Title: Measuring the diameter of a sphere by using Micrometer screw gauge

Apparatus:

 Micrometer Screw Gauge

 Objects to measure (e.g., wire, sphere, or any other sample)

Theory of Micrometer Screw Gauge:

A micrometer screw gauge is a precision instrument used to measure small dimensions, such
as the thickness or diameter of objects, with high accuracy, typically to the nearest
hundredth of a millimeter. It operates on the principle of a finely threaded screw, converting
rotational motion into linear displacement, which allows for precise adjustments. Key
components include the anvil, spindle, sleeve, thimble, and ratchet knob, with the object
placed between the anvil and spindle. Turning the ratchet moves the spindle to make
contact with the object, and the combined readings from the main scale on the sleeve and
the finer thimble scale provide an exact measurement. Developed in the 17th century by
William Gascoigne and later improved by Henry Maudslay and Joseph Whitworth, the
micrometer screw gauge remains a fundamental tool in fields requiring exact
measurements, such as mechanical engineering and machining.

Parts of Micrometer Screw Gauge:

The various parts of a micrometer screw gauge are frame, anvil, spindle, sleeve, thimble,
ratchet, screw, and lock.
 1. Frame: this is the c-shaped body of the instrument. It holds and supports the anvil
and the barrel.
2. Anvil: this part put the measuring surface in fixed position against the object to be
measured is placed
3. Spindle: is the part that moves parallel to the anvil when the thimble is rotated,
allowing for the measurement of objects.
4. Sleeve (or Barrel): is a stationary cylindrical component marked with a scale in
millimeters or inches, providing the main unit measurements.
5. Thimble: is the rotating part that fits over the sleeve, marked with a circular scale
that provides further precision to the measurement.
6. Ratchet Stop: A mechanism used to apply a consistent measuring force to ensure
repeatable and accurate measurements.
7. Lock Nut: A feature used to lock the spindle in place once a measurement has been
taken, allowing for easy reading without the risk of altering the setting.

Pitch of the Micrometer Screw Gauge:

The pitch of the screw gauge is the distance the spindle moves forward or backward with
each complete rotation of the thimble.
 Standard Pitch: In most micrometer screw gauges, the pitch is 0.5 mm. This
means that for each full rotation of the thimble, the spindle advances by 0.5 mm.
 Calculation: Pitch can be calculated as:

Knowing the pitch is essential for determining the least count of the micrometer, which is
usually the pitch divided by the number of divisions on the thimble scale.

Least Count of micrometer screw gauge:

The least count of a micrometer screw gauge, also known as its resolution, is the smallest
measurement it can accurately read. It is typically calculated by dividing the pitch of the
screw by the number of divisions on the thimble scale.
For most standard micrometer screw gauges:

 Pitch of the screw = 0.5 mm (the distance the spindle moves per complete
rotation of the thimble)
 Number of divisions on the thimble = 50

The least count is therefore:

Thus, the least count of a standard micrometer screw gauge is 0.01 mm, meaning it can
measure up to this level of precision.

Zero Error in a Micrometer Screw Gauge:

Zero error occurs when a micrometer screw gauge does not read zero on the scale when the
anvil and spindle are in full contact. This can be due to calibration issues, wear and tear, or
slight misalignment, causing all measurements to be offset by a constant amount.

Types of Zero Error:

There are two types of zero error in a micrometer screw gauge:

1. Positive Zero Error

2. Negative Zero Error

1. Positive Zero Error:

 Explanation: Positive zero error occurs when the micrometer displays a reading
greater than zero with the spindle and anvil fully closed. This means there is an extra
offset in the measurement.
 Effect: With positive zero error, all measurements will appear larger than the true
dimension, as there is an added reading due to the offset.
 Example: If the micrometer reads +0.02 mm when fully closed, every measurement
will be 0.02 mm higher than the actual size. For instance, if an object measures 5.00
mm on the micrometer, the true size is actually 5.00−0.02=4.985.00 - 0.02 =
4.985.00−0.02=4.98 mm.
 Correction: To correct for positive zero error, subtract the positive error value from
each reading. In the example above, subtracting 0.02 mm from all measurements will
yield the true dimension.

