Before discussing further the types of calipers, we need to review again what the caliper truly is. The caliper is a type of measuring instrument that has a function to measure the depth, diameter, and thickness of an object with an accuracy of 0.1 mm. The diameter that can be measured by this tool is the inner and outer diameter of an object.
Calipers are also called vernier calipers which are usually used to measure small and round objects such as coins, tubes, rings with a maximum size of up to 20 cm. Measuring instruments are made to meet human needs, so various types of calipers come with their respective functions.
There are types of calipers ranging from the simple to the most sophisticated. Some calipers are also classified by scale and others by their specific use. The following is the types of calipers and their respective functions.
Based on Scale Form
The types of calipers are divided into three types. Generally, the function of the three types of calipers is the same, which is to measure the depth, diameter and thickness of an object that is simple in shape, not intended for objects with fairly complex or long shapes. Here’s the explanation.
1. Vernier Caliper
Manual calipers are also called vernier calipers because they have a vernier scale. This type of caliper has two scales, which are the main scale found in the fixed jaw and the vernier scale found in the sliding jaw. These calipers are commonly found in school environments as a means to measure materials with an accuracy of 0.1 mm. This caliper is called manual because the scale reading on this caliper is done manually, which is through calculations with the formula:
Result = main scale + (coincided vernier scale x 0.01 mm)
2. Dial Caliper
Calipers of this type are almost the same as manual calipers. The difference lies in the scale. Instead of vernier scale, the scale on this caliper is clockwise (analog) so that the reading is easier with an accuracy of 0.05 mm. The way to read the measured value is also the same as the manual calipers, which is through calculations.
3. Digital Caliper
Digital calipers are the easiest calipers to use compared to the two previous calipers. This is because the reading of the measurement is displayed on a digital screen attached to the sliding jaw. There is not vernier scale in this caliper because it has been replaced by a digital display. The accuracy of this type of calipers reaches 0.01 mm.
Based on the Function
We have learned about the types of calipers based on the different scales. Next, we will learn about the calipers based on their functions. Its main function is generally the same, which is for measurement purposes, but its use is usually intended for different types of objects. Here’s the explanation.
1. Height Grove Caliper
Just as the name implies, a height calipers are used to measure the height of an object more accurately than a ruler. This can be caused because this type of caliper has a pedestal under it so that it stands more straight. Meanwhile, if the ruler is used to measure the height of an object, there is a possibility that there will be a tilt during measurement.
Height calipers have a longer measuring distance compared to manual calipers. For this reason, tall objects that cannot be measured by manual calipers can be measured with these calipers.
2. Inside Grove Caliper
The basic difference between the calipers lies in the jaw. The jaw in these calipers is longer and straighter than that of other types of calipers. This is because the function of this inside groove caliper is to measure the diameter of objects with curved shapes such as bottles, jars, flower vases, ceramics, and so on.
3. Tube Thickness Caliper
The pipe calipers have the same shape of a fixed cylindrical jaw and a sliding jaw as the other calipers. This shape allows the caliper to measure very small tubes/pipes with great accuracy. Usually, this type of caliper is used to measure the diameter of a pipe or tube with a small diameter that cannot be measured with other calipers.
4. Centerline Caliper
The centerline caliper is used to measure the distance between one hole and another, or the distance between one hole and the edge of the surface of another object. In other words, these calipers are used to measure the distance between one point and another. The two points can be at different heights as shown in the figure. This can occur because the jaw is fixed on the calipers and can be altered in height.
5. Gear Tooth Caliper
As the name suggests, these gear calipers are used to measure the thickness of the gear teeth more accurately. The gear teeth that can be measured here are the gear teeth of vehicle tools, machines, and other types of tools.
6. Disc Brake Vernier Caliper
The disc calipers have a vernier scale and look like manual calipers at first glance. The difference lies in the length of the jaw and the angle of the jaw which has a blunt brace. This shape is in accordance with its use for measuring the thickness of metal discs such as tapes and so on.
So, those are the types of calipers that readers might one day use. After reading this article, surely you will not make the wrong choice again to choose which calipers are right for measuring certain objects. While you’re at it, make sure to also check out types of land measuring instruments.