WORKSHOP

TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT 3:
Metrology
(Workshop Measuring Instruments)

PREPARED BY:XXXXXX
(ID :XXXXXXXX)

Table of Content
1) Table of content....................1
2) Experiment A
i)
Abstract.....2
ii)
Objective...2
iii)
Introduction...2
iv)
Theoretical Background....3
v)
Experimental Method, Procedures and Equipment.....4-5
vi)
Observations, Data, Findings, Results..4-5
vii)
Discussion..6-8
viii) Conclusion........8
ix)
List of References............8-9
3) Experiment B
i)
Abstract.......10
ii)
Objective.10
iii)
Introduction.10
iv)
Theoretical Background......11
v)
Experimental Method, Procedures and Equipment......12-13
vi)
Observations, Data, Findings, Results...12-13
vii)
Discussion..14-15
viii) Conclusion..........15
ix)
List of References

Experiment A: Vernier Caliper and Micrometer Measurement

ABSTRACT
In Experiment 3A, we use vernier calipers and micrometer to measure the
dimensions of the block. In this report, I had inserted the procedures of the
experiment, precautions, equipment used and further more. After we completed this
experiment, I have a better understanding about usage of vernier calipers and
micrometer in every condition and also I could learn the correct ways to use the
vernier calipers and the micrometer so as to take the accurate reading of the object
dimensions.

OBJECTIVES
To learn how to use and read the vernier calipers and micrometer.

INTRODUCTION
There are many measuring tools are designed to be used in different fields to obtain
the accurate dimensions of objects, in order to get the most accurate measurement it
is required to choose appropriate tools. Many types of measuring tools had been used
such as vernier calipers, micrometer, meter ruler, comparator and many more.
Different types of measuring tools are used in different situation is because of the
different precision of the measuring tools. The vernier calipers and micrometer have
more precise compare to meter ruler. In this experiment, we use the vernier calipers
and micrometer to measure the dimensions of the block given. We were taught the
correct way of using the vernier calipers and micrometer. All the readings of the
measurements had been recorded in the content below. The procedures of using these
tools had also explained below.

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND.
The modern vernier caliper was invented by Joseph R. Brown in 1851. It was the
first practical tool for exact measurements that could be sold at an affordable price to
ordinary machinists. The vernier caliper consists of a main scale fitted with a jaw at
one end. Another jaw, containing the Vernier scale, moves over the main scale. When
the two jaws are in contact, there should be maintained at zero f the main scale and
the zero of the Vernier scale. If both the zeros do not coincide, there will be a positive
or negative zero error cause an inaccurate dimension .

Screw gauge or micrometer screw gauge is a measuring instrument used for more
precise measurement. A measuring device used extensively in the mechanical
engineering field, micrometer screw gauge is used for measuring extremely small
dimensions. A screw gauge has advantage of measuring the dimensions smaller than
vernier caliper..

EXPERIMENTAL METHOD, PROCEDURES AND EQUIPMENT

Equipment
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Two(taper and rectangular) specimens

Vernier Caliper
Micrometer
Plate Protractor(angular measurement)
Rule Depth Gauge

Rule Depth Gauge

Specimen

Plate Protractor

Vernier Caliper

Micrometer

Procedures
Vernier Caliper
1) The surface of specimen was cleaned so that to get the most accurate
readings.
2) The jaws of the vernier caliper were opened big enough to fit the size of work
piece.
3) The specimen was then clamped tightly and the screw was tightened so that
the jaws will not move affect the dimension when specimen was taken out.
4) The readings of the dimensions were recorded.
5) All the dimensions of the specimen were measured and recorded.
MICROMETER
1
1)
2)
3)

The specimen is placed between the anvil and spindle of the micrometer.
The ratchet was turned until the specimen was tightly clamped.
The thimble was adjusted.
The readings of the dimensions were recorded.

OBSERVATIONS, DATA, FINDINGS, RESULTS

Results
Some pictures showing different views of the specimen.

