Accuracy is vital for industries to manufacture the products of right shape and dimensions. Dimensional measurement instruments are the devices that are used to precisely determine dimensions like length, diameter, circumference, etc including all 2D and 3D dimensions. All these dimensions are critical for manufacturing industries to accurately produce the right part.

Dimensional measuring tools can be of varying types based on their usability and features. Hand tools, pneumatic tools, optical tools, coordinate measuring machines, etc are a few types of dimension inspection machines that are prevalent. Today we will learn about the 12 dimension measurement instruments that are frequently used in the industry to improve product quality.

Top 12 Types of Dimensional Measurement Instruments

1. Vernier Caliper
2. Micrometer
3. Dial Indicator
4. Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)
5. Height Gauge
6. Optical Comparator
7. Feeler Gauge
8. Laser Distance Meter
9. Ring Gauge
10. Radius Gauge
11. Thread Pitch Gauge
12. Vision-based Measurement Instruments

Vernier Caliper

Vernier calipers are precise measuring instruments used to determine linear dimensions, such as the depth, length, or diameter of an object. Specifically, it is used to find out the internal and external diameters accurately but in many cases, it is used to measure the depth too. Depending on the use cases, Vernier calipers are two types – Vernier with dial indicator and Vernier with LCD display. While measuring the dimension, Vernier displays the results in either an LCD screen or a dial indicator. It has two scales – main and Vernier. The main scale measures the whole number while the Vernier scale measures the decimals.

Micrometer

A micrometer is one of the most precise dimensional measurement instruments that is used to measure the thickness and diameter of any workpiece. It consists of a C-shaped frame with a movable jaw (spindle) and uses the calibrated screws to take the precise measurement. One side is known as the spindle and the other is an anvil. An object, that needs to be measured, is placed between the spindle and anvil, and the spindle is moved until the placed object is tightly fixed between these two jaws. Once it is done, the readings are collected either with an analog or digital display.

Dial Indicator

A dial indicator is a dimension measuring tool, often known as a dial gauge, used to measure small distances, variations in dimensions, and angle variations. Dial indicators determine the orientation of a contact point (probe tip) using a rack and pinion gear arrangement. When the probe tip enters the housing, the dial turns in a clockwise direction. Dial indicators are frequently used to determine the tolerance, clearance, and variations in the machined parts as they precisely measure one-thousandth of an inch. These indicators are highly sensitive and can detect a small variation on the surface of the object.

Coordinate Measuring Machine

A coordinate measuring machine is a dimensional measurement tool that measures the physical and geometrical dimensions of an object. This device measures a product’s height, width, and depth using the coordinate geometry concept. By locating certain locations on an object’s surface, a coordinate measuring machine employs a probe to determine its physical attributes. The probe scans the object in three directions, gathering data points needed to calculate the dimensions. Based on their specialized requirements, CMMs have various types including bridge, cantilever, horizontal arm, etc.

Height Gauge

The height gauge is a precise vertical height measuring device that measures the height of an object from a specific height. It can measure the vertical height or distance of various specimens up to 1800 mms (in most cases). Height gauges can measure the internal as well as external height of an object from the reference plane. The instrument base, slider, sliding beam, measuring face, fixing screw, etc are its main components. Objects, that need to be determined, are fixed against the measuring face and reference base, and the corresponding readings are available on the digital screen.

Optical Comparator

Optical comparators are used to measure the dimensional accuracy and surface defects of manufactured products. When comparing a workpiece’s amplified data to a reference parameter, the optical comparator transmits the image onto an LCD screen. In order to magnify a workpiece, this gadget projects its picture onto a screen without making physical touch with it. The magnified image is then analyzed using the dedicated software.

Feeler Gauge

A feeler gauge is one of the advanced dimensional measurement instruments used to measure very small gaps, usually less than 1mm. The components of a feeler gauge consist of a number of steel sheets or blades that collapse back into a handle like a fan and are linked at one end by a pin or rivet. The sheets or blades have a sequence of extremely accurately calibrated thicknesses. Wherever the measurement of gaps or thickness is required, a specific blade is placed in the gap, and the gap is determined based on blade thickness. When required, an extra blade can be placed in the same location.

Laser Distance Meter

A laser distance meter is used to measure the distance between two points of any object. To measure a distance, the device emits a pulse of laser in the direction of an object that measures two points quickly and more precisely. The measuring distance depends on the requirement and device itself, however, on average, this device measures a distance of 100 meters. Instead of a conventional measurement device that often results in inaccurately, the laser device measures the exact distance as no contact of humans is involved. A laser distance meter is a very useful measurement tool for the manufacturing industry that helps in calculating the area, volume, or any hidden angles.

Ring Gauge

Ring gauges are primarily used to measure the external diameter or threaded part of an object. It is a metrology tool to determine the outside diameter of various mechanical objects like shafts, pins, fasteners, studs, etc. A ring gauge is made up of thermally stable material like steel that can precisely measure the diameter and required tolerance. The working principle is a bit different than typical dimensional measurement instruments. To use a ring gauge, you insert the object to be measured. If it fits inside, the object’s outer diameter is the correct size.

Radius Gauge

A radius gauge, as the name implies, is a radius measurement tool for various objects with curved designs. There are primarily two types of radius gauges – Convex and concave. They are made of either stainless steel or aluminum blades in which inscribed measurements are available to get the exact measurement. It features a casing with a locking mechanism that connects them all. With the blade fastened to the object’s edge, the radius of the object may be determined. It will be the object’s radius if a blade is perfectly fastened to the edge.

Thread Pitch Gauge

Thread pitch gauge is essentially a dimension measuring device used for the manufacturing sector or mechanical devices. The primary job of this tool is to measure the pitch or lead of a screw. Thread pitch is the separation between two adjacent screw threads at the same position, alternatively known as threads per inch (TPI). To measure the thread pitch or lead or screw, the gauge is set parallel against the edges or thread of the object. The distance between each should be at the same angle or pitch. It will ensure that each thread of the object is manufactured properly, so the particular part will not fail in the manufactured product.

Vision-based Measurement Instruments

Vision-based measuring tools, also known as VMMs highly precise measuring tools to determine the physical parameters of an object. They are based on camera, lightning effects, lens, and software to measure the specific parameters with their contactless features. Linear parameters like point, distance, and angle, as well as geometrical dimensions like flatness, rigidness, smoothness, etc of varying devices. They are also known for their high precision, faster inspection, and flexibility while measuring the dimensions.

Conclusion

To ensure that products are manufactured with correct specifications and accurate dimensions, dimensional measurement instruments play key roles. There are a large number of dimension measuring tools that make the product safer and ensure the integrity and quality of the product. Whether it is about internal, external, or any intricate shapes, these tools can measure the dimensions accurately. For more detailed information and quotes, feel free to contact us. We offer highly precise measuring tools for every industry.