Accuracy matters. For this reason, micrometers offer a high degree of accuracy and repeatability unmatched by other precision tools in the toolbox. What are The Most Common Uses For Micrometers? Micrometers help measure short distances or angles. In addition, people can use them to measure the thickness of thin materials such as paper, plastics, foil, etc. The most common use for a micrometer is measuring sheet metal thickness. The micrometer has been around since at least the 18th century. Invented by French engineer Pierre Jaquet-Droz (1755–1826.) In 1784 he created his first model, consisting of a screw with an attached dial on one end. He later added more features, including a spring-loaded lever mechanism, a ratchet system, and a removable head. His invention became known as The Mechanical Engineer. Today, the micrometer has become a versatile measurement device with many different models available. Many micrometer manufacturers now offer a wide range of new designs and improvements to take different types of precise measurements. Among the most common micrometer include: Depth Micrometers These micrometers measure the depth of sheet metal holes. This micrometer consists of a threaded rod that screws into the hole getting measured. A dial is then placed onto the rod and turned until zero registers. Digital Micrometers Digital micrometers are usually smaller than traditional analog micrometers. They are also easier to read. Most digital micrometers come equipped with a built-in LCD digital readout display. Ball Micrometers Ball micrometers are similar to digital micrometers, but instead of using a dial, they use a ball. There are two types of ball micrometers, single ball, and dual ball. Single ball micrometers consist of only one ball, while dual ball micrometers contain two balls. Both types of ball micrometer will register zero when the ball touches the surface getting measured. Caliper Micrometers Caliper micrometers determine the diameter of objects. Unlike other types of micrometers, calipers do not require any special equipment. Instead, they use two adjustable arms connected by a hinge. As the Vernier calipers get adjusted, they move closer together or further apart depending on how much pressure is applied. When the arms reach their maximum distance from each other, the object getting measured is at its largest dimension. Mechanical Micrometers Mechanical micrometers are similar in design to calipers, except mechanical micrometers have no moving parts. Mechanical micrometers are often preferred over calipers because they are less expensive and easier to operate. How Do I Choose The Right Micrometer? Multiple factors must get taken into consideration before buying a micrometer. First, you need to know what kind of micrometer you want or need. Do you want a digital or analog micrometer? Is your application large or small? Are you looking for a handheld or benchtop version? What level of accuracy do you need readings to be? What size hole do you need to measure? By answering these questions, you can better narrow down your options and choose the best product for you. You might also want to read: What Is A Micrometer? Common Types of Micrometers
If you're researching all the types of micrometers, this is an excellent place to start. The micrometer is one of the most common tools in any lab or workshop. Different types of micrometers get used for measuring everything from the diameter of threads to the thickness of sheet metal and other materials. Many micrometers are available, including dial-type, digital, Vernier, and optical. This article will help you choose the right tool for your needs. Let's explore the differences between micrometer: Dial Type Micrometer The Dial type is probably among the most basic micrometers. It consists of two components: a handle with an index mark indicating zero has a graduated scale with markings every tenth of an inch (0.1 1/10.) Turn the handle until it stops at the desired measurement to use the dial type. Digital Micrometer A Digital micrometer has a digital display that shows the exact value of the measurement. These can be very accurate, but they also cost more than their analog counterparts. They usually have a large LCD screen and a keypad so that you can enter exact measurements quickly and easily. Some models even include a pointer to make reading easier. Vernier Micrometer A Vernier micrometer, or vernier calipers, uses a pair of scales to measure. For example, a caliper-type micrometer reads in 0.001 inches (or 10ths of an inch) while the second scale reads 0.01 inches or 100ths of an inch. To get an accurate measurement from a Vernier, you first determine which scale corresponds to the distance you want to measure. Then you move the caliper micrometer over to the appropriate scale and press the button to indicate how much you want to add to the original reading. For example, if you wanted to know the diameter of a bolt after being tightened by five turns, you would first find out how far apart the holes were before tightening them. Then you would move the pointer over to one of the scales and press the button to see how the hole was expanded by turning the bolt. Optical Micrometer An Optical micrometer works like a regular Vernier except that it does not require a physical change to the measured object. Instead, it uses light reflected off the surface to calculate its dimensions. How Do I Choose The Right Type of Micrometer? Multiple factors must get considered when choosing a common micrometer. First, decide whether you need the ideal tool: dial-type, digital, Optical, or Vernier model. Next, look at the external dimensions and size of the object or types of measurements you'll be taking. A dial-type might be best if you plan to work with small objects such as bolts, nuts, screws, and springs. However, a digital or Vernier may be better suited if you're working with more oversized items, such as pipes, tubing, and sheet metal. Finally, think about the level of accuracy you need. If you're only going to make rough estimates, a smaller model with less precision may be all you need. However, if you're planning on doing precise measurements for tasks like mechanical engineering, then a higher quality model with greater accuracy will be necessary. You might find these articles interesting: History of the Micrometer What Is A Micrometer?