The Third angle multiviews of the specimen with dimensions were drawn below.
DISCUSSIONS

1) We will show how to take the readings from the vernier caliper and
i)

micrometer are as below:

For vernier caliper

After we clamp the specimen, we can read its dimension. The first reading need to be
taken from the line from main scale with 0 on the bottom scale as indicating point.
In the example above, the first reading is pointed at in between 33mm and 34, so the
first reading is confirmed within the range. For the second more precise reading, we
need to read from the bottom scale. When we refer to the bottom scale, we need to
find the line on the bottom scale that lines up with a line on the top scale. The
precision for the bottom scale is 0.1mm. For the example, the line on the bottom
scale that lines up with the line on the top scale which is equal to the 8th line on the
bottom scale. Since each line represents 0.1mm, we need to multiply 8 with 0.1mm
and we get 0.8mm. To get the overall length, we need to add up the first reading and
the second reading and we can get the length is 33.8mm.
ii)

For Micrometer

The ways to read the micrometer is similar the vernier caliper. After we clamped the
specimen to the micrometer, the first reading that we need to read is from the sleeve.
The precision of the sleeve is up to 0.5mm. From the example, it is just pass 23mm
and not over 23.5mm so the first reading will be measured as 23mm. For the second
reading, we need to take from the thimble. The precision for the thimble is 0.01mm.
For the second reading, we need to look at the line on the thimble which is line up
with the horizontal line in the sleeve. In the example, line on the thimble that line up
with the horizontal line of the sleeve is the 15th line. So, the second reading is
calculated by multiplying the 15 with 0.01mm which is equal to 0.15mm. The overall
reading of the micrometer above is summing up the first reading and the second
reading that is 23.15mm.

2) The vernier caliper and the micrometer is to be compared with respect to

source of inaccuracy or error, speed in obtaining the results and the skill
required.
i)
For source of inaccuracy and error :
Both of the micrometer and the vernier may have zero error, end error
and random error. However, the negative zero error of the vernier
caliper can be detected more easier compare with negative zero error
in the micrometer. Therefore, the calibration of the micrometer and
ii)

the vernier caliper are required will after used for long time.
Speed in obtaining results
It is obvious that the using of vernier caliper can obtain results faster
than the micrometer as we just need to easily adjust the jaws to fit the
size specimen. But for the micrometer; we need to rotate the thimble

iii)

to clamp the specimen which takes more time than vernier caliper.
Skill required
Using of both vernier caliper and the micrometer need no any special
skill as they are easy to use. The only thing that need to know is that
the scale for the bottom scale of the Vernier caliper is 0.1mm and the
scale of the thimble is 0.01mm.

3) To calibrate the micrometer, firstly we need to clean the measuring surface of

the micrometer. The same gagging force need to be used when checking the

micrometer. If the zero point and the index line are not align, then adjustment
will be made with the spindle and sleeve in contact to each other. Back off the
thimble until the spindle nut is visible. After adjusting it, insert the C-scanner
into the hole of the adjusting nut. The adjusting line is turn clockwise until
the play between the threads has eliminated. Be aware of not over-tighten the
adjusting nut. After that, we can start measuring the length of the specimen by
clamping the specimen between the spindle and anvil.
4) The Rule Depth Gauge can get a better accurate reading compared to the
Depth measuring bar of the vernier caliper. Moreover, the Rule Depth Gauge
can measure for the any hole and it also have both reading in cm and inch.
The disadvantages of Rule Depth Gauge is that its precision only up to
0.1mm but the Depth measuring bar of Vernier caliper can up to 0.01mm.

CONCLUSION
We need to choose appropriate measuring tool with suitable precision in order to get
the accurate measurement. When measurements are doing, the zero error, random
error and the parallax error need to be considered. We can also repeat the
measurement and take the average in order to get most accurate readings of
dimensions

LIST OF REFERENCES
http://www.physics.smu.edu/~scalise/apparatus/caliper/
http://physics.sierracollege.edu/People/dcalabrese/P2A/Physics%202A
%20Labs/VernierMicrometer.pdf
http://uqu.edu.sa/files2/tiny_mce/plugins/filemanager/files/4310362/the_V
ernier_and_the_Micrometer.pdf
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t0EhKka27cXgfw7_LbtRwDFThPZpS
lOvCj0zTiqNH4o/edit
http://nuclear.ucdavis.edu/~bhaag/WCC/Lab%201.2.pdf
http://www.rit.edu/~w-uphysi/VernierCaliper/caliper.html

http://www.visionlaunch.com/who-invented-the-vernier-caliper/

Experiment B: Angular and External Taper Measurement

ABSTRACT
In this experiment , we had gone through the sine bar test and the taper measurement.
In this report, I had inserted the procedures, equipment used and some discussions
about this experiment. We need to complete this experiment within one lab session.
After we completed this experiment, we had better understanding on the sine bar test
and the taper measurement.

