learning the basic skills of measuring objects using standard methods and tools

learning the basic skills of measuring objects using standard methods and tools

Objective

            The objective of this test is to learn the basic skills of measuring objects using standard methods and tools.

Introduction

            Measurements are part and parcel of the engineering profession. It is a practical field where much of the data gathered is application based. In a practical scenario, many of the tools used for measurement are assembled in various industries. Therefore, the tools have their working ranges and their limitations. Understanding the tools of taking measurements is important in having a good feel for tolerances and dimensions for one’s design. This involves making sure that the measurement tools and methods complement each other to ensure that the whole system functions seamlessly. For instance, accurate tools are essential in getting tight tolerances. Thus, a larger expenditure and more time are allocated in acquiring accurate tools for getting tight tolerances. A loose tolerance, on the other hand, will cost more money and time due to the high rejection rate.

Tools come into play when measuring objects. Measuring accuracy is the dream of every engineering professional. A ruler, Vernier caliper, micrometer, etc. are some of the standard tools for measuring in engineering. For instance, a ruler can be used for a much looser tolerance because it is easy to use and read. A micrometer, on the other hand, is a bit trickier to use. It is difficult and time-consuming, therefore, essential for a much tighter tolerance. Vernier caliper takes more time to use, whereas a Go-No Go gage is very fast to use. Knowing how to use these various tools is crucial in the process of measurement. Having various standard tools for measurement is equally essential in getting an accurate measurement of objects. The report, therefore, highlights the various tools for measurement and their results together with recommendations on how the measuring procedure can be improved.

Methodology

In this section, the tools used for setting up and running the experiment include;

Steel Ruler, Vernier Caliper, Micrometer, Go − No Go Gage, Sine Bar, Surface Roughness Machine, and Optical Comparator.

The Steel ruler is commonly used and familiar to many people. Placing it perpendicular to the surface gives accurate measurements when reading it. Recording the result in decimal form is most recommended.

The Vernier caliper is accurate down to 0.001 of the unit desired. The measurement point is zero. To read it, one has to make sure that the zero lines are completely inclined with the inch’s tick mark then read the tenths place followed by the hundredths. Lastly, read the Vernier scale and sum it up, making sure that a logical figure is obtained.

The Dial Caliper is almost similar to the Vernier Caliper in the sense that the reading taken by the dial goes into the hundredths place. This eliminates an effort in trying to interpret the small lines that are directly aligned with the Vernier Scale.

The micrometer is a more accurate instrument. It allows measurements to up to 0.0001 accuracies. To read a micrometer, see the micrometer type then read the tenths increment followed by hundredths increment then thousands place by studying the lowest number closest to the centerline. Read the sideways number, then multiply by 0.0001, sum the amounts, and ensure a logical number is obtained.

Go − No Go Gage is useful for quick measurements whereby the tool is inserted into the desired radius’s hole. The end either gets in or not.

Sine Bar is essential for determining a side’s angle. This involves laying a sine block at a length given L. The sine plates are placed on both ends until the sine bar angle is the same as that of the workpiece.

Surface Roughness is measured using a stylus-based instrument that measures the surface roughness by means of a needle vibration. The peeks average is taken and the amount displayed on a screen. The figure is then multiplied by the device’s output setting.

Optical Comparator magnifies an image of a part feature onto a screen for examination. The part is placed on a worktable and brought into view by an elevation wheel. The part is then slightly moved for coarse focus. Horizontal Travel Knob is used to bring it to the center of the screen. The angle is read from a Vernier Scale and the optical comparator used to measure the gradient of the block.

Procedure

Measure each block aspect three times with each of the instruments stated above. The Sine Bar is used just once.

Measurements taken on each data sheet are recorded.

Each section is averaged.

Comparison of the measurements between instruments.

Data

Figure 1: Data Sheet

Results and conclusion

            The accuracy of the tools is important in getting correct values and reduce biasness (Prasad,2003). This is crucial in saving time and cost and helps make important decisions. Engineering being a technical profession, entails more of measuring. This implies that to practice the professional part of using figures and numerals, measuring forms an integral part. Go- No Go gage is one of the tools I used and fastest to measure with. This is because one is just required to insert either end of the hole of the radius desired, then observe if it goes in, or it is a ”no go”, then the diameter is noted.

The slowest tool is the micrometer because it involves tedious readings on the lowest number on the spindle and multiplying by 0.0001. The micrometer is more accurate as it allows for measurements of up to 0.0001 accuracies. The dial caliper is the best tool for more accuracy because one reads the amount taken by the dial that goes into the hundredths place. It also takes a shorter time to use because it eliminates an effort in trying to interpret the small lines that are directly aligned with the Vernier Scale.

Conclusion

            Measurement is an integral part of engineering. Getting to know the types and the usage of the measurement tools, as shown above, is a step closer to excelling in the profession. From the illustrations above, getting to know the features of the tools of measurement is important. Accuracy levels in these tools don’t vary so much. Micrometer comes out as the best accurate tool of measurement, although it takes time to master its usage. Deviations and outliers have also been taken into account while doing the measurements (Hibbler,2003). And therefore, accurate data obtained and tabulated for comparison.

References

Prasad, R., Dovrolis, C., Murray, M., & Claffy, K. C. (2003). Bandwidth estimation: metrics, measurement techniques, and tools. IEEE network, 17(6), 27-35.

Hibbler,R.C.2003, Mechanics of Materials, Fifth edition, Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Sadle River, New Jersey o7458.