2. Negative Zero Error:

  Explanation: Negative zero error occurs when the micrometer reads below zero (i.e.,
a negative value) when the spindle and anvil are in contact. This negative offset
causes all measurements to read lower than the actual dimension.
 Effect: With negative zero error, all readings are smaller than the actual size because
of the negative offset in the measurement.
 Example: If the micrometer reads -0.02 mm when closed, an object showing 5.00
mm on the micrometer actually measures 5.00+0.02=5.025.00 + 0.02 =
5.025.00+0.02=5.02 mm.
 Correction: To correct for negative zero error, add the absolute value of the error to
each measurement. In the example above, adding 0.02 mm to all measurements will
provide the correct dimension.

Back-lash Error:

 Explanation: Backlash error occurs when there is slack in the screw thread, causing a
delay in spindle movement when the thimble’s rotation direction is reversed. This is
often due to wear in the threads.
 Effect: Causes inconsistent measurements, especially if the direction changes mid-
measurement.
 Example: Turning the thimble clockwise until contact and then reversing slightly may
result in a lower reading due to delayed spindle movement.
 Correction:
1. Rotate the thimble in the same direction without reversing during
measurement.
2. Avoid reversing; instead, reset the spindle and measure again if adjustments
are needed.
3. Regularly calibrate and maintain the micrometer to reduce wear.

Zero correction of Micrometer Screw Gauge:

Zero correction in a micrometer screw gauge is the process of removing zero error to get an
accurate reading:

 Check for zero error:

When the anvil and spindle touch, the zero marks on the thimble and main scales
should align. If they don't, the micrometer has zero error.
 Determine the type of zero error:
If the thimble scale zero mark is past the main scale zero mark, the zero error is
positive (+Z). If the thimble scale zero mark is behind the main scale zero mark, the
zero error is negative (-Z).
 Subtract the zero error:
Subtract the zero error from the total reading to get the accurate reading.

To calibrate a micrometer screw gauge, you can:

1. Align the index zero and thimble zero.

2. Insert the setting bar between the measuring faces.

3. Gently turn the thimble until the ratchet clicks.

4. Use the spanner to gently turn the sleeve until the thimble zero and sleeve index are
aligned.

Procedure:

i. Measuring pitch: To measure the pitch give several rotation to its cap and observe
the distance through which screw moves. Calculate the pitch using the following
formula.

ii. Measuring least count: To measure the least count note the number of divisions on
the circular scale and calculate.

iii. Measuring zero error: With the studs in contact observe the numbers of divisions by
which zero of the circular scale deviates from the zero of the main scale. This number
multiplied by the least count gives the required zero error (As discussed previously).
iv. Calculate the zero correction: It is negative of zero error. Zero correction = – zero
error (Where zero error is put with its proper sign). Zero correction is added
algebraically in the observed diameter of wire to get the corrected reading.
v. Measuring diameter: To measure the diameter of the wire move the screw back to
make a gap between the studs. Insert the wire between the studs. Turn the screw
forward by holding it from the ratchet cap and wire should be held gently between
the two studs.
 vi. Read the nearest division on the circular scale in line with the main scale and also
find the complete rotations of the cap with the help of the main scale. Calculate the
observed diameter: Observed diameter = Pitch × number of complete rotation + L.C.
× circular scale reading
vii. Repeat the experiment for 5 observations at different points of the wire along its
length. Find the mean observed diameter and apply the zero correction to obtain
correct diameter.

Observation & Calculations:

Outer Diameter:
No of Main Scale Circular Scale Total Reading Actual Reading
Obs. Reading (mm) Reading (n × L.C) T.k=M.SR + C.SR after Z.C
1
2
3