Standards of Measurements

The different types of standards of length are

1. Material Standards
(a) Line Standard When length is measured as the distance
between centers of two engraved lines.
(b)End Standard When length is measured as the distance
between to flat parallel faces.
2. Wavelength Standard
The wavelength of a selected orange radiation of Krtypton-86
isotope was measured and used as the basic unit of length.
International Prototype Meter
International Prototype meter is defined as the straight line
distance, at 0c between the engraved lines of a platinum irridium
alloy of 1020 mm of total length and having a tresca cross-section
as shown in the figure. The graduations are on the upper surface of
the web, which coincides with the neutral axis of the section. The
sectional shape gives better rigidity for the amount of metal
involved and is therefore economic in use for an expensive metal.
Line and End Standards and differentiate between them.
Line Standards When length is measured as the distance
between centers of two engraved lines, it is called Line Standards.
Both material Standards, yard and metre are line standards
E.g. Scale, Rulers, Imperial Standard Yard.
Characteristics of Line Standards :
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)

Scale can be accurately emblemed, but the engraved lines

posses thickness and it is not possible to accurately measure
Scale is used over a wide range
Scale markings are subjected to wear. However the ends are
subjected to wear and this leads to undersize measurements
Scale does not posses built in datum. Therefore it is not
possible to align the scale with the axis of measurement
Scales are subjected to parallax errors
Assistance of magnifying glass or microscope is required.

End Standards When length is expressed as the distance

between centers of two flat parallel faces, it is called End
Standards. Slip Gauges, End Bars, Ends of micrometer Anvils.
Characteristics of End Standards
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

Highly accurate and used for measurement of closed

tolerances in precision engineering as well as standard
laboratories, tool rooms, inspection departments.
They require more time for measurement and measure only
one dimension.
They wear at their measuring faces
They are not subjected to parallax error.

Differentiate between Line and End Standards

Sl no

1.

Characteristics
Principle

2.

Accuracy

3.

Ease

Quick and easy

4.

Effect of wear

5.

Allignment

6.
7.

Cost

Wear at only the

ends
Cannot be
easily
aligned
low cost

Parallax Effect

Line Standard
Length is expressed
as
distance
between 2 lines
Ltd. To
0.2mm.

Subjected
parallax effect

to

End Standard
Length is expressed
as distance between 2
ends
Highly accurate of
closed
tolerances to
0.001mm
Time consuming and
requires skill
wear at measuring
surfaces
easily aligned
high cost
not
subjected
parallax effect

to

Slip Gauges
Slip Gauges are universally accepted end standards of Length in
industry. Also known as Johnson gauges. Slip gauges are
rectangular blocks of high grade steel with close tolerances. They
are hardened throughout to ensure maximum resistance to wear.
For successful use of slip gauges their working faces are truly flat
and parallel. Most slip gauges are made from constant alloy which is
extremely hard and wear resistance.

Wringing of slip gauges

Wringing : Success of precision elements which can be made with
slip gauges either by using it alone or in conjunction with other
sample apparatus such as rollers, sine centers, sine bars, etc,
depends on the phenomenon of wringing. The slip gauges are
wrung together by hand by a combined sliding and twisting motion
as shown.
The gap between two wrung slip gauges is only of the order of
0.0065 microns, which is negligible.
Procedure :
(i) Before using, the slip gauges are cleaned
(ii) One slip gauge is then oscillated slightly over the other slip
gauge with a light pressure.
(iii) One gauge is then raised at 90 degrees, to the other, and
by using light pressure it is rotated until the blocks are in line.
Principle of Interchangeability and selective assembly
Interchangeability - It occurs when one part in an assembly can be
substituted for a similar part which has been made to the same
drawing. Interchangeability is possible only when certain standards
are strictly followed. In universal interchangeability the mating parts
are drawn from two different manufacturing sources. This is
desirable. When all parts to be assembled are made in the same
manufacturing unit, then local standards may be followed which is
known as local interchangeability.
Selective assembly - In selective assembly the parts are graded
according to the size and only the matched grades of mating parts
are assembled. The technique is most suitable where a close fit of
two component assemblies is required. It results in complete
protection against non-conforming assemblies and reduces
machining costs since close tolerances are maintained.
Different types of fits.
When two parts are to be assembled, the relationship resulting from
the difference between their sizes before assembly is called a fit.
Clearance fit : In this type of fit, the largest permitted shaft
diameter is smaller than the diameter of the smallest hole, so that

the shaft can rotate or slide through the different degrees of

freedom according to the purpose of mating parts.
Interference fit : It is defined as the fit established when a negative
clearance exist between the sizes of the holes and the shaft. In this
type of fit, the minimum permitted diameter of the shaft is larger
than the maximum allowable diameter of the hole. In this case the
hole members are intended to be attached permanently and used as
a solid component Example : Bearing Bushes
Transitional Fit : The diameter os the largest allowable hole is
greater than that of the smallest shaft, but the smallest hole is
smaller than the largest shaft and the hole. Example : Coupling
Rings
Wavelength standards and its advantages
A major drawback wit the material standards, that their length
changes with time. Secondly, considerable difficulty is expressed
while comparing the sizes of the gauges by using material
standards.
Jacques Babinet suggested that wave length of a monochromatic
light can be used as a natural and invariable unit of length. 7 th
general Conference of Weights and Measures approved in 1927,
approved the definition of standard of length relative to meter.
Orange radiation of isotope Krypton-86 was chosen for the new
definition of length in 1960, by the 11 th General Conference of
Weigths and Measures. The committee recommended Krypton-86
and that it should be used in hot cathode discharge lamp,
maintained at a temperature of 63K.
According to this standard metre was defined as equal to 165763.73
wavelengths of the red-orange radiation of Krypton-86 isotope.
A standard can now be produced to an accuracy of about 1 part of
10^9.
Advantages :
(a) Not a material standard and hence it is not influeced by
effects of variation of environmental conditions like temperature,
pressure
(b) It need not be preserved or stored under security and thus
there is not fear of being destroyed.
(c)It is subjected to destruction by wear and tear.

(d) It gives the unit of length which can be produced consistently

at all times.
(e) The standard facility can be easily available in all standard
laboratories and industries
(f) Can be used for making comparative measurements of very high
accuracy.