OBJECTIVE
i)

To use block gauge in sine bar for angular measurements and external
taper measurement.

INTRODUCTION
Sine bar test and the taper measurement are to obtain the angular measurement and to
obtain the length of the specimen given. The steps for doing the sine bar test and the
taper had shown below and diagrams and calculations are also written out.

Taper Measurement

Sine bar test

10

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
The sine principle uses the ratio of the length of two sides of a right triangle
in deriving a given angle. The measurement is usually limited to 45 from
loss of accuracy point of view. The accuracy with which applies the sine
principle is dependent in practice, on some form of linear measurement. The
sine bar in itself is not a complete measuring instrument. Another datum such
as a surface plate is needed, as well as other auxiliary equipment, notably slip
gauges, and indicating device to make measurements. Sine bars used in
conjunction with slip gauges constitute a very good device for the precise
measurement of angles. Sine bars are used either to measure angles very
accurately or for locating any work to a given angle within very close limits.

11

EXPERIMENTAL METHOD, PROCEDURES AND EQUIPMENT

Equipment
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)

Angular and external taper specimens

Two 10mm measuring cylinders
Micrometer/Vernier/protractor plate
Vernier Height gauge
Set of slip gauges
Precision Sine Bar
Grade A surface plate

Procedures
i)

Sine Bar Test

12

1) The center distance between the identical cylinders of the sine bar is
fixed to100mm precisely, hence the difference in height of the
cylinders is to be accurately set or measured, which is possible with
slip gauges.
2) A right-angle is available from which an accurate value of the angle
can be calculated by using sine ratio.
3) All equipment contact surfaces and set up the sine bar on slip gauges
should be cleaned. Specimen was placed against end top, with side
faces parallel with sine bar.
4) Both ends of angular surfaces from surface plate was dialed and the
slip value was adjusted, if necessary , until the same dial reading is
obtained at both ends. Also explore surface with dial gauge as a check
on flatness.
ii)

Taper measurement
1) The specimen was cleaned and measured using the measuring tools.
2) The reading of the specimen was recorded and the diagram was
drawn.
3) The Ds and angle were calculated by using the formula given.

OBSERVATIONS, DATA, FINDINGS, RESULTS

Results
i)

For sine bar test

The angle calculated by protractor plate=45
The length of the sine 10 cm

The height after thehorizontal plane obtain=7.865 cm

Calculated angle :

Length of sine
Height
sin=

7.865 cm
10 cm

There are some different between the angle measure by the protractor plate
=51.86

13

 the calculation. This may cause by some error during the experiment .
The percentages error ( )=( Calculated Measured)/ Measured100

51.865 45100
22

Taper measurement

ii)

data we measured :

tan =

a)

M 1=46.6 mm

b)

d=10 mm

c)

h=32mm

d)

H=42mm

e)

M 2=60 mm

( M 2 M 1 )
2h

=0.209375
( 6046.6
232 )

=tan 0.209375=11.83

M 1=D s+2 r +2 x

tan [(90) 2]=r x

x=rXcot [(90) 2]

M 1=D s+2 r {1+cot [(90) 2] }

M 1=D s+ d {1+cot [(90) 2]}; where d=roller diameter

D s=M 1d {1+cot[( 90) 2]}

14

 46.6 mm 10 mm {1+ cot[

9011.83
]}
2

24.29 mm

DISCUSSIONS
1) Sine bars are used in measuring unknown angles. A sine bar precision
ground body with two precision ground cylinders fixed at the ends. .
When a sine bar is placed on a level surface the top edge will be parallel
to that surface. If one roller is raised by using gauge blocks to a certain
height until the incline plane is horizontal, then the top edge of the bar
will be tilted by the same amount forming an angle that may be calculated
by the application of the sine rule.
2) Some precautions need to take note during the experiment:
a) When we measure any dimension, we end to prevent parallax error by
put the eye right above the scale of the measuring tool.
b) Take note on the zero error of the measuring tools.
c) During the sine bar test, make sure all the equipment and set up on the
flat surface so we can get more accurate results.
d) We must make sure that there is no misaligning of work piece with the
sine bar by attaching the sine bar with the angle plates in order to
prevent the compound angle.

CONCLUSION
The angle of the incline surface, is11.83
specimen,

Dsis 24.29 mm

15

whereas the bottom length of the