Metrology and Quality Control Experiment No.

Experiment No. 2
1.0 TITLE:
Use of vernier caliper and micrometer to measure dimensions of given jobs.

2.0 PRIOR CONCEPT:

1. Units of linear measurement
2. Line and end standards of measurement

3.0 NEW CONCEPT:

Vernier caliper, Micrometer, least count
3.1 Proposition:
Vernier caliper and micrometer are the precise instruments used for the linear
measurement.
Concept structure:

3.2 Proposition:
Least count of measuring instrument is the ratio of smallest division on main scale and
total number of divisions on vernier scale or thimble scale.
Concept structure:

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Experiment No. 2 Metrology and Quality Control

3.3 Proposition:
Total reading = Main scale reading + (least count x vernier scale reading) of vernier
caliper
Concept structure:

3.4 Proposition:
Total reading of micrometer is
= Main scale reading + (least count x thimble scale reading)
Concept structure:

4.0 LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

After the experiment students will acquire –
4.1 Intellectual skills:

Understand the principle and working of vernier caliper and micrometer.

Understand the difference in accuracy of measurement by vernier caliper and
micrometer.

Select the instrument for the measurement of given workpiece.

Calculate least count of the instrument and note down the readings.

Judge the required measuring pressure during measurement.
4.2 Motor skills -

Setting of vernier caliper and micrometer for zero error

Check errors in the instrument

Adjust the instrument during measurement for proper alignment with the work
piece

5.0 APPARATUS:
List of Instruments used in this experiments:
1. Vernier caliper : 0 – 150 mm
2. Micrometer : 0 – 25 mm, 25 – 50 mm
At least four sample work pieces for measurement such as piston, cylinder block, connecting
rod, bearing, crank shaft etc.

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Metrology and Quality Control Experiment No. 2

6.0 DIAGRAM:

Fig 2.1 VERNIER CALIPER

Fig 2.2 MICROMETER

(Draw a neat sketch of the components used for measurement)

7.0 PROCEDURE:
7.1 Brief theory:
Vernier Caliper:
Construction: It consists of two scales. Fixed scale is called as a main scale & it is calibrated on L-
shaped frame, which carries a fixed jaw. The movable scale is called as vernier scale & it slides
over the main scale, which carries movable jaw. When the two measuring jaws are in contact with
each other, the scale should show zero reading. An adjustable screw is provided for fine adjustment
of movable jaw. Also, a lock nut is provided to lock the sliding scale on main scale.
Working: The movable jaw assembly is so adjusted that the two measuring jaws just touch the
work piece to be measured. Then the lock nut is tightened. Final adjustment depends upon the
sense of the correct feel & it is made by the adjusting screw. As the adjusting screw rotates the
movable jaw also moves. After final adjustment has been made, the other locking nut is also tightened
& the reading is taken.

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Experiment No. 2 Metrology and Quality Control

Precautions & care:

1. There should not be any play between sliding jaw & the main scale.
2. Check the instruments for zero error.
3. Parallax or reading error must be avoided.
4. Do not apply undue pressure.
Micrometer:
Principle: The micrometer works on this principle of screw and nut. When a screw is rotated
through a nut by one revolution, it advances a distance equal to one pitch.
Construction: It consists of a screw having 10 or 20 threads per cm and revolves in a fixed nut.
The end of the screw forms one measuring anvil and a fixed anvil is in the frame. The spindle can
be advanced or retracted by rotating the thimble. Barrel is a fixed part attached with the frame. The
spindle is slide fit in the barrel. Generally, the pitch of screw thread is 0.5 mm & the thimble has 50
equal divisions on the circumference. Ratchet is provided at the end of thimble to apply sufficient
and uniform measuring pressure.
Working: The thimble is rotated till the spindle touches the work piece. Then the final adjustment is
made by using ratchet. The locknut is then tightened and the dimension is measured on main scale
and thimble scale.
Precautions & care:
1. Clean the measuring surface of anvil before use.
2. Check the instrument for zero reading before use.
3. While taking measurements, pressure applied on thimble must be correct. Use ratchet for
final judgment of pressure.
4. Do not apply undue pressure.
7.2 STEP-WISE PROCEDURE:
1. Clean the workpiece and instruments.
2. Check the vernier caliper & micrometer for errors like play in the jaw, zero error if any.
3. If any error is present, correct it.
4. Calculate the least count of the instruments.
5. Hold the workpiece in the measuring jaws / anvils.
6. Note down the readings on main scale & vernier / thimble scale.
7. Take the measurements for at least 3 components by vernier caliper and micrometer.
8. Calculate the total reading of vernier caliper and micrometer.
9. Complete the observation table.

8.0 OBSERVATION TABLE:

1. Measurement using vernier caliper:

2. Measurement using micrometer:

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Metrology and Quality Control Experiment No. 2

9.0 CONCLUSIONS:
Write the name of component and its measured dimensions.

10.0 QUESTIONS : (Attempt 3-5 questions as directed by teacher)

1. Calculate the least count of the vernier caliper having 25 divisions on vernier scale and
smallest division on main scale is 0.5 mm.
2. A vernier having a least count 0.01 mm has a zero error of + 0.06 mm. While setting a
reading of 24.06 mm the actual reading on the vernier will be –
a) 24.03 mm b) 24.0 mm c) 24.06 mm d) 24.12 mm
3. Practice the setting of particular dimension on the instruments.
4. Why ratchet mechanism is provided in micrometers.
5. What are the precautions required during measurement with vernier and micrometer?
6. Vernier caliper can be used to measure –
a. —-
b. —-
c. —-
d. —-
e. —-
7. Calculate the L.C. of micrometer having 50 divisions on circular scale & 0.5mm pitch.
8. What are the criteria for selection of measuring instrument for a particular measurement?
9. How the zero error in the measuring instrument is removed or adjusted?
10. Measure inside diameter of any industrial product using inside micrometer.
11. Carry out the same measurement in the above experiment by dial and digital caliper and
micrometer.

(Space for answer)

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Experiment No. 2 Metrology and Quality Control

(Space for answer)

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