Steps to Read a Micrometer

• Posted by 730055185 Thu at 4:01 AM - #brass mohs hardness 

  More accurate than a ruler or caliper, a micrometer is a measuring instrument that is able to provide measurements of small, precise measurements like 1/1000 of an inch and is able to read measurements down to a 10th of a millimeter. Micrometers are essential in areas such as mechanical engineering, machining, and quality control. Micrometers are able to provide such accurate and repeatable measurements because of the finely threaded screw that moves the spindle.To get more news about read a micrometer, you can visit jcproto.com official website.

  
  

  Definitions of a Micrometer's Components

  
  

  To be able to read a micrometer correctly, one must understand it's parts. The frame is the C-shaped body which holds the anvil and barrel. Anvil is the measuring surface that doesn't move, and spindle is the measuring surface that moves towards the anvil. The sleeve, or barrel, is the cylindrical piece that stays put and has a linear scale etched on it. The thimble is attached to the spindle and is the rotating piece that has a circular scale in it. The ratchet stop applies the same measuring pressure every time, keeping the user from overtightenting and damaging the instrument, or the thing being measured. These pieces work together to provide maximum usability and functionality.

  
  

  How to Use a Micrometer

  
  

  Operating a micrometer entails working with the sleeve scale and the thimble scale and combining their values to arrive at a MSV (micrometer scale value). First, place the object in the micrometer and use the ratchet to apply the appropriate micrometer pressure to the workpiece to avoid holding the work piece too tightly. Then the sleeve scale. is a whole millimeter scale with (inch scales) and sleeve markings denoting millimeter portions. Obtain the value of the last sleeve scale visible to the thimble edge. After that, use the thimble scale that increments by hundredths millimeter or thousandths inch scales. Position the thimble scale line to the sleeve reference line. Add that value to the sleeve reading to get the measurement value. Example sleeve marking is 5 mm and thimble is .28 mm adds to 5.28 mm. After doing this a few times, it becomes a very smooth and quick activity.

  
  

  Keeping Track of Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  
  

  Reading from the micrometer can lead to mistakes for most beginners. Most mistakes happen from putting too much pressure when tightening the spindle. This can lead to compressing the object and then lead to the wrong reading. This can be avoided by using the ratchet stop. Another mistake is misreading the sleeve scale marking, especially when it comes to the whole and half millimeters. Watch more closely, and check again if scale, sleeve, and spindle are clean and free of dirt and oil. These dirt and oil can affect the instrument’s accuracy. Most micrometers are also sensitive to temperature changes as it can cause slight expansion or contraction to the micrometer and the object you are measuring. This is why for high precision work, measurements need to be taken where the environment is controlled.

  
  

  The Value of Micrometer Reading Skills in Engineering

  
  

  When someone mentions the ability to read and function with a micrometer, many people think of them as being just a technical skill, but in fact, they are skills related to the ability to read with high levels of exactness and quality. In the field of machining, the industry needs to ensure there are no odds of missing high levels of precision because this will lead to an increased risk of parts being produced with high levels of inaccuracy and will subsequently lead to wasted material and lost time in production. In the aerospace and automotive industries, the precision of the parts being manufactured will then determine safety and performance levels. In developing the skill of micrometer reading, an engineer or technician will be able to set a standard in the industry that reflects high levels of micrometer precision and will also lead to higher levels of dependability in production. Not all industries have developed this level of precision recording as they may have developed easier and less accurate systems, but in all industries that are developing micrometer levels of precision, the ability to read and interpret a micrometer will also be needed in order to meet the industry standard.