The Micrometer Screw Gauge offered by Sai Scientific Instruments is a precision measuring tool designed for accurate measurement of small dimensions, such as the diameter of wires or the thickness of thin materials.
Parts of a Micrometer Screw Gauge
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Frame
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C-shaped body that holds the anvil and barrel in place.
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Anvil
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The fixed measuring surface against which the object is placed.
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Spindle
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Movable part that comes into contact with the object; moves as the thimble is rotated.
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Sleeve (Barrel)
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Stationary cylindrical part with a linear scale.
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Thimble
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Rotating part attached to the spindle; has a circular scale.
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Ratchet Stop
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Ensures uniform pressure while measuring.
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Lock Nut
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Used to lock the spindle in place after measurement.
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📏 Working Principle
A micrometer works on the principle of a screw mechanism. When the thimble is rotated, the spindle moves forward or backward based on the pitch of the screw. Each full rotation of the thimble moves the spindle a set distance (typically 0.5 mm). Fine divisions on the thimble and sleeve allow measurements to a high degree of accuracy.
đź§® Least Count / Resolution
The least count of a micrometer is the smallest value it can measure, usually:
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Least Count = Pitch of Screw / Number of divisions on Thimble
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For a standard micrometer:
Pitch = 0.5 mm, Thimble divisions = 50
⇒ Least Count = 0.5 mm / 50 = 0.01 mm
📚 How to Take a Reading
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Place the object between the anvil and spindle.
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Rotate the thimble until the object is gently held, using the ratchet for consistent pressure.
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Read the main scale (sleeve) first (e.g., 5.5 mm).
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Add the thimble reading (e.g., 28 Ă— 0.01 = 0.28 mm).
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Total = Main Scale + Thimble Scale = 5.5 + 0.28 = 5.78 mm
âś… Advantages
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High accuracy (up to 0.01 mm or 0.001 mm in digital versions)
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Easy to use with minimal training
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Durable and reliable for repeated use
❌ Limitations
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Can only measure small objects
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Limited measuring range (typically 0–25 mm)
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Requires careful handling to avoid parallax error or thread damage
đź§Ş Types of Micrometers
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Outside Micrometer – for measuring external dimensions.
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Inside Micrometer – for internal dimensions.
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Depth Micrometer – for measuring depth of holes or recesses.
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Digital Micrometer – displays readings digitally for ease and precision.