Vernier Caliper:

Vernier caliper, instrument for making very accurate linear measurements

introduced in 1631 by Pierre Vernier of France. It utilizes two graduated scales: a
main scale similar to that on a ruler and an especially graduated auxiliary scale, the
vernier, that slides parallel to the main scale and enables readings to be made to a
fraction of a division on the main scale. Vernier calipers are widely used in scientific
laboratories and in manufacturing for quality control measurements.
Parts of Vernier Caliper:
1. Outside Jaws: are used to close around of an object and to obtain its
external measurement. These are the jaws mostly used.
2. Inside Jaws: fit into a hole and measure the inside dimension.
3. Depth Probe: used to measure the depth of a hole in an object.
4. Main Scale: (in cm) the scale on the larger, fixed portion of the Caliper. It
gives the most significant digits in the reading. Make the reading to the
nearest least count of the main scale opposite the zero of the vernier.
5. Main Scale: (in inch)
6. Vernier Scale: (in cm) the scale on the smaller sliding portion of the caliper.
It gives the least significant digits in the reading, and subdivides a mark on
the main scale into 10, 20, or 50 subdivisions. Read the vernier scale at the
point where a vernier line and a main scale line best line up. Combine the
main scale reading with the vernier scale reading to get the final reading.
7. Vernier Scale: (in inch)
8. Retainer: used to block/tighten movable parts.
Function of Vernier Caliper:
The Vernier Caliper is a slide-type caliper that measures the outside diameter of an
object, the inside diameter of a hole, or the depth of a hole.
Micrometer Caliper:

The Micrometer Screw Gauge/Micrometer Caliper is used to measure even

smaller dimensions than the vernier calipers. The micrometer screw gauge also
uses an auxiliary scale (measuring hundredths of a millimeter) which is marked on a
rotary thimble. Basically it is a screw with an accurately constant pitch (the amount
by which the thimble moves forward or backward for one complete revolution). The
rotating thimble is subdivided into 50 equal divisions. The thimble passes through a
frame that carries a millimeter scale graduated to 0.5 mm. The jaws can be
adjusted by rotating the thimble using the small ratchet knob. The thimble must be
rotated through two revolutions to open the jaws by 1 mm.
Parts of Micrometer caliper:
1. Frame: The C-shaped body that holds the anvil and barrel in constant
relation to each other. It is thick because it needs to minimize flexion,
expansion, and contraction, which would distort the measurement. The frame
is heavy and consequently has a high thermal mass, to prevent substantial
heating up by the holding hand/fingers. It is often covered by insulating
plastic plates which further reduce heat transference.
2. Anvil: The shiny part that the spindle moves toward, and that the sample
rests against.
3. Sleeve / barrel / stock: The stationary round component with the linear
scale on it. Sometimes vernier markings.
4. Lock nut / lock-ring / thimble lock: The knurled component (or lever) that
one can tighten to hold the spindle stationary, such as when momentarily
holding a measurement.
5. Screw: (not seen) the heart of the micrometer. It is inside the barrel.
6. Spindle: The shiny cylindrical component that the thimble causes to move
toward the anvil.

7. Thimble: The component that one's thumb turns. Graduated markings.

8. Ratchet stop: (not shown in illustration) Device on end of handle that limits
applied pressure by slipping at a calibrated torque.
Function of Micrometer Caliper:
It is a type of gauge for the accurate measurement of small distances, thicknesses,
diameters, etc. The gap between its measuring faces is adjusted by a fine screw,
the rotation of the screw giving a sensitive measure of the distance moved by the
face.