A caliper is a useful tool for measuring the outer or inner diameter of an object. With this tool, you will find it easier to find the diameter of the object.
This tool is widely used in several fields of business. Many companies measure products using calipers to find out the advantages and disadvantages of a product.
While you are still in school, of course, you will be taught how to use calipers. However, it is not uncommon for many people to forget how to use calipers.
A measurement tool certainly requires a special way to get valid results. Calipers that fall into the category of tools with high precision also have special methods. When you understand how to use the calipers, you will get valid results.
Knowing how to use calipers will be very useful for automotive, electronics, and several other jobs. It should also be noted that there are many types of calipers, so how to use and calculate them may differ. In this article, we will discuss how to use the most commonly used manual calipers.
1. Understand the Important Parts of the Caliper
The initial part that needs to be considered is to know the parts of calipers in advance. Calipers generally have a main/fixed jaw. The jaw will still have a larger bottom and it is useful to measure the diameter on the outside.
It will be easier to find the outer diameter or thickness using a caliper. The second part is the smaller jaw, also known as the upper part. This jaw has a function to adjust the diameter of objects on the inside.
2. Know the Type of Scale Used
After you know the part of the calipers, then another thing to know is the scale in the calipers. The caliper has two scales, which are the fixed scale and also the nonius scale or the vernier scale.
The difference between these two scales is the part that can be shifted and shows a number that is able to calculate the depth correctly. Look at the image below to find out the difference.
3. Select and Place Objects on the Jaw of the Caliper
In the next step after you know the parts of the calipers, you can move on to how to use them. You must slide one of the jaws and grasp the object you are going to measure the depth of.
As you know, calipers have two jaws that are linked together. Use the jaw according to your needs. When you are measuring the outside of the object use a fixed jaw, but if you want to measure the inside then use the upper jaw.
4. Set the Scale on the Caliper
The object that has been perfectly attached to the caliper jaw can then be measured by sliding a smaller scale or sliding scale. Tighten the locking screw when you have secured the jaws on the object.
5. Read the Main Scale of Calipers
The next important part is reading the scale on the calipers. The calipers main scale is a scale that will show whole numbers when added to the first part of the decimal number.
Measurement starts at zero for the sliding scale. This is practically the same as reading any types of ruler.
If the zeros on the sliding scale are in line with the number 1, the result of the measurement is 1 inch. If someone squeezes and shows the number 6/10, the final measurement will be 1.6 inches.
6. Read the Sliding Scale of the Caliper
The scale on the caliper consists of two scales. After you read the main scale, then proceed to read the sliding scale or Vernier. The way to read this scale is by looking for the first line that is located on the scale and which is perfectly aligned with the existing line on the main scale.
This line will later show the values contained on the scale. Don’t forget to know the additional digits on the sliding scale. For example, the number 12 on the sliding scale coincides with the main scale. If you choose 0.01 inches to represent the additional measurement, the number will represent 0.012 inches.
7. Sum of Results of Both Scales on the Calipers
The last stage of using the calipers is by adding up the two numbers that have been obtained from the two scales. This addition consists of the main scale and a sliding scale to find out the exact diameter of the object. One thing you need to pay attention to is to make sure that the correct units are used for each scale.
If there is an error in the unit, it will have an impact on the final calculation. An easy example is when you find 1.6 inches on the main scale and 0.012 inches on the sliding scale the final measurement will be 1.612 inches.
The explanation above is how to use calipers properly and correctly. You can use the method above to find a suitable calculation for the object you are calculating.