

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 SOURCES OF ERROR (CONT..)
Controllable Errors can be due to:
1.1. Calibration errors: actual length of
standard such as slip gauges and engraved
scales will vary from the nominal value by
small amount.

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 SOURCES OF ERROR (CONT..)
Controllable Errors can be due to: (cont..)
1.2. Ambient Conditions: The variations in the
ambient conditions from internationally
agreed standard value of 20oC, barometric
pressure 760mm of mercury, or 10mm of
mercury vapor pressure, can give rise to
errors in the measured size of component.
Temperature is by far the most significant of
these ambient conditions & due correction is
needed to obtain results full from error 7
 SOURCES OF ERROR (CONT..)
2. Random Errors:
Random errors in experimental measurements are
caused by unknown and unpredictable changes
in the experiment. These changes may occur in
the measuring instruments or in the
environmental conditions.
The random errors occur randomly the specific
causes of such error can not be determined.

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 SOURCES OF ERROR (CONT..)
• 2. Random Errors: (Cont..)
The likely sources of this type of error are:
 Small variation in the position of setting
standards & work piece
 Slight displacement of lever joints in the
measuring instrument
 Operator errors in the reading scale & pointer
type displays or in reading engraved scales
positions
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 SOURCES OF ERROR (CONT..)
Conclusion:
• Controllable errors are those which are
repeated consistently with the repetition of
the experiment, where as
• Random errors are those which are accidental
& whose magnitude & sin cannot be predicted
from the knowledge of measuring system &
conditions of measurement

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CLASSIFICATION OF MEASURING INSTRUMENTS:
• A measuring instrument is any device that may be
used to obtain dimensional or angular measurement
• The function of measuring instrument is to sense or
detect a parameter encountered in a scientific
process or research, such as temperature, pressure,
resistance, current, voltage, flow & motion etc.
• The Measuring instrument should have the
capability of detecting any changes that occur in the
measured parameter

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CLASSIFICATION OF MEASURING INSTRUMENTS:

Classification according to use:

1. Linear Measurement:
A. Direct Reading
i. Rule
ii. Combination set
iii. Depth gauge
iv. Vernier caliper
v. Micrometer
vi. Measuring Machine
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CLASSIFICATION OF MEASURING INSTRUMENTS:
Classification according to use:
B. Instruments for transferring measurements:
i. Calipers & Dividers
ii. Telescopic gauge
2. Angular Measurement
i. Protractors
ii. Sine bar
iii. Combination set
iv. Angle gauge block
v. Dividing Head

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